Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Vashti - Prince of Votaria - Main Story
Chapter 1 - A Sudden Declaration
Kingdom of Sins, Votaria, January... In a gloomy forest, a prince woke up.
??: Mm...?
After his eyes moved around, he turned towards me calmly.
MC: How are you feeling?
He fixed his gaze on me with his dark green eyes.
MC: Um...
??: Did you wake me up?
MC: Yes.
Vashti: I'm Vashti.
MC: I'm-
Vashti: I've decided. I'm declaring you as my woman.
MC: ...Excuse me?
His sudden words made me ask that in return.
Vashti: Didn't you hear me? Starting from today, you're my woman.
(By his woman...)
After I was taken aback, I frantically shook my head.
MC: What are you doing so suddenly... That's too troubling...
Then, Vashti-san frowned in annoyance.
Vashti: You don't have the option to refuse. Everything in the world is mine after all.
MC: Eh...
(Everything in the world?)
Overwhelmed by those words, I somehow responded to him.
MC: But, we've only just met...
Vashti: In that case... Let's have you get to know me first.
MC: That's not what I-
Without waiting for my next words, Vashti-san grabbed my hand.
MC: U-Um...
Vashti: Come to my castle. I need to thank you for waking me up.
MC: Vashti-san...
As Vashti-san pulled my hand without giving me a chance to refuse, I was taken to his castle...
Chapter 2 - Everything is Mine
Just as I stepped into the castle that Vashti-san took me to... The servants cheered and immediately surrounded Vashti-san.
Servant 1: Vashti-sama! Thank goodness, you're all right!
Servant 2: Vashti-sama, ah, we've wanted to see you for so long...
Vashti: Sorry for making you all worry. This is MC, she woke me up. Treat her with hospitality.
After he introduced me, people gathered around and thanked me.
(I thought that Vashti-san was a really forceful person, but... Everyone seems to adore him so much.)
Vashti: Hey. As thanks for saving me, I have something nice to show you.
MC: Something nice?
(What could it be?)
Vashti-san took me to one of the rooms in the castle.
(What a really large room...)
The walls were adorned with paintings that were crammed together and inside the glass cases that were arranged in rows, there were dazzling jewels and very valuable-looking antiques.
Vashti: All of these are part of my collection.
The large amount of them made me gasp in astonishment.
MC: That's amazing.
When I took a closer look, each of his collections that were put on display didn't have a speck of dust on them.
MC: You must've taken great care of them.
Vashti: That much is obvious, they're mine after all.
As Vashti-san said that, he started to clean the small items with a feather duster.
(He really does take care of everything... It's a little surprising, I guess.)
Just as I was watching him...
Vashti: Of course, I'll be taking care of you too.
MC: ...!
As he stared at me, I looked away in a panic and then, the tip of my foot bumped into something.
(This is...?)
When I saw a wooden box that was placed near my foot, there was a fancy looking vase in it.
(Such an expensive looking vase... But, is it all right to just leave it in a place like this?)
MC: Vashti-san, this...
Vashti: Hey! Don't touch it.
///Choices///
- Be surprised (☽)
MC: !
I froze in place when Vashti-san shouted.
MC: U-Um.
(What should I do, did I make him mad...!?)
Vashti: Give it here.
MC: ...Okay.
I nervously handed the box to Vashti-san.
- Apologize immediately (☼)
MC: I-I'm sorry.
I quickly returned the wooden box that I picked up to it's original spot.
Vashti: No, sorry. I ended up shouting at you.
MC: Like this?
///Choices///
Vashti: Yeah, that's right, this is how I arrange things.
MC: I thought that it'd be dangerous since it was placed near my foot.
Vashti: I see, sorry for shouting.
MC: No... I'm sorry for touching it.
Vashti-san carefully placed the wooden box on a table.
MC: More importantly, you sure have a lot of stuff.
Vashti: Yeah. There's nothing I can't receive.
While looking at his many collections, Vashti-san suddenly grabbed my wrist.
MC: Eh...
When he pulled me by force, our faces became close at a distance to where our breaths could touch each other.
Vashti: Including you, of course. Doesn't that make you happy?
Within the close distance, Vashti-san said that firmly.
MC: H-Happy, you say...
(Why... is my heart racing like this?)
Paying no mind to me, Vashti-san looked at his own collection...
Vashti: Here, look! All these guys are happy to be part of my collection.
MC: I... see.
(What amazing self-confidenec...)
While he was holding my wrist... Vashti-san looked at his many collections in satisfaction for a long time...
Chapter 3 - Party Preparations
-Flashback-
Vashti: Yeah. There's nothing I can't receive. Including you, of course. Doesn't that make you happy?
-Flashback-
As I was being cared for in Vashti-san's castle, the days went by while I was given a tour of the town and the inside of the castle.
Then, one day...
Vashti: There's going to be a party in the castle tonight. You'll be attending too.
MC: A party?
To celebrate Vashti-san's return, his friends that he's usually on good terms with will be gathering here.
Vashti: Countless of guests will be gathering.
(That's a lot of people...)
MC: But...
///Choices///
- Is it all right for me to attend? (☼)
MC: Is it all right for me to attend?
Vashti: What do you mean by if it's all right for you to attend?
He glanced towards me with a heated gaze.
MC: Nothing... I was just wondering if it's okay for me to be part of such an important party.
Vashti: Of course. You don't have a choice in not attending.
MC: ...! I understand.
(I can't refuse...)
- I feel shy (☽)
MC: Being the center of attention of your close friends... makes me shy.
Vashti: Why?
Vashti-san tilted his head to the side oddly.
MC: Won't I be a bother?
Vashti: Huh? Why would my woman be a bother? Don't say such things, you're coming no matter what.
I lightly nodded towards Vashti-san's forceful words.
///Choices///
Soon after, Vashti-san spoke to the servants that were near the entrance.
Vashti: Get a dress ready for her. Now then, let's begin the preparations right away.
(A dress...!?)
After Vashti-san spoke to many servants, he left the room triumphantly.
......
MC: Um... How's this?
As I was in a gorgeous red dress, Vashti-san looked at me closely.
Vashti: ...
Then, he spoke with a sigh.
Vashti: It doesn't match your image.
MC: Eh?
Vashti: That red dress isn't quite right...
MC: Really? But, it's really nice.
Vashti: No, it's no good.
Without listening to me, Vashti-san looked at the row of dresses.
Vashti: How could this have happened... From among my collection, there isn't a single dress that suits you. Okay, let's go look for a dress together.
///Choices///
- No, this one here is... (☽)
MC: No, this one here is...
Vashti-san stared at my face.
Vashti: Do you really intend on meeting my friends in that dress?
MC: Eh...
As there was a serious look in his eyes, I shook my head frantically.
MC: Is... that a problem?
Vashti: I don't like it.
- For a new dress? (☼)
MC: For a new dress?
Vashti: I can't introduce you to my friends when you're in a dress that doesn't suit you.
MC: You don't have to go through all the trouble into getting a new dress made...
Vashti: No, I'm not satisfied.
MC: ...Okay.
I hung my head down from Vashti-san's strong words.
///Choices///
Vashti: Also, I need to thank you. I want to give you the most beautiful looking dress.
MC: ...
His thoroughly straightforward strong words made my heart noisy...
Together with Vashti-san, we headed to town. An eerie looking general store that looks like a prison with rows of skulls on it, a restaurant that looks like a prison... Along with odd buildings and facilities, the town was bustling with a lot of people.
Vashti: Here it is.
Within the street, we stepped in front of a shop that had a calming atmosphere. The moment the glass door was opened, a moderately dazzling light filled my vision.
MC: Wow...
With necklaces, rings, tiaras and many kinds of jewelry on display, there was an arrangement of various colorful dresses in one corner.
Vashti: Now then, let's choose a dress that'll look good on you.
MC: ...O-Okay.
When I nodded, we looked around the luxurious shop for a while...
Chapter 4 - A Dress for a Present
-Flashback-
Vashti: How could this have happened... From among my collection, there isn't a single dress that suits you. Okay, let's go look for a dress together.
-Flashback-
Vashti-san took me to a dress shop in town.
(Wow...)
In the shop, the rows of sparkling dresses made my heart skip a beat.
(They're all so pretty... So many dresses that look really suitable for a princess.)
Vashti: Which one do you like?
MC: Uh...
(They're all so lovely, I can't choose...)
///Choices///
- This one could be nice... (☽)
MC: Uh... I think this one is nice.
Unable to decide, I pointed at the subtle purple dress that was closest to me.
Vashti: ...
When Vashti-san compared the dress to me with his eyes, he lets out a sigh.
Vashti: You really don't understand your own charm.
MC: Eh?
- All of them are pretty (☼)
MC: All of them are so pretty...!
Vashti: Meaning that you can't choose?
MC: I guess so... But, they're all so lovely.
As I was feeling a little excited, Vashti-san looked at me wtih a smile.
Vashti: You've never been to a dress shop?
///Choices///
Vashti: That's all right. We'll choose a dress that'll suit you.
After Vashti-san declared that, he started looking at the rows of dresses.
Vashti: ...
From time to time, Vashti-san would take out a dress and look at me repeatedly.
(Somehow, I'm happy. He's choosing so seriously like this.)
Then, after a while...
Vashti: This is it. Put it on.
......
The dress that Vashti-san chose for me was an elegant dark red dress.
MC: Cute...!
When I looked at myself in the dress, I said that without thinking.
Vashti: Yeah, you look cute in it, just as I thought. It's a suitable dress for you.
When Vashti-san stood beside me, he made a satisfied smile. As Vashti-san's smile was reflected in the mirror, I couldn't bring myself to look up at him...
......
After choosing a dress, we went into town. As usual, the town was bustling with large crowds of people going back and forth.
Townsperson 1: Oh, if it isn't Vashti-sama!
Townsperson 2: Vashti-sama. You doing well?
When one person spoke, people noticed Vashti-san and started talking to him one after another.
Vashti: It's been a while. Have you been doing well too?
Vashti-san politely responded to each person.
(Vashti-san is amazing.)
Although, when I looked up at the sky, it had already started to turn red.
(If he continues talking to everyone like this, we'll be late for the party...)
///Choices///
- Talk to him softly (☼)
MC: You sure are popular, Vashti-san.
Next to Vashti-san, I softly murmured that.
Vashti: Yeah.
When Vashti-san turned towards me, he smiled broadly.
MC: Um, we need to return to the castle soon.
Vashti: While I was sleeping, I was worried about not seeing these guys, their usual smiles are more important than anything else.
- Talk to him worriedly (☽)
MC: Vashti-san, are you okay with the time?
When I stood next to Vashti-san, I whispered that to him softly.
Vashti: It'll be okay.
MC: But...
Vashti: It wouldn't be good if I don't take care of them.
///Choices///
MC: Eh...
Vashti: Everyone belongs to me after all.
(Belongs to him, he says...)
I looked at the townspeople around him, but none of them were surprised from what he said. Just as I looked at the townspeople again...
Townsperson 1: Vashti-sama is always thinking about the people first.
Townsperson 2: It's thanks to Vashti-sama that the town is so lively! Compared to the other areas of the kingdom, this place is the most beautiful!
The townspeople's cheerful voices showed how much they really adored Vashti-san.
Vashti: Whether it's people or objects, I must take care of them once I have them in my hands. I'm greedy after all. I have the confidence to check for problems and make things better.
MC: Fufu... That's amazing.
(Vashti-san isn't just greedy...)
From the scene that was filled with smiles, I found myself breaking into a smile as well...
Chapter 5 - My Woman
The townspeople surrounded Vashti-san and chatted with him. The scene that was filled with smiles gave me a warm feeling...
Townsperson 1: Is that girl your guest, Vashti-sama?
After that was said, everyone looked at me instantly. Then, Vashti-san extended his arm and held my shoulder without any hesitation.
(Eh?)
Vashti: Yeah. She's my woman.
Unfazed, the townspeople nodded with smiles from Vashti-san's words.
///Choices///
- U-Um... (☼)
MC: U-Um... We're still not like that...
Vashti: Why?
When I frantically shook my head, Vashti-san gave me an odd look.
- No, that's not it (☽)
MC: No, that's not it.
I said that without thinking.
Vashti: Eh?
MC: I'm not your woman...
Vashti-san looked at me with wide eyes.
///Choices///
Vashti: Why do you hate it? I don't understand how you think. I've made my decision. I'm making you, my woman.
MC: Why are you so interested in me... I don't understand.
When I nervously looked at Vashti-san, he was looking straight at me with a piercing gaze.
Vashti: Then, if you understand... You can just nod.
MC: Eh...
Vashti: Fine.
MC: ...
Townsperson 1: I see... How unusual for Vashti-sama to pull back.
The townspeople laughed lightly.
Vashti: I don't hate strong willed women. Until things change, I won't say that you're mine.
(What should I do... Something like this happening.)
Due to the unexpected development, I was unable to stay still and slowly parted from the group of people. At that moment...
MC: ...!
Suddenly, a man ran past me and dropped something on the ground.
MC: Ah, I'm sorry.
I quickly picked up what fell to the ground.
(A seashell accessory? It's pretty.)
MC: Um. You dropped this.
Just as I handed it to the man that turned around, I heard a piercing scream from behind.
??: You stole that! That's my merchandise!
When I turned around, there was a girl in tattered clothes glaring at me.
MC: I didn't steal it...
Girl: What you have there in your hands is my merchandise!
When the girl pointed at the mat on the roadside, there were many kinds of similar items that had seashells on them.
Girl: You stole it!
MC: No, I...
Vashti: What's wrong?
Soon after, Vashti-san noticed the commotion and ran over.
Girl: Vashti-sama! She stole my seashell!
Vashti: That's impossible.
Vashti-san denied that clearly.
Man: I-It's true. I saw her steal it.
The man that lost his chance to escape spoke up.
Vashti: ...
Vashti-san glared at the man.
Vashti: It was you.
Man: Eek. N-No...
Vashti-san menacingly approached the man. When Vashti-san put his hand in his deep pocket, he found the same kind of seashell accessory in it.
Vashti: Then, what is this?
Man: Eek, I-I'm sorry...
As the man's voice dwindled, Vashti-san's anger disappeared.
Vashti: You are a citizen of my kingdom. That's why you shouldn't have pinned your own crime onto someone else. Not only that, you got MC involved... That's unforgivable! There's no point into sending you to prison. You'll be getting the death penalty.
(Death penalty...!)
Those words made a chill go down my spine.
Man: !!!
There was a cold anger in his eyes.
MC: V-Vashti-san!
Just as Vashti-san grabbed the man by the collar, I quickly grabbed his arm.
MC: That's too sudden... You should hear him out first.
Vashti: ...
Even though I said that without thinking, Vashti-san was still glaring at the man.
MC: Vashti-san...
When the glare in his eyes disappeared, he finally lets go of the man.
Vashti: ...I'll do that then.
(Vashti-san when he's mad... That's the first time I've seen it.)
Unable to find the words to say, I couldn't let go of his arm...
Chapter 6 - Secret Room
The man that stole the seashell accessory was taken in by the guards that ran over here.
-Flashback-
Vashti: You are a citizen of my kingdom. That's why you shouldn't have pinned your own crime onto someone else. Not only that, you got MC involved... That's unforgivable!
-Flashback-
(That was the first time that I've seen Vashti-san so angry...)
As I was unable to let go of Vashti-san's arm, I slowly looked up at him... When Vashti-san noticed my gaze, he gave me a puzzled look.
vashti: Why are you making that face?
MC: That's...
The anger in his eyes went away. After looking at each other for a while, I slowly let go of his arm.
Girl: Hey.
When I turned around, the girl was looking up at me while being all fidgety.
Girl: I'm sorry for accusing you.
When the girl lowered her head, I smiled.
MC: No. It's okay. It is a pretty accessory.
When I responded cheerfully, the girl became bashfully happy.
Vashti: It must be troubling to gather the seashells that you use to make accessories with.
After handing the stolen seashell necklace to the girl, Vashti-san said that somewhat gently.
Girl: Eh... Ah, yes... It's really troubling.
Vashti: Okay, I'll take them then.
Girl: Eh, really?
Vashti: Of course. They're perfectly beautiful for my collection.
Vashti-san crouched down and started looking at the seashells in front of him closely.
(Vashti-san...)
Vashti: To think that you can make such detailed work, you're a pretty good craftsman.
When Vashti-san petted the girl's head, she smiled embarrassedly. I became drawn to that smile and gentle look of his.
(I was scared of him earlier, but... To think that he could make such a kind looking expression. When he's dealing with everyone in the kingdom, it really shows that he loves them...)
While watching the two of them talk, I became deeply moved...
Just as the sky turned dark blue by the time we've returned to the castle, invitees of the party have already started coming in one after another.
Vashti: Looks like we came pretty late. I want to head to the party hall right away, but...
Vashti-san looked at me as I was in the dress.
MC: What's wrong?
Vashti: There's something that I want to show you.
MC: ...?
Vashti-san took me to a secret room that was on the other side of a thick wall in the castle.
MC: Wow... To think that there was a room here.
Inside the room, there were many jewels on display in glass cases.
MC: Is this your collection room too, Vashti-san?
(Aside from the collection room he showed me before, this one is completely refined...)
Vashti: This room contains the royal family's jewelry that's been handed down for generations.
MC: ...Why did you bring me to such a place?
Vashti: This is for you.
Vashti-san opened the glass case that was placed in the middle of the room.
MC: This is...
Vashti-san held out a necklace that had a remarkable jewel that was shining brightly.
MC: A necklace?
Vashti: Yeah, stand over there.
With Vashti-san's persistence, I stood in front of him. Then, when Vashti-san slowly had his hands around my neck, the necklace was shining on my chest.
MC: U-Um...
Vashti: Don't you think that it looks good on you? Wear it for the party today.
///Choices///
- It's too awe-inspiring (☽)
MC: It's too awe-inspiring...
Vashti: Why? This beautiful necklace that's been sleeping here needs to show itself too.
MC: But...
Vashti: I said it's fine.
- Something that's so important (☼)
MC: Having me wear something that's so important.
Vashti: It looks good on you, so it's fine.
///Choices///
MC: ...
Unable to come up with some kind of response, I watched it shine...
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