Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Inui - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story
Chapter 1 - An Arrogant Prince
Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou, December... Among the clear morning atmosphere, small birds were chirping.
In a forest that was outside the Calendar Kingdom, I put my hands together in front of a ring and offered a prayer...
??: This sucks... To think that the dream eaters got me.
As that person said that listlessly, he sighed and looked at me.
Inui: You're... I see, I'm Inui/ A prince of the Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou.
MC: Nice to meet you, I'm MC.
Inui: Since you woke me up, you must be the Traumerei Princess.
MC: ...Yes.
After I introduced myself, Inui-san made a light gesture by lifting up my chin.
(What!?)
He stared at me with his jade-colored eyes. Although, the next moment, his lips went up as he made a grin...
Inui: Hmm? You're pretty cute.
MC: Eh...
When he said that within the overly close distance, my heart lightly throbbed. Although, Inui-san didn't notice that and stood up.
Inui: I'm returning to my castle. You're coming too. Geez, at such an important time... Have those guys continued preparing for the praying ceremony properly without me around...?
When he murmured that, I tilted my head to the side.
(Praying ceremony, is he talking about the yearly ceremony that's held in the Calendar Kingdom...)
As I recalled what I heard about it from the other princes of this kingdom, Inui-san turned towards me.
Inui: Your response?
MC: Y-Yes...
Inui: Good, then let's go.
MC: ...!
Suddenly, he held my shoulder and before I knew it, I was in his arms while not making a move.
(This person is...)
As I was unable to hide my confusion due to his arrogance, we continued going through the forest...
Chapter 2 - Lips Touching
With Inui-san escorting me, we entered the castle... When he immediately became surrounded by servants, the inside of the castle became noisy.
Servant 1: Inui-sama has returned...!
Servant 2: What a relief! If Inui-sama hasn't returned, who knows what'll happen to the praying ceremony...
Inui: You guys were probably skipping out on practice while I was away.
The people around Inui-san returned smiles to him.
MC: Um, the praying ceremony is-
Inui: There are 12 royal families in the Calendar Kingdom, the clan that watches over the sacred stage in the center changes yearly. As a way to pass over that duty from the previous clan to the next, they do a praying ritual. Well, long story short, it's a New Year's ceremony. That's why it's very busy in the castle during this time every year.
When he looked inside the castle after saying that, lots of people were moving around busily.
Inui: You came to this kingdom at the end of the year. So, you may as well stay for a while and attend the praying ceremony.
MC: Yes, thank you very much.
At that moment, a maid appeared and bowed respectfully.
Maid: MC-sama, I'll take you to your room.
Inui: Don't worry about it. I'll do it. So, you guys should settle down and make way for us... Let's go.
MC: Okay.
The people that were happy about his return made a path for us after hearing him say that.
(Wow...)
We went down the path and headed into the castle.
When we went into one of the castle rooms, I put my luggage down.
Inui: You can use this room during your stay here.
MC: Thank you very much.
Just as I was about to bow...
MC: ...! Inui-san!?
When he pulled my arm, he pushed me against the wall.
Inui: Don't speak so loudly.
His lips curved up charmingly into an arrogant smile...
(What...!?)
Paying no mind to me as I was stiffening up, he kissed my nape.
MC: ...!
When I pushed his chest back...
///Choices///
- Why are you doing this sort of thing? (☼)
MC: Why are you doing this sort of thing?
When I asked that, he made a wry smile.
- Please stop (☽)
MC: Please stop...
When I tried to get away from his arms, Inui-san made a small smile.
///Choices///
Inui: Ah, did you think that I wasn't going to do anything since we've just met? As expected of the Traumerei Princess. You're so sheltered.
After he said that, he released me and smiled as if nothing had happened.
Inui: There's still a few days left until the praying ceremony, so you should go around town. If you're going out, take someone with you.
MC: ...
(Just what is happening...?)
As I was unable to hide my confusion towards Inui-san's actions...
Inui: Your face shows too much of what you're thinking. Don't worry. I won't lay a hand on you. It's no big deal for me to go after a woman that's not interested in me.
(Eh...)
Inui: Since you're the Traumerei Princess, I thought you'd be perfect to become my wife.
Just as he said that, he sighed as if he was looking down at me.
Inui: You seemed like the kind of person that can't stand infidelity. So, let's stop.
(Wife? Infidelity...?)
After saying that as if he was toying with me and lightly patted my head, Inui-san headed towards the sliding door.
Inui: If you need something, call for a maid. Well, enjoy your stay.
Without giving me a chance to respond, he left and I was all alone in the room.
(Inui-san is...)
Astounded by his actions, I sighed. Although, as I felt warmth from where his lips touched my nape earlier, I held my neck and stood still in the room in a daze...
Chapter 3 - An Unexpected Side
After a while since Inui-san left the room... When I left the room after a maid told me that lunch was ready, a lot of people were going around in the castle.
MC: Everyone seems so busy...
Maid: That's because the praying ceremony is upon us... My apologies for how noisy it is.
At that moment, up ahead in the hallway, I saw Inui-san talking to a servant.
Inui: ...The shamisen isn't ready? Don't you know how many days we have left until the praying ceremony?
Servant: My apologies. Playing the new song has been a little difficult...
Inui: Ah, so that's it... It is pretty difficult, but that's what makes it fitting for the Dog Clan.
With both hands on his hips, he looked at the servant with a stern serious look.
Inui: Listen. We're not doing the opening performance. We're taking the leading role, so we need to do it perfectly. Don't say that you can't do it. Got it?
Servant: ...Yes!
After Inui-san said that, the servant had a troubled look just now straightened himself up that instant.
(Wow... It's like everything about that servant has changed. Inui-san had a very serious expression too...)
Completely different from before, there was a stern chilling atmosphere around Inui-san. At that moment, his gaze landed on me. I...
///Choices///
- Stand on guard (☽)
As he was looking down at me, I stood on guard, but...
Inui: That's right, MC.
While not doing anything, he smiled at me.
- Bow (☼)
(Despite what happened, I shouldn't ignore him and walk past him...)
When I bowed, he grinned.
Inui: That's right, MC.
///Choices///
Inui: Sorry, but I don't have time to spare until New Years. Normally, I would want to treat you with hospitality, but...
Just as Inui-san said that, he moved his gaze towards the servant.
Inui: Treat the Traumerei Princess with hospitality properly.
MC: No, I'm okay. Everyone's busy after all.
I said that in a panic, but the servant smiled.
Servant: Inui-sama is the one saying to treat you properly, so I shouldn't neglect that order. It's my duty to treat you well after all, MC-sama.
Inui-san nodded from the servant's words.
Inui: Exactly. Not being able to satisfy the Traumerei Princess will lower my reputation. Well, I'll leave MC to you.
Just as he was about to leave after saying that, I...
///Choices///
- Watch him off (☽)
(I really don't get Inui-san... He suddenly cornered me, but he has a proper elegant side to him...)
With anguished feelings holding me, I watched him from behind as he left.
- Thank him (☼)
MC: Um, thank you for looking out for me.
Inui: I'm not doing it just for you, so I don't need your thanks.
After saying that, he left from there.
///Choices///
......
Afterwards, by the time I was finished with lunch... The servant showed me around the town of Kuyou.
MC: Thank you for taking me to all sorts of places. The garden earlier was really nice.
Servant: Inui-sama manages that garden, he took advice from the gardener and took care of it from the koi fish in the pond to the minor details.
MC: I see.
As I looked at the town that had the charm of Kuyou, I remembered the garden from earlier.
(Having been taken care of thoroughly to every corner, that garden shows how abundant this kingdom is...)
-Flashback-
Inui: Not being able to satisfy the Traumerei Princess will lower my reputation.
-Flashback-
(Inui-san... I wonder what kind of person he really is.)
Deeply moved by Inui-san's people... It made me want to know more about him...
Chapter 4 - A Proud Back
During the night after I was given a tour of the town in Kuyou...
(Somehow, I can't sleep...)
When I got permission from the servant, I took a walk in the garden by myself...
(...A shamisen?)
Following the faint sound, I walked further into the garden.
(That's...)
Inui-san was sitting on a rock while playing the shamisen by himself. His strong, yet somewhat delicate performance went with the clear atmosphere of the night.
(...What a pretty sound.)
As I was forgetting about time passing from watching him play in the dead of night by himself...
Inui: How long are you going to stand there?
MC: Ah...
When Inui-san raised his face, he grinned.
Inui: How about you come over here?
When he pointed towards beside him, I...
///Choices///
- Become perplexed (☽)
As I was perplexed about how I shouldn't be bothering him, Inui-san beckoned towards me.
Inui: Come on.
I nodded towards his words and sat down next to him.
- Sit beside him (☼)
When I did as he said and sat down next to him, Inui-san chuckled with a smile.
Inui: You're so honest.
When I saw his kind expression as it was basked in the moonlight, my heart skipped a beat lightly.
///Choices///
Inui: ...I've been found by you.
After he said that with a wry smile, I looked down a little.
MC: Ah... I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep, so I tried taking a walk. And I ended up seeing you... But, it was a really nice performance. It made me think how I wanted to hear it forever...
When I told him how I honestly felt, Inui-san smiled.
Inui: Thank you.
MC: Do you always practice at this hour?
Inui: Yeah. Usually during the day, my time gets taken up by giving everyone orders and my duties. Also, I like the atmosphere at night. It makes me focus.
After Inui-san said that, he played the shamisen. In the silent garden, a comforting nightly breeze blew...
(Inui-san might actually be more different than I thought.)
When I thought of that, I looked at the side of his face.
MC: I might've misunderstood you, Inui-san.
Inui: Did I seem like the kind of person that's arrogant and would force myself on you?
When he said that as if he saw through me, I...
///Choices///
- Tell him honestly (☽)
MC: Yes... I thought that... a little.
When I told him that honestly, Inui-san made a wry smile.
Inui: Geez, you're so honest.
- Deny it (☼)
MC: No, that's...
Just as I was about to deny that in a panic, Inui-san raised a brow teasingly.
Inui: Hmm?
///Choices///
When Inui-san smiled, he got up.
Inui: That's okay. Forget what you saw just now. Practicing along in the middle of the night, it'd be uncool if those beneath me knew about it.
(Really? Because to me...)
MC: I don't think so. It makes me think that you're hard working...
When I said that, Inui-san frowned troubledly a little.
Inui: I don't need that sort of thing.
Then, he looked straight at me upfront.
Inui: As a prince of this kingdom, I stand to lead the Dog Clan. As a perfect prince, as the leader of the clan... I'll do whatever it takes to continue to be those guys' absolute pride.
MC: Inui-san...
When he looked up with a strong determination in his eyes, Inui-san moved his gaze to me and smiled teasingly.
Inui: Come on, you should hurry and get to sleep, or I might assault you again.
MC: Eh...
When I became unable to answer back towards those words as he was smiling, he placed his large hand on my head...
Inui: Goodnight.
After Inui-san said that, he turned around.
(Inui-san...)
Hardworking without any reluctance, never showing any weaknesses... I couldn't take my eyes off that back that holds such high pride. As he was showing no sign of turning around, I watched him from behind until I couldn't see him anymore...
Chapter 5 - A Gentle Smile
The next day... As I was walking inside the castle, I heard a loud sound just as I was passing by the kitchen.
When I became curious and looked inside the kitchen...
Maid: Ah, MC-sama. My apologies for all the noise...!
With the table turned over, the maid was picking up the various foods and plates that fell to the floor.
MC: Want some help?
Maid: I shouldn't! You don't need to help me, MC-sama.
MC: But, everyone's busy... Please let me help.
Maid: Thank you very much...! Ah, but...
Looking at the food that became no good, the maid's face turned pale.
Maid: What do I do, will we have enough...!?
MC: Eh?
(Let's see, with these...)
When I looked at the kitchen counter, there were still some unused ingredients.
MC: We can make something with the ingredients that we have now. Are we okay with time?
Then, I helped with cooking...
......
After a while, there was an appetizing scent drifting from the pot.
Inui: What are you doing?
MC: Eh!? ...!
Just as I turned towards that voice, Inui-san was there.
(H-He's so close!)
As he was looking at the pot from the top of my shoulder, his hair tickled my cheek.
Inui: You're frying something. But, cooking... Aren't you a guest?
MC: But, everyone's so busy...
As I had chopsticks in the pot, Inui-san looked at me in amazement.
Inui: So, you can do something like that. Since I invited you as a guest, you should be doing something fun. Besides, royals don't get involved with servants.
MC: Yes... I'm sorry.
When my shoulders dropped, Inui-san sighed...
Inui: ...Can I eat this now?
MC: Eh?
When Inui-san said that, I...
///Choices///
- ...Here you go (☼)
MC: ...Here you go. Ah, but it's hot, so be careful.
When I picked up a piece of tofu with the chopsticks, I brought it over to his mouth.
Inui: Mm...
- Do you want to try it? (☽)
MC: ...Do you want to try it?
Inui: Just one bite.
When he held my hand that had the chopsticks in it, he picked up the tofu that was in the pot and brought it over to his mouth.
///Choices///
(...How is it?)
As I was nervous while waiting for his response, he swallowed it after a while.
Inui: ...It's good. Also, this would go well with some alcohol.
MC: Really? That's good...
I became relieved. Seeing me like that, Inui-san smiled softly.
(Ah... So, he can smile like that too.)
That soft smile made my heart skip a beat.
Inui: Today, I went to eat what you made.
MC: Eh?
Inui: I'm hungry. Hurry and get it ready.
MC: Okay!
After he said that with an arrogant smile, I responded in a hurry. When I quickly started cooking again, my heart was still lightly throbbing...
Chapter 6 - Complicated Feelings
As steam was rising from dinner, I brought it over and placed it on the dining tray... After making the food somehow, I was eating with Inui-san.
Inui: Who would've thought that I would be eating what you made.
MC: Sorry for intruding.
Inui: It's okay.
When he picked up the food from the tray with chopsticks, Inui-san silently chewed. As I watched him nervously...
Inui: Not bad. You did well.
His words made me feel relieved.
MC: Ah, but I only helped halfway...
After hearing my words, Inui-san looked at each of the food on the plate.
Inui: This... and this?
MC: How can you tell?
Inui: I can tell because the flavor is different than usual.
MC: Ah, I see...
(Does it... suit his tastes?)
Despite that I was a little uneasy, Inui-san didn't stop using his chopsticks. Aside from that, he seemed satisfied as he continued eating...
(I'm glad that I helped.)
Feeling happy, I watched him eat, but when he noticed my gaze, he smiled.
Inui: You really should stay in this castle. It'd be nice to have you as my wife.
MC: Eh...
Towards those sudden words, I...
///Choices///
- Ask him to say that again (☼)
MC: What was that just now?
Inui: What, you didn't hear me?
He said that in amazement.
- Smile troubledly (☽)
(Again with the wife thing...)
When I smiled troubledly in return, Inui-san stopped using his chopsticks.
///Choices///
Inui: The stomach is important, that's what I thought from eating your food. The women around me probably can't even cook.
(Women around him...)
When he said that, I remembered what happened when we first met.
-Flashback-
Inui: Don't worry. I won't lay a hand on you. It's no big deal for me to go after a woman that's not interested in me. You seemed like the kind of person that can't stand infidelity. So, let's stop.
-Flashback-
(That was actually...)
Realizing that he's surrounded by a lot of women, I felt somewhat complicated.
Inui: What's wrong?
MC: Um, what did you mean when you mentioned infidelity the other day...
Inui: Ah, that, I guess I don't really like it?
(He... doesn't like it?)
Unable to grasp his true hidden feelings well, I only bit my lip.
Inui: ...
Whether he knows how I'm feeling or not, Inui-san looked at me silently. Just as I was about to look away from that gaze at that moment...
Inui: Hey, you...
When Inui-san placed the chopsticks on the tray, he reached out for me as I was in front of him.
MC: ...
When he touched my cheek, my heart skipped a beat. Then, just as he leaned forward, he got closer to my face...
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