Ch. 1: Luke's Worry
In the forest near Alstoria’s castle…
The gentle breeze made the leaves rustle, and a beautiful melody could be heard.
(This music is…)
Moving forward a little, I saw Luke, dappled with the sunlight that filtered through the trees, his eyes closed as he played the flute.
(Just as I thought.)
I thought of calling out to him, but I wanted to listen to the melody and slowly closed my eyes.
(It’s really a wonderful sound.)
Then, the music gradually stopped…
Luke: “OO.”
Luke looked at me kindly.
OO: “Ah, I’m sorry. Did I interrupt you?”
Luke: “No, it’s fine.”
With his free hand, Luke put on his large hat and smiled softly.
OO: “The sound of your flute is quite beautiful.”
Luke: “It’s nothing…”
As he replied, his expression seemed tinged with sadness.
OO: “Is something the matter?”
Luke: “…”
When I asked, he turned his eyes away as if troubled.
OO: “Luke?”
Luke: “OO…”
OO: “Is something troubling you? I’d like to help if I can.”
Luke: “…”
After a pause, Luke spoke with determination.
Luke: “I…I want to know what I can do to make more of an impression…”
OO: “Eh?”
At his answer, I stood there perplexed.
Ch. 2: Luke's Request
Within the forest and the peaceful weather of the afternoon…
In that peace, Luke spoke with a small voice.
Luke: “What can I do…to make more of an impression?”
I blinked at his abruptness.
OO: “W-where is this coming from?”
Luke: “It’s just…it’s something I’ve been thinking about while travelling but…I really don’t stand out.”
OO: “T-that’s…”
Luke shook his head as I tried to form the right words for a denial.
Luke: “No…As a knight, Avi is firm and strong, and Medi possesses a very charismatic character. Looking at them, I feel as if, even as a prince, I have no presence.”
OO: “That’s not true.”
Luke: “You really are very kind.”
OO: “That may be so…but…”
Luke: “OO?”
OO: “You hold us together. Look, Avi is kind of reckless, and you’re the only one who knows exactly what to say to Medi!”
Luke: “…”
Luke seemed perplexed, then troubled again, but before long he raised his head and looked at me.
Luke: “I see…I have a request to ask of you.”
OO: “Eh?”
I couldn’t look away from his earnest gaze.
Ch. 3: Luke's Special Training
Luke was looking straight at me.
Luke: “I see…I have a request to ask of you.”
OO: “A request…?”
He let out a sigh and spoke slowly and quietly.
Luke: “As you say, the one thing I can do is verbally go back and forth with the others. So if I don’t refine that skill, I won’t be able to make more of an impression… OO, I apologize but would you accompany me as I practice?”
He looked at me earnestly.
OO: “U-um…”
(What should I do…to think Luke was troubled by something like this…)
OO: “A-alright.”
Luke: “Thank you very much. It’s quite reassuring.”
OO: “I-I’m sorry, I can’t.”
Luke: “…I know I’m imposing. But if I don’t do something, I’ll never be able to have confidence in myself.
Luke was acting different than usual, and under that pressure I agreed to his request.
OO: “But, what should I do?”
Luke: “…Yes…Well then, if you were to be Avi or Medi, what is something you’d say?”
OO: “Eh?”
(What would I say as Medi…)
OO: “A-art is an explosion…?”
Luke: “Medi. You’re being a bother, so please try not to go flying off in all directions.”
(What would I say as Avi…)
OO: “I…I’ve already finished sword practice…?”
Luke: “Avi. It is important to take breaks too. You must let your body and soul rest, otherwise…”
Luke put his hand under his chin and pondered.
OO: “Um…”
Luke: “Ah, sorry. Would you let me continue like this for a little while longer?”
OO: “S-sure.”
(Is this really going to help…?)
And so I continued the back and forth with him.