Ch. 1: A Letter Affixed to an Arrow Through the Heart
Country of Koubai, Month of Fragrance…-.
The evening star sparkled in the western sky, signaling the fall of night.
The town was turning red as I walked on towards Byakuyo’s castle, trying to catch my breath.
Byakuyo: “Come to the castle right away!”
That short phrase had been written on a letter affixed to an arrow, which I had received the day before.
My heart was filled with unease, and I pushed myself forward…
(Ah, this fragrance…)
The sweet smell of plums tickled my nose.
As I stood there, someone put their arm around my shoulder and I turned around…-.
Byakuyo: “I’ve been waiting for you OO.”
Byakuyo’s face was suddenly near, his lips colored with a beautiful sheen.
(Like I thought, it was Byakuyo’s scent.)
His face and figure, so glamorous and beautiful like that of a woman, made my heart pound.
(He’s as beautiful as ever…)
Byakuyo was a man, but he wore beautiful makeup, and gave an airy laugh.
Byakuyo: “What on earth are you spacing out for? It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, but you’ve got your head in the clouds like usual I see. Though I suppose that’s one of the things I like about you.”
OO: “Byakuyo, what’s going on? You said to come right away…-“
Byakuyo: “So sorry, I’ll tell you later! Come with me for just a little bit! I’ll give you a proper explanation after. But for now come with me!”
He firmly took my hand in his larger one, and hurriedly started to walk away.
(What on earth is going on?)
At last we arrived at a noticeably gorgeous room.
Seated within was the king, enshrined and surrounded by his close aids.
Within that grave atmosphere…
Byakuyo: “Father, I plan to marry this girl.”
(M…marry!?)
I felt my body and face stiffen in shock, and Byakuyo smiled coolly.
Ch. 2: Fiancee of Lies
Byakuyo: “Father, I plan to marry this girl.”
(Byakuyo and I, married!?)
At Byakuyo’s words, everyone gathered there began to stir in surprise.
Only Byakuyo stood there still smiling calmly.
King: “What is the meaning of this Byakuyo!? Wh-who on earth is that girl…”
Byakuyo: “Oh my, she’s not just a simple girl. She is a full-fledged princess of a certain country. Of course, which country that would be is a secret. She doesn’t want her lineage to spread to other countries…right?”
With a mischievous smile, Byakuyo seductively stroked my cheek.
I looked at Byakuyo, my heart pounding with confusion and nervousness, and my gaze locked with his large eyes.
OO: “U-um, Byakuyo.”
Byakuyo: “Hm~ it’s alright. You have nothing to worry about.”
He whispered so that only I could hear, then winked at me.
(This is what he meant when he wanted me to come with him I guess?)
King: “So you have someone like that in mind…”
Byakuyo: “As you can see, the two of us are very much in love.”
OO: “Y-yes.”
I thought to simply agree with what he was saying, so I spoke with earnestness even though my heart was trembling.
Byakuyo put his arm around my shoulder and gently adjusted a strand of my hair.
OO: “Th-that’s not…-“
I spoke up without thinking, and Byakuyo covered my mouth.
Byakuyo: “OO. You said you’d work with me on this right?”
King: “B-but Byakuyo. You have a formal marriage interview with Princess Kazuki of the neighboring kingdom tomorrow.
(Princess Kazuki? A marriage interview!?)
Byakuyo: “But you see Father… there’s nothing to be done about it, since I’ve fallen in love. Right?”
King: “You say that but…-“
Byakuyo: “Let us end this discussion Father. Come now OO. You’ve only just arrived so you must be treated with hospitality. Please excuse us Father.”
Everyone was still in a commotion as Byakuyo, still with his arm around my shoulder, left the room with an elegant gait.
OO: “Byakuyo, wh-what is going on?”
Byakuyo: “Just what you heard. I would like you to be my fiancée starting today. You’ll help me out right?”
Byakuyo closely examined my expression, his cheek just a hair’s breadth from mine.
Byakuyo: “I’m actually in a bit of a pinch right now.”
OO: “You mean the marriage interview?”
Byakuyo: “Precisely! I’m an only child, so everyone’s worried that I haven’t found a lover. But you see, what I love is being beautiful, and cute girls like you.”
He softly stroked my cheek, and the sweet smell of plums once again filled my nose.
(My heart is pounding…)
Byakuyo: “Dressing up all fashionable together is great, but socializing and marriage isn’t really my style… My father couldn’t stand to just watch me like that, and he went off and set up this marriage interview. So I wanted to set a pretense with you as my fiancée. Give them the impression that we’re toootally in love!”
He smiled like a flower suddenly coming into bloom.
It really was like a large, beautiful flower blooming there in front of me.
Byakuyo: “You don’t mind do you? I figured I could trust you with this.”
OO: “But when you say you want me to pretend to be your fiancé, what do you want me to do…?”
Byakuyo: “Isn’t it obvious? If I say I’ll cooperate with sitting in on the marriage interview, there’s just one thing I want you to do.”
OO: “Eh?”
He looked at me with those beautiful eyes as he smiled, clearly scheming something.
Ch. 3: Let's Break Up the Marriage Interview
The sky was dyed a myriad of colors as the sun rose.
I ended up unable to sleep and stayed awake all night. Then Byakuyo came to call in the morning to help me choose my clothes.
Byakuyo: “Oooo this is nice, very cute. Alright, then next is…”
Byakuyo led me to a mirror where I saw I wore a kimono adorned with vibrant flowers.
He swiftly made a slight adjustment, then gently dabbed a deep red pigment on my lips with his little finger.
(His finger is on my lips…)
The tip of his finger was slightly cool as it glided over the top of my lips.
Byakuyo: “Part your lips just a tad.”
OO: “R-right.”
Though I was tense with nervousness, I did as I was told and opened my mouth slightly.
Byakuyo came close to my face, and there was a sweet fragrance as he let out a breath.
Byakuyo: “There, all done.”
The me I saw in the mirror looked like someone completely different.
Byakuyo: “Very beautiful. As expected, my choice was spot on.”
Byakuyo smiled in satisfaction and I…-.
OO: “Thank you Byakuyo.”
I expressed my gratitude and smiled at him.
Byakuyo: “Oh you…you really are cute.”
Byakuyo looked at me kindly, and put an ornate pin in my hair.
OO: “You’re very good at applying makeup Byakuyo.”
Byakuyo: “Of course I am. I am knowledgeable in all things necessary to become beautiful.”
Byakuyo: “When you put in the work, your cuteness is unbeatable.
Byakuyo: “Though I’m kind of jealous.”
OO: “Eh?”
Byakuyo: “Girls like you are sure to be popular with the men. I suppose I can’t keep you all to myself forever.”
(Eh…)
Those words suddenly jarred my heart as Byakuyo looked at me with a little bit of pain in his eyes.
Byakuyo: “Now, on to battle.”
OO: “…right.”
(I just have to somehow act as Byakuyo’s fiancée.)
…
……
Arriving in the large reception hall, I saw there was already a woman there. She sat perfectly upright and wore a beautiful indigo kimono.
Kazuki: “…Lord Byakuyo. A pleasure to see you.”
Lady Kazuki had cheeks the color of peaches, and her eyes glistened as she looked at Byakuyo.
(She’s so beautiful, so why does Byakuyo dislike her so much?)
I turned my gaze to Byakuyo, and he seemed to be looking beyond Lady Kazuki with an air of disinterest.
Byakuyo: “Princess Kazuki, thank you for coming. However you’ll have to excuse me. There will be no proposal of marriage at this time.”
Byakuyo cut straight to the point.
Kazuki: “What…do you mean?”
Lady Kazuki’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and her voice trembled.
Byakuyo: “I am sorry, but my heart has decided on someone.”
Byakuyo put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me in close.
Byakuyo: “This girl.”
Kazuki: “…”
Lady Kazuki slowly turned those glistening eyes on me.
OO: “…nice to meet you.”
I courteously bowed my head to her, wanting to carry out my mission to the fullest.
Kazuki: “I…see…”
I could hear the sound of heartache in her voice as it grew quiet.
(I wonder if this is really okay.)
Kazuki: “However, I shall endure until the day comes when you look at me Lord Byakuyo.”
Byakuyo: “…”
While Lady Kazuki smiled like a gentle flower, Byakuyo’s expression was hard.
The marriage interview was put on hold for a short time, and Byakuyo and I exited into the hallway.
OO: “She’s quite beautiful.”
Byakuyo looked down at me in shock as I quietly spoke those words.
Byakuyo: “In what way? The vileness in her heart was etched all over her face! She may seem nice on the surface, but inside she’s cruel, and seizes power over opposing nobility with her underhanded tricks. It’s how her whole family is. A life spent with a girl like her would be like Hell.”
OO: “H-hell…”
Byakuyo: “Yes, precisely. That’s why you have to play the perfect fiancée for me, see?”
OO: “Leave it to me.”
Byakuyo: “That’s a nice answer. I’m really glad I asked you to do this.”
OO: “I-I don’t know if I can.”
Byakuyo: “Trust me, and smile.”
Byakuyo: “Though I feel a little bad getting you involved in all this.”
He placed both of his hands on either side of my face and looked at me intently.
Byakuyo: “I bet you’re wondering why there’s no one else I thought I could leave this too. It’ll be fine. I chose you for this after all.”
There was strength there in his eyes that he’d never shown me before, and I couldn’t look away.
OO: “Alright, if you say so Byakuyo.”
Byakuyo: “Thanks OO.”
He replied with a smile, and his serious gaze softened.
At that time…-.
Kazuki: “Lord Byakuyo.”
Byakuyo: “Oh?”
Kazuki: “If you would be so kind, would you show me around the castle?”
Byakuyo: “Since you came all this way for nothing, I can do that much. However, I’m bringing her along as well.”
Byakuyo took my hand, then started walking in front of Lady Kazuki.
Kazuki: “Of course, I don’t mind.”
I could hear a thinness in her voice.
(I really feel like I ought to apologize to Lady Kazuki for all this.)
Since we were walking in front, I couldn’t see her expression.
That’s why I didn’t know that at that moment, there was a darkness in her eyes as she stared at me.
Ch. 4: Dark Intentions
Finishing up the tour of the castle, we were on our way back to Lady Kazuki’s room as the setting sun streamed in through the window.
Kazuki: “Lord Byakuyo…thank you very much.”
Lady Kazuki gave a polite bow of her head and went into her room.
Byakuyo let out a sigh and turned to look at me.
Byakuyo: “Thanks for that.”
OO: “It’s fine…”
Byakuyo: “What is it? You sound so dejected. That’s not like you at all.”
He chuckled and spoke cheerfully.
While the three of us had gone around the castle, Byakuyo had shown that same concern for me a few times.
However each time, I noticed Lady Kazuki’s arms tightening around herself as if she were in pain.
(This really is a terrible thing to do to Lady Kazuki.)
OO: “Byakuyo, I really…”
I was unable to finish what I was going to say, and Byakuyo put his hand to my forehead with a look of anxiety.
Byakuyo: “You alright? Do you feel sick?”
OO: “I’m alright.”
I said as much, and Byakuyo gently hugged my shoulder.
Byakuyo: “I let you push yourself too hard didn’t I… Go rest up.”
His voice was calm and gentle.
OO: “…”
I couldn’t bring myself to say anything as he smiled at me so kindly, then Byakuyo quietly headed for his room.
The lingering scent of plums hung in the air, and for some reason I got a lump in my throat.
(And with that my duty is finished…but…why do I now feel so lonely?)
At that time…-.
Kazuki: “Excuse me…Lady OO.”
A delicate voice called out to me from outside the room, as if waiting for Byakuyo to have left.
OO: “Lady Kazuki!? Is something the matter?”
Kazuki: “If it’s not too much trouble, would you join me for a walk in the garden?”
The way she spoke was so refined and modest.
OO: “With me?”
Kazuki: “Yes. Lord Byakuyo’s lover…is someone I feel is very important.”
OO: “Lady Kazuki…”
I could not refuse her request.
OO: “Yes, I’ll come with you.”
Lady Kazuki and I headed for the garden.
As we stepped out into it, the moonlight faintly outlined our shadows.
Kazuki: “I am envious of you. Lord Byakuyo thinks so much of you.”
Those words pricked my heart.
Kazuki: “I…”
Lady Kazuki’s voice wavered, and a tear ran down her cheek.
OO: “Lady Kazuki…”
Kazuki: “Please forgive me, but I just can bear it no longer.”
The tears fell from her eyes one after the other, and they sparkled like precious jewels.
Kazuki: “Even though I’m so unfit for Lord Byakuyo…”
Lady Kazuki covered her face with her hands, and the pain in my heart wouldn’t go away.
(I can’t keep quiet about this anymore.)
OO: “Lady Kazuki, actually…-“
As I held my hand out to Lady Kazuki…-.
OO: “Eh…?”
All around us were men brandishing swords, surrounding us.
Kazuki: “And you are in the way.”
A dark, cold voice rang out right beside me.
OO: “Lady Kazuki!?”
She removed her hand from her face, and she glared at me with eyes now seething with rage.
Kazuki: “Now disappear for me.”
In the same instant Lady Kazuki quietly spoke those words…-.
The men surrounding us aimed their swords at me in unison.