Ch. 1: The Prince Who Works the Fields
Country of Stars, Pleia, Month of Color …-
A powerful light appeared amidst the gentle rays of the sun that poured through the forest, and a prince was awakened from a ring.
Aldebaran: “Ah~, I slept so good!”
The prince gave a light jump, as if waking up his entire body.
(He’s quite an energetic prince.)
At that time, I saw he was holding something in his hand.
(Hm? Is he holding…a hoe?)
Aldebaran: “Are you the one that saved me?”
OO: “Yes, that’s right.”
Aldebaran: “I see, thanks! My name’s Aldebaran, but call me Al! What’s your name?”
OO: “It’s OO.”
Aldebaran: “OO…that’s a nice name!”
OO: “T-thank you.”
(I wonder why he’s carrying a hoe…)
Noticing my gaze, Al looked to the hoe in his hand.
Aldebaran: “Ah, I bet you’re wondering about this! You see, I got attacked while I was working in the fields.”
Al gave me an innocent smile as he told me what happened.
(…working in the fields? A prince?)
Aldebaran: “Alright, as thanks for waking me up, I’ll take you to my castle! Come on, this way!”
OO: “Eh!?”
Al suddenly grabbed my hand, and started walking through the forest.
(He has a certain brightness to him.)
As the gentle sunlight cut through the trees, I felt my lips give a small smile in response to his.
Ch. 2: Innocent Smile
The forest was wrapped in gentle sunlight as Al led me through. We arrived at the castle, which was surrounded by plots of cultivated land.
Aldebaran: “I’m baaack!”
Butler: “L-Lord Aldebaran! You’re safe!!”
The butler ran up to us, tears in his eyes.
Aldebaran: “I made you worry huh!”
Butler: “Yes…Her Highness was quite worried as well.”
At those words, I saw Al’s face cloud over, but just for an instant.
Aldebaran: “Aw come on, I’m fine! Oh yeah! Are my fields alright?”
Butler: “Oh yes! In your absence my lord, I made sure to properly maintain them.”
(Fields…)
Aldebaran: “Hey, this is OO, she’s the one who saved me! Right!”
OO: “…yes.”
Butler: “Lady OO, you have my deepest gratitude!”
The butler politely bowed his head at me.
OO: “Oh no, I’m sorry for just showing up at the castle…”
The butler seemed embarrassed by my response, and Al’s loud voice cut in.
Aldebaran: “Alright, let’s have a welcoming party for OO!”
Butler: “Surely you jest my lord. Her Highness is in no state for holding a party.”
Aldebaran: “Oh come on, let’s just try. I’m sure Grandmother will…”
The butler let out a loud sigh as if to interrupt what Al was saying.
Butler: “You know that is not possible, my lord. Please do not joke about it.”
Aldebaran: “I’m serious~! If we just ask Grandmother, she’ll perk right up~!”
Butler: “Now then, please come this way. I shall begin the preparations for dinner.”
Making light of Aldebaran’s proposal, the butler left.
Aldebaran: “Ugh.”
(Al?)
Smiling as usual, he tilted his head back.
Aldebaran: “Guess there’s nothing to be done about it~ Well, if we can’t have a welcome party, I’ll show you around the courtyard!”
Al grabbed my hand, and threw me another innocent smile.
OO: “Alright, please do.”
Aldebaran: “That’s the spirit!”
OO: “Are you sure it’s alright?”
Aldebaran: “You worried about what we were talking about earlier? Yeah, it’ll be fine.”
Al smiled in embarrassment.
Led along by Al, we started walking towards the courtyard.
In the instant that the inner doors opened to the outside, I could smell the scent of earth hanging in the air.
Ch. 3: Al's Feelings
As the sun slowly began to sink, the courtyard was wrapped in twilight.
Aldebaran: “Alright, this is the courtyard~!”
OO: “…t-this?”
Looking around, the entire courtyard was covered with cultivated plots growing a variety of vegetables.
(There are even fields in the courtyard…)
Aldebaran: “A major agricultural country like this wouldn’t have any other kind of courtyard.”
Al suddenly sat down on the spot and began to feel through the earth while he hummed a tune.
(He looks like he’s really having fun.)
Aldebaran: “It’s nice to see my fields after I’ve been asleep for so long. It’s been a while.”
I felt myself relax as I saw how happy Al was.
Aldebaran: “I know! Do you want to try watering the plants with me?”
Saying so, Al held out a watering can.
OO: “Thanks.”
As Al taught me the proper amount to use, I carefully poured the water over some turned-up leaves that seemed near death.
The water fell from the can, and the little leaves became a more vibrant green.
Aldebaran: “You have the soul of a hard worker.”
OO: “Eh?”
Al spoke quietly, out of nowhere, as he watched me water the plants.
Aldebaran: “Ah, sorry. It’s something my grandmother would say to me.”
OO: “Your grandmother…?”
Aldebaran: “She’d say that since we’re royalty, we mustn’t live luxuriously and neglect our work. Live like the people, and experience the necessary pains and pleasures of life.”
(That’s a wonderful way of thinking…)
Butler: “Surely you jest my lord. Her Highness is in no state for holding a party.”
OO: “Um…is your grandmother ill…?
Aldebaran: “Sorry, you’re probably curious after hearing that conversation earlier.”
OO: “…I’m just concerned.”
Aldebaran: “Thanks.”
OO: “Yes…is it alright for me to ask about it?”
Aldebaran: “Sure. It’s fine to be concerned about someone else after all.”
Aldebaran: “For a while now, she’s been confined to her bed. But I’m sure she’ll get better.”
Al smiled kindly at me.
OO: “…I’m sure you’re right.”
Hearing of Al’s grandmother, I averted my gaze and looked down.
Aldebaran: “Don’t make that face.”
OO: “Al…”
Al gently placed his large hand on my head.
OO: “Al…yeah, I’m sure she’ll get better.”
I smiled sweetly, hoping to lift his spirits.
Aldebaran: “Thanks. You’re a good person.”
Without knowing what to say, I kept my eyes downcast.
Aldebaran: “I’m sorry for worrying you.”
Aldebaran: “My parents died early on, and my grandmother raised me in their stead. She’s really strict, but she’s also more energetic and cheerful than anyone else I know. And she loves causing an uproar!”
(…I wonder.)
OO: “Were you thinking that your grandmother would love having a party…and that’s why you suggested it?”
Aldebaran: “Because of what’s happened to my grandmother, the castle has become dark, and I blame myself, for why there’s nothing fun going on. I’m sure she’d be happy if the castle was livelier.”
Al smiled, but hid his face ever so slightly.
OO: “…I think you’re right, about your grandmother.”
Aldebaran: “Thanks OO.”
(I didn’t realize it because Al is always smiling….but he really is worried about his grandmother.)
Thinking of Al’s feelings, a warmth filled my heart.
Aldebaran: “We should think about heading back.”
OO: “Yeah…”
Even on the way back to the castle, Al wouldn’t let his smile fade.