Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
T/N: BAKA VICKY!
Vicky - Prince of Ribitt - Main Story
Chapter 1 - On a Rainy Day
One warm rainy afternoon...
(...A frog?)
As I was walking on a path towards a forest, a tiny frog with a crown blocked my way. While I was unable to move forward, the frog hopped around me as if he was trying to lead me to a different path.
(Does he want me to go over there?)
Thinking that it was strange, I tried going over there with the frog hopping ahead of me as he turned towards me repeatedly.
MC: Where are we going?
After walking silently for a while, the frog stopped. Over there was...
MC: A royal ring...! Is this why you took me here?
The frog turned towards me and made a gesture by putting his hands together. When I made a quick prayer, the ring emitted a bright light.
??: ...Huh? I thought the dream eaters got me...
The frog energetically jumped towards the prince that was released from the ring.
??: Stupid Vicky!!
(The frog talked!?)
With tears showing on the frog's face, he cleared his throat and jumped over to the prince's shoulder with a frown.
??: Be grateful to me. You just can't do anything without me!
Vicky: Did you save me, Kerota?
Kerota: This princess did! Aren't you the rumored Traumerei Princess? What luck that you just happened to be passing by~
(Just happened to be passing by...)
Vicky: I see, thank you. I'm Vicky. The prince of Ribitt, the Kingdom of Sounds.
As I was unable to speak due to being surprised, Vicky-san waved his hand in front of my face.
Vicky: Are you okay?
MC: Ah... Yes. I'm MC.
Vicky: Also, this is-
Kerota: my name is Ketzel da Roderick Tari! The reason why I'm cursed with this guy is-
(Curse?)
Vicky: Kerota for short.
Kerota: Don't say that! I'm the legitimate prince of the Frog Kingdom, Ketzel da-
Vicky: Nice to meet you, MC.
Kerota: Why you...!
The scene before me felt strange to watch. As the sound of rain was blending in with their voices, it sounded pleasant somehow...
Chapter 2 - The Curse
The sound of rain falling off from underneath the big leaves was heard. As we were taking shelter from the rain for now, I was enjoying the nice smelling tea that Vicky-san made.
Kerota: So warm...
Kerota looked at the tiny cup in his hands as steam was rising from it. I broke into a smile from that cute action.
Vicky: ...Were you surprised?
MC: Eh?
Vicky: About Kerota.
///Choices///
- I was surprised, but he's cute (☼)
MC: I was surprised, but he's cute.
Vicky: Calling Kerota, cute. That's good.
Vicky-san looked at me gently.
- Deny it (☽)
MC: No, not really.
When I said that without thinking, Vicky-san smiled a little.
Vicky: You're so kind.
///Choices///
MC: Um, about the curse...
Vicky: You want to talk about the curse?
MC: Kerota mentioned it earlier.
Kerota: Well, it's not that I don't like the reason behind the curse~ It's just that I can't get away from this guy, it's such a bother.
MC: Can't get away?
Vicky: Yeah. Kerota's mother casted a curse that wouldn't let Kerota stay away from me.
MC: Why?
Kerota: A long time ago, my Frog Kingdom in Vicky's kingdom used to be on good terms with each other. Despite that my older brother and Vicky's older brother were close friends. 3 years ago, Vicky's brother went into a bottomless swamp and died to save my brother. Since then, it has been decided that all frogs all over Vicky's kingdom should be driven out.
VIcky: Mom and Dad grieved about it very deeply... Since they loved Brother so dearly. So, they thoroughly drove out every frog in sight. Kerota's brother blamed himsefl and committed suicide.
Kerota: That's right. My mom didn't want me to end up like Bro, so... Since Vicky and I have been friends for a long time, she casted a curse that'd made us inseparable. Watch!
After Kerota said that, he hopped further away. Although, before Kerota could get very far, he returned to Vicky-san's shoulder as if he was being pulled by a strong magnet.
Kerota: ...See?
Kerota sighed deeply.
Vicky: Well, this kind of situation doesn't happen in just the kingdom. Being unable to part from a fellow prince isn't exactly something to joke about.
Kerota: To be honest, it's such a bother.
They both drank their tea at the same time.
(They look like friends, but...)
MC: Is there a way to undo the curse?
Vicky: The curse will be broken once we hear "the Melody of Blessings". That's why we're on a journey to find it.
MC: The Melody of Blessings?
Kerota: Right!? Exactly! Just what is this blessing?
Vicky: We went around to various kingdoms and searched for all kinds of sounds... Well, we'll find it someday.
Kerota: Someday, you say, you're so carefree~ I just want to hurry and then, leisurely~ go on a date with a female frog at a pond.
As Kerota grumbled, he poked Vicky-san's cheek.
Vicky: Sorry, sorry.
When Vicky-san smiled, he lightly hummed a tune. While listening to that beautiful singing voice, a faint sunlight started to shine down from the rift between the clouds...
Chapter 3 - Kerota's Usefulness
The rain and dew that were on the tree leaves shined brightly from the sunlight.
Vicky: Looks like the rain has lifted, we should get going soon.
MC: Where are you going?
Kerota: To the village near here. You want to come too, MC?
Vicky: I heard that there's a song in the village that has been going around since long ago and it's unbelievably beautiful in this world.
///Choices///
- Won't I be a bother? (☽)
MC: Won't I be a bother if I come with you?
Vicky: Why? You won't.
Vicky-san tilted his head to the side oddly.
- I want to hear the song (☼)
MC: A beautiful song... I would like to hear it.
When I said that without thinking, Vicky-san smiled gently.
Vicky: Then, let's go together.
///Choices///
Kerota: Alright, it's been decided! It'd be nice if it'll be "the Melody of Blessings" this time~
Vicky: Now then, I believe that the village is this way?
With a map in one hand, Vicky-san pointed towards a forest with a dark and scary atmosphere.
Kerota: ...You, be quiet. Handover the map to me. This is how you're always taking us to strange paths... Here, look! It's obviously in the opposite direction!
Vicky: Haha, you're right.
Kerota: Get a grip, you! You're going to be eating like a tiger in a jungle someday.
Vicky: Really? I'll be fine since you're here.
Kerota: ...Hmph.
(They really do get along...)
As the two of them were having a lively conversation while walking, we came across a beautiful lake.
At the lake shore, there were some houses along with the loud voices of people.
Villager 1: Those are some unusual clothes. Where are you from?
Villager 2: Are you tired? My mom's soup is pretty good.
When the kind people noticed and spoke to us, Vicky-san smiled at them.
Vicky: Actually, we came to this village to hear the song that goes around here. I heard that it's unbelievably beautiful, so where can we go to hear it?
Villager: Ah... That must be the wedding song. It's not something that you can hear so easily...
Kerota: How can that be!
When Kerota spoke, the villagers silently turned towards him.
Kerota: Please! We came such a long way~
Villager 1: The frog... talked?
Villager 2: A ghost!?
The villagers made a loud commotion and surrounded Kerota.
Kerota: Stop it~ Hey, Vicky, what are you smiling for! Help me~
As the villagers poked Kerota, he asked Vicky-san for help.
Vicky: Kerota is popular no matter where we go. Right, MC?
Vicky-san chuckled as he sent me a meaningful gaze.
(Eh...?)
///Choices///
- Agree with Vicky (☼)
(Ah, maybe.)
MC: Yes! Kerota is amazing~
When I quickly agreed, Vicky-san made a satisfied smile.
- Be unsure on what to do (☽)
(What should I do?)
When I made a vaguely stiff smile, Vicky-san softly whispered in my ear.
Vicky: It's fine, just play along.
MC: Ah...! Yes, to think that Kerota can do something like this!
///Choices///
Kerota: ...I guess so. In that case, I'll do that for a bit!
Kerota leaned back as if he was pleased.
Kerota: Gather around, gather around! Now then, let's being! The Kerota Theater~! A reenactment of meeting a female troll in the Kingdom of Giants. Being in front of such a beautiful girl, it's inexcusable to think that she's a monster. A fanfare could be heard from the castle of Alstoria*. ♪♪♪ Next, the voice of a beautiful female frog that became charmed by me. Ribbit, ribbit.
T/N: Avi's kingdom
There were even more people surrounding Kerota.
MC: Kerota's amazing...! To think that he could do that.
Vicky: Yeah. I'm no match for Kerota. It's always fun thanks to him.
Vicky-san made a gentle look.
Kerota: Hey, Vicky! I got an offer to perform at the wedding tomorrow! We can hear the song that htey mentioned!
Kerota said that from within the crowd of people.
Vicky: ...See? I'm no match for Kerota.
(Amazing...)
The two of us looked at each other while smiling. As it became pretty noisy behind him, the lake shined brightly...
Chapter 4 - A Prince
A beautiful horse with a chestnut coat was running elegantly in the meadow...
Villager: Catch that horse and give it a grooming. Since the bride will be riding it tomorrow, we need to clean it up.
As I was looking at the horse, I came back to my senses after being told that.
-Flashback-
Villager 1: Kerota is a guest, but you two are different.
Villager 2: If you want to participate in the ceremony and listen to the song, you'll need to work by helping with the wedding preparations.
-Flashback-
(...That's what they said.)
Villager: That fellow is wild. So, don't get kicked.
Vicky: Are you okay? You're not tired, right?
When Vicky-san looked at my face, he furrowed his brow worriedly.
///Choices///
- Same goes for you (☽)
MC: No. Aren't you tired yourself?
Vicky: I'm fine. I'm used to traveling after all.
Vicky-san smiled gently at me.
- I'm okay (☼)
MC: I'm okay. Sorry.
Vicky: Go rest. I'll take care of this.
Vicky-san lightly patted my shoulder.
///Choices///
Kerota: Hey, Vicky, don't go out too far. It's time for my afternoon nap.
On top of a stump, Kerota laid down on a futon leaf that he was using for a bed.
Vicky: Yeah, yeah.
Once Kerota started making some noise in his sleep, Vicky-san approached the horse without any hesitation.
///Choices///
- Grip his coat tightly (☽)
Just as I became very surprised from seeing how close he was to the horse, I grabbed Vicky-san's coat without thinking.
Vicky: ...Are you scared? Just wait over there.
Vicky-san gave me a gentle smile.
- Say that he's going to get kicked (☼)
MC: Vicky-san, they said it might kick you.
Vicky: Don't worry. That won't happen.
Vicky-san said that calmly.
///Choices///
When Vicky-san approached the horse, it stopped running and leaned it's head down.
Vicky: ...Good boy.
Vicky-san gently petted the horse's stomach and combed it's mane.
MC: Wow... How cute. It didn't kick you...
Just as I was about to run over, Vicky-san calmly turned towards me.
Vicky: Quiet. Approach him slowly. Also, speak more softly.
MC: Eh...? Okay.
When I did as he said, Vicky-san held my hand and placed it on the horse's mane.
MC: Wow... It's so warm.
Vicky: Yes, good. The horse is smart, so he'll act menacingly when he's scared and becomes unable to calm down. Try petting his stomach slowly like this.
After Vicky-san told me that, he started to brush the horse's mane gently. The horse rubbed it's nose against Vicky-san's shoulder as it closed it's eyes in comfort.
Villager: How surprising... Are you used to dealing with horses?
Vicky: Yes... Well, this is the first time that I've taken care of one though.
(I see... He is a prince after all.)
With the nice view of Vicky-san standing next to the horse, it was like looking at a single painting.
Vicky: What's wrong? Is there something on my face?
MC: No... You just seem like a different person from earlier somehow, Vicky-san.
Vicky: Really?
MC: Yes.
(After all, he's been so clumsy up until now...)
When I looked away from Vicky-san, he furrowed his brow sadly.
Vicky: ...You won't disappear after all.
MC: Eh?
I heard him say that faintly, but...
Kerota: Wawawawawawah!
When Kerota's voice was heard close by, he was placed on Vicky-san's shoulder.
Vicky: Welcome back, Kerota.
Kerota: You went too far! I was just about to talk to a pretty female sparrow when I woke up~!! Dammit! Vicky, hurry up and undo the curse! It better be the Melody of Blessing this time!
Vicky-san happily smiled. His sad voice from just a while ago echoed within my mind...
Chapter 5 - A Quiet Night
That night...
When I looked up at the night sky from the dark forest, there were countless stars twinkling.
(Somehow, I can't sleep...)
In front of the tent that Vicky-san and Kerota were sleeping in, I was covering up the small fire with ashes and suddenly, I was lightly wrapped in a blanket.
Vicky: Can't sleep?
MC: Vicky-san, did I wake you?
Vicky: Shh. Kerota will wake up.
After dusting off the surface of a big rock, Vicky-san sat next to me.
Vicky: ...Why did you come with us?
MC: Eh?
Vicky: This is the first time that I've met someone like you.
I was unsure on how to respond towards those sudden words.
Vicky: Everyone finds it amusing, but... They'd rather not get involved with something so creepy.
MC: Creepy, no way!
WhenI shouted that without thinking, I quickly covered my mouth.
MC: ...Somehow, the two of you looked like you were having fun, so I wanted to stay with you guys a bit longer. I wanted to hear the song in this village too.
Vicky: ...
MC: Ah, I'm sorry, even though it looked like you guys were having fun... You can't return home... So, it must've been sad.
As I was faltering, Vicky-san gently smiled and rewrapped the blanket around me.
Vicky: ...Is that so?
MC: Eh?
Vicky: Staying at home doesn't really make me that happy.
(Vicky-san...)
Vicky: I've always had Kerota with me up till now. So, I like traveling. Well, as for Kerota, he can't part from me even if he wants to.
As Vicky-san said that with a smile, he looked up at the sky that was filled with stars.
(I don't think that's it...)
My chest tightened from his sad expression despite the way he was speaking.
///Choices///
- Why do you think that? (☼)
MC: Why do you think that?
Vicky: Why?
MC: It doesn't look that way to me.
Vicky-san tilted his head to the side oddly.
- You two sure get along (☽)
MC: ...You two must really get along.
Vicky: Eh?
MC: Even I'm having fun from just being with you guys.
Vicky-san widened his eyes in surprise.
///Choices///
MC: To me, it looks like you two much love each other.
Vicky: Kerota does? I wonder about that...
MC: At the very least, Kerota looked like he was enjoying himself whenever he's with you.
Vicky: ...That's because Kerota is kind. He takes care of me, even though I didn't ask him to.
Vicky-san looked really sad as he was smiling...
(Please don't smile like that...)
I softly placed my hand on my chest
......
In the tent, Kerota lightly sighed.
Vicky: Now then, let's sleep.
He heard those soft voices from the slightly opened entrace of the tent.
Vicky: I'll heat up the fire until you fall asleep.
MC: But...
Vicky: ...Then, want to sleep together?
MC: Eh?
Vicky: If you can't sleep, I'll put you to sleep...
MC: T-There's no need. Goodnight.
As Vicky chuckled, MC got up.
Vicky: Goodnight, MC.
Kerota: ...
When MC entered the tent, Kerota quickly closed his eyes...
...
Chapter 6 - What's Hidden Behind the Smile
It was beautifully clear the next day...
(They look so happy...)
As we were attending the wedding ceremony that was taking place at the side of the lake, the song was about to begin at last.
Kerota: Alright, it's starting! Vicky, are you ready!?
Vicky: Kerota, quiet. Here it comes! The Melody of Blessings! This is goodbye to the curse!
When the song began, an extremely beautiful sound was being absorbed into the sky.
(What a beautiful song...!)
Then, when the song ended, the villagers scattered fallen cherry blossoms all at once.
Vicky: MC, let's go.
Vicky-san pulled my hand and slightly moved away from the area.
Kerota: How was it, how was it!?
MC: How was it? Did you feel something...?
Vicky: Kerota, did you feel something?
Kerota: No, what about you?
Vicky: Nothing... I felt nothing. We still don't know for sure though. Alright, let's try splitting up.
Then, the two of them walked in opposite directions. Although...
Kerota: Wawawawawah-!!
After going for a while, Kerota ended up returning to Vicky-san's shoulder.
(It was no good... It wasn't "the Melody of Blessings"...)
Kerota: Again...
Vicky: ...Kerota, let's try searching again.
As Kerota hung his head down, Vicky-san tried to cheer him up.
Kerota: ...How long.
Vicky: ...Kerota?
Kerota: How long is this going to go on for!
(Kerota...!)
His shout was like a roar of waves overlapping with each other.
Kerota: I'm sick of this curse!! I don't want to stay with you forever!!
Vicky: ...!
When Kerota jumped off from Vicky-san's shoulder, he dived into the nearby lake soon after.
(Vicky-san...)
As Vicky-san looked at the watery surface of the lake, he clenched his fist tightly.
-Flashback-
Vicky: I've always had Kerota with me up till now.
---
Vicky: ...That's because Kerota is kind. He takes care of me, even though I didn't ask him to.
-Flashback-
(Vicky-san... Kerota...)
///Choices///
- Just look at him (☽)
(He... He must be sad.)
Without saying anything, Vicky-san smiled at me.
Vicky: Sorry. Despite that we came all the way here just to hear a beautiful song.
- Say his name (☼)
MC: Vicky-san...
After staying silent for a while, Vicky-san turned towards me.
Vicky: ...Sorry that you had to see something so strange.
///Choices///
There was a dark fear within Vicky-san's eyes as he calmly smiled. When I held his fist, it was trembling a little...
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