Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Yanagi - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story
Chapter 1 - Among the Bright Sunset
Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou... As the sun was starting to set, the castle courtyard became enveloped in a golden color. When I received an invitation from Yanagi-san, I visited the territory that was ruled by the Rabbit Clan.
Servant: Right this way, MC-sama.
MC: Thank you.
When I was led to Yanagi-san's office, I caught a glimpse of him from the sliding door that was open.
Yanagi: ...do that.
As he looked serious while talking to an unfamiliar man, he stood out beautifully from afar.
(...He really is a beautiful person.)
His coral-colored hair that was like silk thread and red eyes that were like gorgeous eyes... While my eyes were attracted to Yanagi-san's clear graceful charm...
??: Break it up!? How could you do that!? Our clan has a tradition to inherit that area...
Yanagi: If the flood control becomes a problem, then we'll need to make necessary arrangements.
(...Looks like he's in the middle of a dilemma.)
While rethinking once more in the menacing atmosphere, Yanagi-san looked over here as he casted his eyes down.
Yanagi: ...
("Wait for me"?)
When I slightly tilted my head to the side after noticing the movement of his lips telling me that, Yanagi-san quietly returned his gaze towards the man and lightly narrowed his eyes.
Yanagi: The rocky mountains in our area are hard to break open, shouldn't our priority be the problem in the mountains instead of the royal family's appearances? Brother Shizuki, this is an order as the head prince. I won't accept any objections.
With a frigid gaze, Yanagi-san said that coldly.
(Head prince? But, Yanagi-san called that person, Brother...)
My eyes followed the man called "Shizuki" from behind as he left quickly...
Yanagi: MC.
MC: !
When Yanagi-san suddenly appeared next to me, he looked at my face.
Yanagi: Are you offended that I didn't come to welcome you?
MC: Not at all. Please don't worry about it.
Yanagi: I see, that's good. We're preparing the welcoming banquet. Even though time is short, make yourself at home.
As if he was indicating that the cold atmosphere was all a dream, his smile shined beautifully in the sunlight...
Chapter 2 - The Rabbit's Banquet
From the first course to the fifth course of the banquet, the extravagant high-class food was presented in lacquerware... Yanagi-san, who was in charge of the welcoming banquet, elegantly looked at the people that were assembled in their seats.
Yanagi: Along with the Traumerei Princess visiting, we'll be holding the "sword tournament" tomorrow. Everyone, let's work hard to the fullest.
When he lightly held up a lacquered cup, I did the same.
(The sword tournament is when the princes of this territory compete with swords... That's what I heard.)
Once the banquet started, the princes greeted me once after another. As I was feeling nervous from meeting them for the first time, I was surprised from how many of them there were at the same time.
(He has a lot of brothers. Despite that Yanagi-san is the seventh prince...)
Yanagi: Are you surprised that I have a lot of brothers?
When Yanagi-san smiled as if he can see through my thoughts, I...
///Choices///
- No, that's not it... (☽)
MC: No, that's not it...
Yanagi: It's obviously written on your face though. You don't need to be all stiff in front of me.
- Yes, I'm surprised (☼)
MC: Yes, I'm surprised.
Yanagi: There's no need to force yourself to remember all of them. If you're having trouble knowing which one is which, just ask me.
///Choices///
When he said that openheartedly, my tense feelings eased up a little.
MC: How many brothers do you have, Yanagi-san?
Yanagi: More than 10. The Rabbit Clan is special in all sorts of ways.
MC: Special?
Yanagi: This area has been attacked by the neighboring kingdom before. In order to leave descendants, they increased the family lineage by having many children. Then, by custom standards, the royal family ranks the many princes by having them compete against each other and whoever is the most superior becomes king.
MC: Then, when you called yourself, "head prince", earlier means that...
Yanagi: That's right. But, just being the first ranked prince doesn't really mean that you're going to become king.
When his bangs swayed as he lightly nodded, he lightly pushed up some of his hair behind his ear with his long fingers.
Yanagi: Not to brag, but I'm currently in first place.
Yanagi-san winked mischievously.
(He really is beautiful.)
As his long eyelashes around his eyes fluttered, his charming looks made my heart skip a beat.
Yanagi: With the merits of the rankings, you can be entrusted with political duties and make changes with the workers and the area. That's why I can't lose in the sword tournament tomorrow.
When he said that determinedly, he showed his strong pride as a ruler of this kingdom.
(Yanagi-san brought everyone here.)
As I was looking around at the large group of princes that were drinking together, a server poured some wind into my cup. Just as I was about to pick up the faintly white cloudy wine...
Yanagi: This wine is a little too strong for you.
(Eh?)
Yanagi-san took the cup away from my table.
Yanagi: You okay with me getting you a new one? As a declaration for us to get along... and for wishing me good luck tomorrow.
MC: ! Yes, thank you.
When Yanagi-san gave out an order, a new cup and bottle of wine were brought over soon after. In the glass cup, cute pink flower petals were lightly floating.
MC: Pretty...
(Taking care of me like this, he's such a kind person.)
Yanagi: Well then, once again. Cheers.
When my gaze met with Yanagi-san's, our cups lightly collided with each other. After hearing the soft serene sound, my heart throbbed excitedly...
Chapter 3 - In the Shadows of the Cold Night
As the moon was hidden by the clouds, it's bright light faintly shined through the gaps... Deep within the night, once I sobered up from behind drunk, I left the crowded banquet.
(I probably drank a little too much of the wine that Yanagi-san gave me.)
The nightly breeze that was blowing in the courtyard felt nice against my warm cheeks and then...
MC: ...!
When I heard a loud banging sound from within the hallway, I froze by reflex.
(Did something happen...?)
As I felt nervous with my heartbeat going fast, I looked around the corner towards where the sound came from...
Yanagi: Will you stop shaking and tell me already...!
(Yanagi-san...?)
As there was a man with his back against the wall... Yanagi-san was there with his long leg pressed against the side of his face threateningly. He looked down at the man with a stern expression that was burning with fury.
Yanagi: The wine that you gave to MC, you mixed something in it, didn't you?
Even though I couldn't see the man's face because of the darkness, I could hear him breathing vexingly as it was constrained. From afar, I felt a chill going down my spine from the dreadful intimidating air around him.
Yanagi: Did you think that you could trick a woman from another kingdom? I never miss a thing in a banquet that I'm in charge of.
When Yanagi-san kicked the wall, he made the same banging sound that I heard earlier.
(Something was mixed in my wine...?)
Who knows what would've happened if I had drank the wine that was first handed to me... Once I've assembled my thoughts, I've realized that Yanagi-san was helping me in secret during the banquet.
Man: ...You really shouldn't push your luck.
When the man said that, he slipped through beside Yanagi-san and ran off.
Yanagi: Every single time, I'm so tired of it... They just keep on coming, how irritating.
After the man disappeared into the hallway, Yanagi-san sighed tiresomely and put his foot back down on the ground.
Yanagi: To think that a good-mannered princess would be watching this. How bad of you.
MC: ...!
When he looked over here as he said that carefreely, he smiled coldly.
MC: U-Um...
When the atmosphere around him from earlier has instantly changed along with his behavior, I...
///Choices///
- I'm sorry... (☼)
MC: I'm sorry...
Yanagi: You're so honest. If you're going to apologize, then you shouldn't have watched from the start.
- I didn't mean to (☽)
MC: I didn't mean to. I got worried when I heard some noise.
Yanagi: It would've been best to not do something so carelessly. If something were to happen, it would've been too late for you to regret it... Just like now.
///Choices///
(Yanagi-san is scary...)
As I slowly backed away, Yanagi-san's intimidating face got closer.
Yanagi: I wasn't intending on being found out like this, but... I'm glad that it ended up like this. Forcing myself to smile all the time is such a pain in the ass.
MC: !
When my back hit the wall the next moment, he placed his elbow right near my face. As it felt like my back was sewed against the wall, I lost control of my body even more.
Yanagi: Does it feel nice to have all these men approach you in the castle?
MC: Eh...?
While he was looking down at me with a cold icelike gaze, my heartbeat became extremely chaotic.
Yanagi: If the princess with the high social status was more friendly, it would've affected the princes' rankings greatly. It could've been a big deal since you're the Traumerei Princess. ...It won't affect the head prince here, those pieces of shit were only born to show off.
After he said that, there was an irritated look in his eyes.
///Choices///
- Even though they're your brothers... (☼)
MC: Even though they're your brothers, you say something like that about them...
Yanagi: That's because it's the truth. You're the only one that doesn't know how corrupted this castle is.
- Are you going to use me? (☽)
MC: Are you going to use me to get to the top rank?
Yanagi: That's right. Isn't it easy to understand everyone?
///Choices///
When Yanagi-san touched my cheek with his long fingers, they slid down against the surface of it. As he looked at me with a frigid smile that doesn't have a hint of kindness in it, my tipsiness disappeared completely.
Yanagi: It was quite annoying how you were accepting my lip service without any questions.
MC: ! ...Lip service?
Yanagi: That's right. When I said, please come to our territory someday, it was just a greeting. When I sat next to you at the banquet, it was so that I could keep those guys in check.
(I didn't notice at all...)
As Yanagi-san smiled, he placed his lips near my ear...
Yanagi: The princess that's oblivious to evil intentions. I gave you a proper warm welcome, so once you're satisfied, leave immediately.
When his kimono fluttered as he turned around, Yanagi-san disappeared into the hallway. As I stood still, I couldn't do anything, but see him off from behind...
Chapter 4 - Fireworks Bursting
Underneath the clear blue sky, the sound of swords clashing was heard... Today in the sword tournament, as I was sitting in the visitors' seat by myself, I was watching Yanagi-san's match.
(Wow...)
As he swung the dual swords around as if he were dancing, he cornered his opponent without giving him a moment to attack and...
Referee: The winner, Prince Yanagi!
Yanagi: ...
After making his opponent's sword fly into the air, Yanagi-san waved his hand towards the lively cheers without being out of breath.
(Yanagi-san is completely different than yesterday...)
Seeing his overwhelming strength made me remember his voice that was cold like ice and then...
??: Traumerei Princess. I've come to greet you since I didn't get to last night.
MC: ! Shizuki-san...
The man that claimed to be the second ranked prince at the banquet sat down next to me.
Shizuki: Princess MC. Once I gain victory in this sword tournament, would you spare some of your time with me? The royal villa has a spot where beautiful flowers bloom, so how about the two of us-
When Shizuki-san held my hand inappropriately, he pulled me towards him.
(He's a little forceful...)
Just as I unconcernedly pulled my hand away from him, I moved away from the center of the couch to distance myself from him.
Shizuki: How cold of you. But, a flower that is hard to get does attract people...
As Shizuki-san bent forward, he reached out to touch my hair next. The next moment...
MC: !
A sword flew right in front of his eyes and deeply pierced the pillar in the back.
Yanagi: Brother, you're up against me in the next match. Shouldn't you be getting ready?
While looking at us, Yanagi-san stood at the visitors' seat entrance...
///Choices///
- Don't speak at the moment (☼)
(Yanagi-san...?)
Yanagi: Traumerei Princess. I deeply apologize for my brother.
- Tell him you're surprised (☽)
MC: That surprised me...
Yanagi: My apologies for that. Are you unharmed, Princess?
///Choices///
Despite that he was speaking politely, I felt his piercing gaze.
Shizuki: Yanagi, throwing swords at your own brother...
Yanagi: Someone like you should've noticed my presence, Brother.
When Yanagi-san calmly walked over and pulled out the sword that was pierced into the pillar in one go, he looked down at his brother coldly.
Yanagi: Or maybe... Could it be that you've become less perceptive because you've been focusing on such petty things besides the match?
Shizuki: ...!
With nothing to say back, Shizuki-san left as he made a bitter look.
///Choices///
- Why are you here? (☽)
MC: Even though you're in the middle of an important match, why are you here?
Yanagi: I've mentioned it earlier, but I only came here to call him over. I only saved you by chance.
- You saved me (☼)
MC: You saved me. He was being a little forceful that it was troubling...
Yanagi: Isn't that because you were defenseless while sitting here? You should've refused him by pushing him away with a little force.
///Choices///
With the sword in hand, Yanagi-san threw a glance towards me.
Yanagi: This'll make you understand. Your presence is like food for us that are fighting for the ranks. Foolish rabbits only go for good looking food.
After he put the sword away in it's scabbard with beautiful flowing movements, he left the visitors' seat. His words were sharp enough to hurt someone with a single cut. Although, his harsh words and attitude made me feel anxious for some reason...
(...I should be careful, I don't want to be a burden to Yanagi-san.)
Within my heart, a strange indescribable feeling was starting to grow...
Chapter 5 - The Darkness That Surrounds Him
A few days later ever since Yanagi-san gained victory at the end of the sword tournament... As some of the castle servants were gathered in a corner of the castle, there was an unsettling feeling drifting.
(It's that rumor again...)
As I was walking in the hallway, I stopped when I heard their hushed whispers.
Servant 1: Right before the match in the sword tournament... Did you hear that Prince Yanagi injured Prince Shizuki with a surprise attack?
Maid: Yes. The rumor has already gone around throughout the entire castle.
Servant 2: If he did use such a dirty method just to gain victory, then Prince Yanagi's position will be in danger afterwards...
(It's not true though...)
Even though I wanted to tell them that, I held in my thoughts and deeply sighed instead.
(Despite that Yanagi-san already handled this... If I had done something, it'd probably wouldn't be too much of a problem. But...)
As someone who was related to the matter, I could've given my side of the story to clear up the rumor. Also, I still haven't thanked him properly for saving me a second time.
(I'm going to see Yanagi-san...)
Changing directions, I quickly left as they continued gossiping behind me...
......
On top of the pond surface in the courtyard, the round moon was reflected in it... I looked at the two moons that were in the night sky and on land in a daze.
(It might not be possible for me to see Yanagi-san today.)
After going around the entire castle with permission, I was at a loss while looking at the pond in the garden. On the rooftop of the main shrine that was reflected in the water surface, I noticed some kind of silhouette moving.
(...That's?)
When I looked up at that moment, that silhouette lightly jumped down from the roof.
MC: Yanagi-san!?
As he majestically landed right in front of me, one of his feet stepped onto the ground.
Yanagi: Not having a guard with you at this hour... Even though I've warned you at the sword tournament, it looks like I took care of you too much somehow.
Yanagi-san glared at me in irritation.
(It's just as Yanagi-san said. I'm oblivious to what's in front of me...)
Aside from getting hurt from his sharp words, I nervously spoke while feeling that I should apologize first.
///Choices///
- Tell him that you were looking for him (☼)
MC: I was looking for you, Yanagi-san.
Yanagi: Was it so urgent that you couldn't wait until tomorrow? Don't you understand that you're just a woman yourself?
- Apologize (☽)
MC: I'm sorry. I just wanted to talk to you, Yanagi-san.
Yanagi: No matter how much you apologize, it won't mean a thing unless you take action.
///Choices///
(I got nothing to say to that...)
As I couldn't do anything, but look down, Yanagi-san looked at me and sighed as if he has given up.
Yanagi: So, what do you want?
MC: ...I couldn't help, but think about the sword tournament rumor.
Yanagi: ...You shouldn't worry about it.
Yanagi-san crossed his arms and spoke to me unconcernedly to make himself clear.
Yanagi: Rumors are always popping up here. Once they're left alone, they'll disappear.
MC: Always, you say...
Yanagi: If they get a high rank, my brothers will make up all sorts of stories to their hearts' content. Rumors would spread before you know it, mostly because any of them would be using their influence.
(No way... Even though they're brothers.)
Just as I was about to respond to those understandable words, my heart was shaking with uneasiness.
Yanagi: Having any of those guys that use such tricks become king is idiotic.
When Yanagi-san laughed scornfully, the moonlight that was pouring down from the sky shined on him brightly. The contrast of light and darkness made his beauty stand out more, but...
(Yanagi-san is standing in a place where his family have become his enemies...)
As I thought about the circumstances of the never-ending situation that he was in, my chest tightened in pain...
Chapter 6 - The Moonlight Shining on the Heart
When the gentle nightly breeze made the thin clouds move, they covered the moon in the sky like a veil... The moonlight that faintly surrounded Yanagi-san softened up more.
(Yanagi-san has been only fighting enemies in the castle this whole time.)
-Flashback-
Yanagi: Every single time, I'm so tired of it... They just keep on coming, how irritating.
-Flashback-
(I finally understood what he meant by that.)
While facing his brothers, he was aiming to become king to rule over this territory...
MC: Can I ask you one thing?
Yanagi: ...What?
Despite his soft glare, the fear that I've felt on the night of the banquet suddenly disappeared from within me. The hidden though of wanting to know more about Yanagi-san gave me the push that I needed.
MC: Yanagi-san, why do you want to become king?
Yanagi: ...Do you have a habit of being curious or something? You sure have a nice hobby.
His words were harsh as usual, but it didn't sound like he was rejecting me...
Yanagi: It's because I love this territory.
After a short silence, Yanagi-san's nicely shaped lips continued speaking.
Yanagi: As a prince, it's obvious that I would want to support the kingdom that I live in. I want this territory to become abundant and easier to live in. That's all.
After Yanagi-san said that firmly, he looked away from me.
(Yanagi-san has been fighting on his own for something like that...)
He speaks harshly, but he cherishes this kingdom more than anyone. As it felt like he has told me how he truly feels, my heart strongly throbbed...
MC: ...I want to support you, Yanagi-san.
I said my thoughts out loud without thinking.
Yanagi: Hmph, what's with that? Don't tell me that it's because you feel obligated because of the events that happened up till now? Even remembering all of that is such a pain in the ass.
MC: I only wanted to thank you for saving me, Yanagi-san.
When I became even more embarrassed from what I said, my voice gradually became softer.
///Choices///
- Please don't laugh (☼)
MC: Please don't laugh...
Yanagi: You're the one who's saying something funny. Aah, that is probably the funniest thing that I've heard in such a while.
- It's the truth (☽)
MC: ...That's how I truly think.
Yanagi: You worrying about me makes me weaker. Haha, I'll only accept your feelings though.
///Choices///
When the clouds were being carried away by the nightly breeze blowing, the moon went back to shining brightly. As the bright moonlight was shining on his smile, it's radiance increased in the dead of night.
(That's the most natural smile that I've ever seen him make...)
Just as my heart was taken away by that expression he was showing, it started throbbing warmly. Before I knew it, it felt nice spending time with him.
(...Even though Yanagi-san most likely finds it bothersome to look after me... I don't want to leave him alone while he's facing an ongoing unfortunate situation by himself.)
MC: Then... Thank you for taking care of me in all sorts of ways. If there's something I can do to help, you can tell me anything.
Yanagi: ...You shouldn't be saying something like anything to someone ill-natured like me so easily.
When he combed up his silky hair, he made a complicated smile. As I watched his hair being reflected in the moonlight that was softly pouring down, the shred of light made him shine strongly...
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