Ch. 4: The Words He Can't Say
The sky was turning vermillion…-
Stimma had finished showing me around the castle, and I went out into the courtyard by myself.
The flowers and leaves were dyed the same vermillion color as the sky.
(So pretty…)
At that time, I saw Stimma in the middle of the garden.
(What’s Stimma doing?)
I couldn’t see very well around a hedge, but he looked as if he was seriously talking to someone.
Stimma: “Hey, so…”
??: “The affairs aren’t yet in order yes? Do your best. I’m sure this is also a test to prepare you for becoming king.”
Stimma: “Yeah…”
The man with purple hair slowly walked back to the castle.
(That was…)
Stimma: “Lied…”
(Lied…I’m pretty sure he’s Stimma’s cousin.)
Stimma looked as if he wanted to say something, but he just watched Lied walk away.
(I wonder what’s going on…)
Left alone, Stimma shook his head as if disappointed.
At that time…-
Stimma: “OO!?”
Stimma saw me and his eyes went wide.
The two of us were outlined in the light of the setting sun.
Ch. 5: The Gentleness Felt in His Hand
As the evening sun illuminated the courtyard, Stimma looked at me in surprise.
OO: “I’m sorry…I happened to overhear.”
Stimma: “No, it’s fine.”
Stimma shrugged and smiled weakly.
Stimma: “OO, would you sit here?”
OO: “Sure…”
I sat down on the soft grass, and Stimma let out a deep sigh as he sat beside me.
Stimma: “…that was my cousin I was talking to just now.”
OO: “Lied, right?”
Stimma: “Yeah…you know, I…”
Stimma frowned, as if he was having difficulty bringing something up.
Stimma: “I…I’m actually pretty anxious about becoming king.”
OO: “Anxious…?”
Stimma: “You know, I’ve always behaved like the eldest son should, but when it comes time that I need to say something, I can’t. When it comes to that kind of stuff…how do you say it, I’m worthless. Though Lied’s teaching me.”
(L-Lied…)
Stimma: “Hey, Lied…-“
(Now that I think about it, that’s how he was before too… Stimma looked like he wanted to say something to Lied.)
Stimma: “When I become king, it’d be really reassuring to have him by my side for support! I planned to bring it up but…in the end, I still can’t say it. He doesn’t seem to have much interest in politics and that kind of stuff…I want to ask him what he thinks, but somehow, I can’t.”
OO: “Stimma…”
Stimma’s shoulders slumped.
His sleek fair cascaded over his face, tinged with the golden light of the sun.
(He looks like a puppy…)
Without thinking, I reached my hand out and gently stroked his soft hair.
Stimma: “OO…?”
Stimma looked at me, his eyes wide.
OO: “I…I’m sorry. I was really happy when you were walking around with me and… I wondered if you felt the same.”
Stimma: “… this is the first time I’ve had my hair stroked.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Stimma: “I’ve always been the one doing it to others. It feels really comforting.”
Stimma seemed pleased and smiled.
OO: “I’m glad.”
He said that, and smiled, and then…
He thumped his head down on my shoulder.
OO: “Stimma…?”
Feeling his warmth on my shoulder, my heart started to pound.
Stimma: “OO…I wonder if I can really be king.”
OO: “It’ll be fine, I’m sure you can do it.”
At my answer he smiled happily.
Stimma: “Hey, OO…”
OO: “Yes?”
Stimma: “Is it alright for me to stay like this a little longer?”
I caught Stimma’s gaze, but he quickly looked away.
Through his hair, I saw his ears start to turn red.
(He’s kind of cute.)
OO: “Sure, however long you want.”
(…in the beginning, I saw him as a dependable older brother, but…)
Smiling to myself, I stroked his head.
The stars started to glimmer in the sky as it began to change to a dark indigo blue.
END