Ch. 1: Lurking Poison
Kingdom of Avetel in the Land of Poison, Month of Calm…-
I headed to Apis’ castle, walking down a road crowded with a wide variety of beautiful flowers.
(It smells nice…)
A gentle breeze carried the scent, tickling my nose.
Then, the wind suddenly picked up and the flower petals flew up as one into the sky.
(Is someone there?)
Among the multitude of flower petals, there stood a man with golden hair tossed about by the wind.
Apis: “I’ve been waiting for you, Princess.”
OO: “Apis! You came to get me?”
Apis: “Of course, as you travelled so far.”
He bowed gracefully, and he spoke beautifully.
Apis: “The castle is just over there. Shall we?”
Apis was captivating, speaking and behaving like a perfect prince.
Apis: “Our kingdom has many beautiful flowers in bloom, but there are also many insects. Some of them are poisonous, so please do be careful.”
At that time, a single bee approached Apis.
(Oh no!)
OO: “Apis…”
Telling him, I reflexively reached out my hand to take his arm and…
Apis: “…!”
Apis vigorously shook off my hand.
Apis: “Don’t touch me…!”
(What…)
For just an instant, I saw his manner change…
Apis: “…pardon me. It’s alright, this bee isn’t poisonous.”
He again gave a refined smile.
(What was that just now…?)
Apis: “Now, let us be off.”
Then Apis again began to walk down the flower path.
Still a little confused, I chased after him.
Ch. 2: Don't Touch
We arrived at the castle and were greeted by the smiling face of Apis’ mother.
Apis’ Mother: “Lady OO, I am truly thankful to you for waking Apis.”
(She’s so beautiful.)
Her hair shone the same color as Apis’, and she bowed gracefully.
OO: “Oh no…thank you so much for inviting me here.”
Apis’ Mother: “Apis is the next heir and my beloved son. If there is anything you desire, ask it.”
She cast a fleeting glimpse at Apis and smiled.
Apis’ Mother: “I know Apis, are you not hosting the dinner party for the merchants tomorrow evening. I’m sure Lady OO would love to attend.”
Suddenly, the two looked at me.
Apis’ Mother: “I believe escorting the Princess of the Royal Family of Traumere would increase your standing even more.”
OO: “W-wanting me to attend like that so suddenly…”
Apis: “Mother, isn’t that a little abrupt as she just got here?”
Apis came to my aid.
Apis’ Mother: “Lady OO…are you sure you can’t? Everyone will just be dying to meet you. And I’m sure it will be enjoyable.
(…it’s proving rather difficult to refuse.)
OO: “I’d be happy to, if it’s alright.”
Apis’ Mother: “Wonderful, thank you!”
Apis: “Lady OO…are you sure? There’s no need for you to force yourself.”
OO: “It’s…it’s fine.”
And so I confirmed that I would attend the dinner party.
Apis’ Mother: “Apis, we’re counting on you to the play the flute as usual at the event. Everyone is so looking forward to your performance.”
His mother said so and lovingly placed her hands on his cheeks.
Apis: “Understood. Please leave it to me.”
Apis said so, and his mother walked down the corridor.
Apis: “My apologies for my mother’s selfishness.”
Apis apologetically bowed his head.
OO: “No, it’s alright… anyway, your mother seems to love you quite a lot Apis.”
Apis: “…love?”
In that moment…
A cold, dark shadow fell over Apis’ face.
Apis: “…ah yes. This dinner party, it’s really irritating…it’s just a ridiculous event so we can lick the boots of the merchants. Currying favor with idiots who are only interested in money…makes me sick.”
This Apis seemed like a completely different person from the Apis before.
Apis: “…it’s disgusting.”
He muttered while touching the spot where his mother had touched his cheek.
I was bewildered, and Apis paid me no mind as he took his leave.
I reflexively grabbed his arm and…
Apis: “…I hate being touched alright?”
He violently shook his arm free.
(What on earth is going on?)
I couldn’t say anything under his cold gaze.
(But he seems kind of sad.)
I watched as he walked away, and for some reason, my heart ached.
Ch. 3: I Don't Need Something Like Love
The next day was calm and clear…
The dinner party is tonight.
I was full of anxiety.
—————————–
Apis: “This dinner party, it’s really irritating…it’s just a ridiculous event so we can lick the boots of the merchants. Currying favor with idiots who are only interested in money…makes me sick.”
—————————–
I was anxious after seeing that Apis yesterday.
At that time, I heard a beautiful melody carried on a gentle breeze.
(What is that sound…?)
Following the sound, I found Apis resting under the shade of a tree as he played a flute.
His eyes were closed as he played with long, slender fingers.
(What a pretty sound.)
Noticing me, Apis lowered the flute and smiled at me kindly.
Apis: “Is something the matter Princess?”
(Good, it’s the kind Apis…)
OO: “…I’m sorry for interrupting you.”
Apis: “Not at all. I was just thinking it was the perfect time to take a break.”
Apis leaned against the tree completely exhausted.
Apis: “I have to practice, as the dinner party is tonight.”
(…Apis doesn’t look well.)
OO: “Apis, are you…?”
OO: “Um…are you feeling alright? You don’t look very good…”
Apis: “I’m quite alright.”
However, his smiling face was tinged an unnatural shade of red.
Concerned, I naturally reached out my hand to his cheek.
Apis: “…!”
He immediately turned his face away.
Apis: “…I’m alright. Please excuse me, I have preparations to take care of for tonight.”
As he went to take his leave, Apis swayed slightly and his body crumpled as he collapsed onto me.
OO: “Apis…!”
Unable to bear the weight, I bent to the ground.
(He has a really high fever…!)
Apis: “…don’t touch me.”
Apis, having collapsed onto me, had a cold expression like the one from when we parted yesterday.
(His breathing is rough.)
OO: “I’ll go get help!”
Apis: “…don’t!”
OO: “But…”
Apis: “…be quiet. Don’t tell anyone. Lend me your shoulder.”
Supporting him, we somehow finally reached a room.
The room was beautiful and free of even a speck of dust. Only Apis’ painful breathing could be heard.
OO: “You can’t possibly attend the dinner party in his condition…”
I put a cool cloth with ice water on his forehead.
Apis: “…I’m fine.”
OO: “Please don’t push yourself…I’m sure your mother would worry.”
Saying so, Apis suddenly chuckled.
Apis: “Oh yeah, she’ll be terribly worried.”
OO: “…that’s right. After all, your mother…”
Apis: “‘Loves me’? Is that what you want to say? ‘I love you’ sure is a useful phrase.”
OO: “Eh…”
Apis: “You can bind someone with those words, make them act in the way you see fit.”
Apis was muttering as if affected by the high fever.
Apis: “Behavior, studies, the flute…. Since I could understand what was going on, she’s always been forcing me. I keep trying to do my best to meet her aspirations, because she loves me. Everything is so I can live a life the way she expects.”
OO: “That’s…”
Apis: “Love is something that steals away a person’s freedom. That’s why I… don’t want to love anyone. Much less be loved…”
OO: “I don’t…think that’s true.”
Apis: “How can you say that when you don’t know anything?”
OO: “…”
I sank into silence, unable to say more.
Apis: “I said too much.”
My heart sank at hearing Apis’ true feelings.
(…I wonder if there’s anything I can do.)
His breathing sounded painful, and without thinking I gently grasped his hand.
Apis: “…I hate when people touch me.”
As he spoke, he loosely held my hand.
I simply prayed that Apis would be able to become just a little more comfortable.
Ch. 4: Meddling
That evening…
We decided to attend the dinner party as planned.
OO: “You really should rest…”
Apis: “You’re so persistent. It’s fine, my fever’s gone down a lot.”
(…but it hasn’t gone down completely.)
Apis politely escorted me through the gathering crowded with people clad in gemstones and expensive clothing.
Before long, I was guided to a seat overlooking the venue and Apis brought out his flute.
Apis: “Ladies and gentlemen, our country thanks you for your attendance.”
The beautiful sounds I had heard that afternoon from under the tree echoed throughout the venue.
(I wonder if Apis is alright.)
When Apis had finished his performance, the people burst into boisterous applause.
I looked in the direction of a noticeably loud applause and…
(That’s…Apis’ mother.)
Apis’ mother was looking at her son full of pride, but before long she seemed satisfied and left.
Apis: “Man, I’m worn out.”
Turning back, Apis was coming over to where I was.
OO: “…!”
His complexion was paler than before, and his forehead was drenched in sweat.
OO: “Did your fever go up again!?”
Apis: “…it’s nothing.”
OO: “Should we head back to the room? You’re going to collapse at this rate.”
Apis: “I can’t just go back. What will happen if the host isn’t here?”
OO: “But…”
Invitee 1: “Lord Apis! What a splendid performance!”
Invitee 2: “Please come visit my country next time!”
Though I tried to bring Apis back to the room, he was soon lost in a crowd of people.
(…what’s the best thing to do? Maybe Apis’ mother…I wonder if she can take over as hostess.)
While thinking that, I carefully withdrew from the area.
Apis’ mother was sitting quietly on a bench, bathed in moonlight.
Apis’ Mother: “Lady OO.”
Noticing me, she smiled elegantly.
Apis’ Mother: “With Apis’ performance over, I’m just taking a little rest. That boy is my pride and joy. A worthy heir to this country. He will raise his status more and more.”
OO: “…Ma’am, actually, Apis is…”
Apis: “…what are the two of you talking about?”
I was suddenly interrupted, and I turned to see Apis standing there.
Apis: “…”
His eyes seemed to be telling me not to say anything more.
Apis’ Mother: “Apis! Your performance was simply wonderful! Our guests have all been singing your praises.”
Apis: “I’m glad for that.”
Then her gaze shifted to me…
Apis’ Mother: “…Lady OO. I know this is rather sudden, but I wonder if you wouldn’t be an ideal candidate for Apis’ fiancée.”
OO: “Eh…”
My eyes got wide at the sudden statement.
Apis’ Mother: “Of course you don’t have to respond right now. If you were to be involved in the discussion of marriage, Apis would more and more…”
(H-his fiancée…)
OO: “…Ma’am, please consider how Apis feels as well.”
OO: “…U-um, wait, hold on!”
(Is she not going to take Apis’ feelings into consideration…?)
OO: “I realize it’s a little forward of me but…”
I clenched my fist.
OO: “I’d like you to listen more to what Apis has to say, and to his feelings.”
Apis: “OO…”
Apis looked at me in surprise.
OO: “I’m sorry, but….I don’t want to see…your pained expression Apis.”
Apis: “For crying out loud.”
Apis let out a sigh of exasperation.
Apis: “You…are so nosy.”
I thought that Apis’ gaze was somehow kind as he looked at me.
At that time…
Suddenly, a small black form flew out of the nearby thicket.