Ch. 1: His Kindness
Kingdom of Vox in the Land of Voice, Month of Rainbow…-
The lamps were starting to glow in the town…
Accompanying Stimma, we had finally arrived at his castle.
Butler: “Lord Stimma!”
Stimma: “Sorry for worrying you!”
Butler: “Of course not my lord, we’re just glad you’re safe!”
Stimma: “How are my brothers?”
Butler: “Everyone is waiting for you Lord Stimma.”
Stimma: “Alright!”
Stimma turned to face me, his expression full of happiness.
Stimma: “I want you to meet them too OO. I have two younger brothers and a cousin. They’re all super cute, and they’re really nice! I’m sure you’ll love them!”
I returned the smile that filled his face.
(Stimma is kind of cute.)
OO: “You really love your siblings.”
Stimma: “Course I do!”
Stimma’s eyes glittered, and he placed his hand on my head.
OO: “…!”
Stimma: “As long as everyone’s happy, I’m happy. I want you to enjoy yourself too!”
His large hand ruffled my hair.
(I wonder if this is how he treats his brothers too…)
I felt a faint warmth in my heart from the warmth of his hand.
At that time I still didn’t know the worry that Stimma carried behind his cheerful expression.
Ch. 2: What is Important to Him
Stimma was guiding me through the castle, and telling me all about his brothers.
Stimma: “My older younger brother is Flu. He’s pretty quiet, so you really have to listen carefully to understand him. But he’s really doing his best! He’s the kind of guy that’ll talk when the time comes. Meanwhile my youngest younger brother, Rufen, is the complete opposite! He’s really energetic and lively! Though it’d probably be good for him to calm down once in a while.”
Stimma seemed really happy as he talked about his brothers.
At that time…-
A man with purple hair was walking down the hallway.
Stimma: “Lied…”
(Lied?)
Stimma: “Hey, Lied…-“
Stimma seemed as if he wanted to say something, but he abruptly stopped and let the man pass through.
Stimma: “…”
OO: “Stimma?”
Stimma: “Aah…sorry!”
Suddenly realizing I had said his name, Stimma quickly looked at me and laughed.
Stimma: “That guy who just walked by was my cousin, Lied. He’s really amazing. Though he doesn’t really have any social skills.”
He smiled at his own joke and shrugged.
However, that smiling face looked a little lonely.
OO: “Are you alright?”
Stimma: “Huh? What!? I-I’m fine!”
OO: “Do you two not get along…?”
Stimma: “That’s not it! We get along fine!”
Stimma: “You don’t have to worry, it’s fine.”
That’s what Stimma said as he looked off in the direction Lied had gone.
(Stimma really does look sad for some reason…)
The light from the moon illuminated his face in profile.
Ch. 3: Unchanging Gaze
The next morning…-
Stimma came to my room to see me after breakfast had finished.
Stimma: “Did you sleep well?”
OO: “Yes, the bed was so soft that I fell asleep as soon as I lay down.”
Stimma: “I’m glad you’re so pleased with it.”
OO: “Actually, not really. This is room is so lovely, and I was so excited that I couldn’t really sleep.”
Stimma: “Really? Well I’m glad you could tell me about it.”
Stimma smiled at me kindly.
Stimma: “Alright! Do you wanna walk around the castle some more? There’s lots of places I haven’t shown you yet. This castle is pretty big!”
OO: “Sure!”
(He’s really good at looking after people.)
OO: “Did you sleep well last night Stimma?”
I had intended to continue our conversation as I walked alongside him when…
Stimma: “I…- Ah!”
He spied one of his brothers in the middle of our conversation, and he called out.
Stimma: “This is Rufen! Are you studying like you’re supposed to!?”
At Stimma’s voice, Rufen enthusiastically waved to us before walking off.
Once he was certain his brother was gone, Stimma turned to me.
Stimma: “Sorry, about yesterday, I…-“
He started to speak, but again he paushed.
OO: “?”
His gaze drifted to behind me.
Stimma: “Flu! What’s wrong? If something’s bothering you, come by my room later!”
I turned behind me and saw Flu give a small nod before walking away.
Stimma: “Sorry ’bout that! Now, where were we? …w-what was it? Sorry! Um…”
Stimma turned to me, and in a panic tried to continue the conversation.
Seeing him like that, I smiled without thinking.
Stimma: “Why…why are you smiling?”
OO: “Sorry…I was just thinking, you’re a really nice guy Stimma.”
Stimma: “R-really…?”
OO: “Yes. You worry about everyone else, and just now you were worrying about me. I’m sure you’ll make a very kind king.”
Stimma: “…you think so?”
Stimma looked at me in surprise.
OO: “Yes!”
Stimma: “Seems like you have more confidence in it than I do.”
Stimma smiled kindly at me and placed his hand on my head.
Stimma: “Thanks OO!”
He ruffled my hair.
Stimma: “It makes me really happy to hear you say that.”
OO: “I’m glad.”
Stimma: “Yeah! I feel a lot more confident now that you said it.”
He stroked my hair, a delighted look on his face.
OO: “I’m kidding.”
Stimma: “W-what!?”
OO: “But I’m sure this country will become really fun with you and your brothers that you’re so close to.”
Stimma: “…it’d be nice if I could meet those expectations…”
Suddenly, he spoke those works quietly and his smile disappeared.
(Stimma?)
The light is his eyes wavered, and I felt there was nothing I could do.