Ch. 1: In the Brilliance of a Skyscraper
The nightscape spread before me, the perfect image of a jewelry box that had been tipped over.
OO: “It’s beautiful…”
I spoke without thinking, and Kotohogi turned his emerald-green eyes on me.
Kotohogi: “I’m glad you like it.”
The nightscape, and Kotohogi’s smiling face, and his pleasantly soft voice in my ear…
I smiled peacefully, my reflection in the window.
OO: “Thank you for bringing me to such a beautiful place.”
Kotohogi: “I was awoken by the Princess of Träumere. How could I do anything less?”
Saying so, he placed his right hand over his chest and executed a perfect bow.
…This is the Kingdom of Amatsu.
As thanks for waking Kotohogi, I had been invited here and was inside a skyscraper, as if in a dream.
Kotohogi quietly exchanged words with the bartender, and before long a glass was set in front of me.
Kotohogi: “I had them make this with you in mind.”
I took a sip of the peach-colored liquid that filled the glass.
OO: “…it’s good!”
The champagne cocktail tasted of berries, and on the other side of the glass, Kotohogi seemed pleased as he smiled.
Kotohogi: “However, this isn’t enough to thank you for waking me…let me show you around the kingdom.”
While looking at the townscape full of shining, multicolored lights, my chest swelled in anticipation.
I didn’t know what his intentions were behind that refined smile.
Ch. 2: A Hollow Heart
(This brings back memories.)
I found myself stopping in the area we went to first.
Kotohogi: “What’s wrong?”
He suddenly looked at me in surprise.
Kotohogi’s fair face was close, as if to give me his support
OO: “Ah, nothing! Sorry.”
I pushed down the pounding in my chest and once again turned my attention to the townscape.
OO: “It’s just similar to the world I came from.”
Kotohogi: “Really?”
Kotohogi blinked as if in great interest.
Kotohogi: “What’s similar about it?”
OO: “The high-rise buildings, and the streets…ah, over there! It looks like a festival stall!”
I pointed to a stand across the road, and my voice unintentionally rose.
Kotohogi: “You’re right.”
Narrowing his eyes, Kotohogi looked at me in silence as I got excited.
(…could it be…)
OO: “Um, Kotohogi, are you not having fun? I guess I’m being unreasonable.”
At my words, Kotohogi looked at me, puzzled.
Kotohogi: “…fun?”
OO: “Am I… annoying you?”
I timidly looked up at Kotohogi and…
Kotohogi: “Annoying me? Why would you think that? I want to hear more.”
Kotohogi’s gaze was fixed on me with great interest.
Kotohogi: “You’re a very bright person.”
Laughing softly, he slowly reached out his hand.
Gently, his fingers brushed against my neck.
Kotohogi: “…your neck looks like it could use some company.”
OO: “Eh?”
Speaking quietly, just like that he took my hand and started walking.
…
……
Then we arrived at a large jewelry store in town.
I kept blinking at the multicolored stones in the showcase.
Kotohogi: “Here, don’t you think this one looks good?”
OO: “This is…”
Sparkling on my chest was an elegant emerald.
(It’s gorgeous but…)
Without waiting for my reply, Kotohogi had already finished checking out.
Kotohogi: “You don’t have to hold back.”
I was bewildered, and he smiled at me in satisfaction.
I fixed my eyes on his back as he walked in front, and I gave a small sigh as I felt a twinge of guilt.
OO: “It was so expensive… thank you very much.”
Kotohogi: “Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to get you a present.”
OO: “Then at least let me thank you in return. What’s something you want Kotohogi? Or something you like? If it’s something I can do or get, I will…”
At my words, Kotohogi turned to look at me.
Kotohogi: “There’s nothing in particular.”
OO: “Eh…”
Stopping like before, he gave me an awkward smile.
Kotohogi: “Things I want, or things I like…”
He walked over slowly, the light of the emerald shining on his fingers as they drew near.
Kotohogi: “There’s really nothing. Because I’m hollow.”
(Kotohogi?)
Kotohogi: “As long as I can entertain you like this…”
He spoke only that much, then Kotohogi suddenly stopped talking.
Kotohogi: “Sorry. I really just wanted to give you something. Don’t let it worry you.”
Kotohogi smiled as if to brush it off, but it was somehow lonely…
At that time, I was unable to take my eyes off his expression…
Villager 1: “Look, there’s a lot from Mei here today too.”
Villager 2: “That’s Amatsu for you. No matter how many are taken to Mei, we get some right back.”
I looked towards the voice and saw a crowd of around ten people marching, surrounded by people who looked like castle soldiers.
OO: “What’s…?”
Kotohogi: “…”
Kotohogi watched the procession, his face grim…
Kotohogi: “…it’s nothing. Come on, let’s go back to the castle.”
Saying so, he placed his hand on my back and urged me to walk.
(What in the…)
Even if I had wanted to ask the question out loud, I felt like Kotohogi’s kind smile was saying ‘don’t ask’, and I couldn’t say any more.
Ch. 3: Strategy
That night…
I received a passionate welcome from the king after being guided to the castle.
King: “Well well, if it isn’t the Princess of Träumere! Saving my son like that, there truly are no words…!”
The king was very intense, and I was flustered as he shook my hand.
OO: “It was nothing, Your Highness.”
King: “Kotohogi, make sure you show Lady OO around properly.”
The king looked at Kotohogi mischievously.
King: “I don’t want you to get overwhelmed by her beauty.”
Kotohogi: “Yes Father.”
Kotohogi gave a strained smile, and the king left us, returning to official business.
OO: “He’s quite friendly isn’t he.”
Kotohogi: “…”
Saying so, Kotohogi’s expression stiffened.
OO: “Is something the matter?”
Kotohogi looked surprised, and his momentary look of panic was soon covered up with a smile.
Kotohogi: “Sorry, it’s nothing…Now, let me take you to your room.”
(I wonder what’s wrong with Kotohogi.)
Thinking, I didn’t know what to say, so I remained quiet.
Kotohogi: “Ah, yeah. He’s very friendly.”
He answered with that plastered-on smile and guided me to a room.
Kotohogi: “This will be your room, OO.”
OO: “Thank you.”
I was curious about his expression before, but I said nothing and obediently went to enter the room.
Kotohogi: “…wait.”
OO: “Eh?”
He suddenly called for me to stop and placed a hand on my shoulder.
Gently, his fingers slid across my neck and…
OO: “…?”
I gingerly touched the emerald necklace Kotohogi have bought for me as a gift.
Kotohogi: “Yeah, it really does suit you. Good night OO.”
The light from the emerald fell on Kotohogi’s smile, and he turned to go.
(I had planned on saying goodnight back…)
I just stood there, my heart pounding.
Over the next few days, I was graciously welcomed in Amatsu.
Kotohogi was always the perfect gentleman, but…
——————–
Kotohogi: “Things I want, or things I like…There’s really nothing.”
Villager 1: “Look, there’s a lot from Mei here today too.”
Villager 2: “That’s Amatsu for you. No matter how many are taken to Mei, we get some right back.”
——————–
For some reason, I remembered all I had heard and the uneasiness I had felt, which kepy me from relaxing.
Then that night…
I kept tossing and turning, before I finally got up out of bed.
(I’ll just go get a little fresh air.)
As I walked in the courtyard and admired the stars…
I heard a voice coming from behind a door that light was leaking out of.
King: “Have you won over the Princess of Träumere?”
(That voice, is that the king?)
My body stiffened.
It seemed like the king and Kotohogi were talking inside the room.
King: “If we can get her to come to our side, we’ll be able to get ahead of Mei.”
The king’s voice was low and full of greed, quite different from what I had heard a few days ago.
Kotohogi: “As you wish.”
King: “What would be a good reward?”
Kotoogi: “I need nothing.”
(What are they talking about…?)
I suppressed the fast beating of my heart, and the king seemed to have finished speaking and was going to leave the room.
(…!)
In a panic I tried to hide in the shadow of a pillar but…
King: “What is…Lady OO…!!”
OO: “Ah…”
King: “Well, there’s nothing to be done if you overheard us.”
The king looked momentarily surprised, but soon an ominous smile crept across his face.
King: “I have a request for you. It’s quite simple. Princess of Träumere, I’d like you to cooperate with our country. And I want you to declare it formally.”
OO: “Cooperate…?”
I felt dread as I looked at this king who seemed like a completely different person, and I unconsciously took a step back.
Kotohogi: “Father!”
Before I realized it, Kotohogi had thrown open the door and moved to stand between the king and me.
Kotohogi: “I believe I said to leave this matter to me.”
King: “Fine…I’ll leave it to you. Now then Princess. I look forward to your answer.”
The king spoke it like a declaration and turned on his heel to go.
Kotohogi: “…”
OO: “…what’s going on?”
Kotohogi: “…I’m sorry.”
He slowly lowered his head and let out a small sigh.
OO: “…”
I thought to ask, but Kotohogi looked so incredibly sad…
I waited for him to tell me.
Kotohogi: “…won’t you say something?”
Kotohogi: “Since long ago, there has been conflict between our country, Amatsu, and the country called Mei…Father is always thinking of ways to invade, but it never goes as planned. On top of that, I was put into that sleep… But then you appeared. My father plans to rise above Mei by having the Princess of Träumere become our ally.”
Kotohogi lowered his gaze.
Kotohogi: “It was on his orders that I treat you with the utmost hospitality and win you over…I got close to you, to use you.”
Kotohogi’s face was full of shame, and I spoke up.
OO: “…then…Why do you look like you’re in pain?”
Kotohogi: “…there are things I have to do as the prince of this country. That’s all there is to it.”
His voice sounded so strained…
OO: “Kotohogi…”
As I said his name, he bit his lip.
Ch. 4: Where Do Your True Feelings Lie?
The cold light of the moon shone through the curtain.
I had come to Kotohogi’s room.
The furniture was neat and orderly, and the room was so well taken care of that there wasn’t a single speck of dust.
On the veranda were many potted plants, covered in leaves.
Kotohogi: “…it’s my only hobby.”
Kotohogi lovingly touched the emerald green leaves.
Kotohogi: “You know, growing plants like this is kind of like I’m raising myself. Strange huh?”
His laugh was tinged with self-deprecation, and he crossed his arms behind his back as he slowly began to speak.
Kotohogi: “…Father and the Queen of Mei used to be on friendly terms.”
Sitting on the sofa, Kotohogi’s words were full of grief.
OO: “Friendly…?”
Kotohogi: “The conflict between Amatsu and Mei started a long time ago. Since then the two countries have struggled for control over the other’s population. Mei would take people from Amatsu, and in return, Amatsu would take people from Mei.”
OO: “…that’s unbelievable.”
Kotohogi: “It’s incredibly unbelievable, and stupid, isn’t it? But it still goes on to this day. My father and the Queen of Mei both hated the conflict. They worked together to try and guide the countries towards peace. But… The two became so wrapped up in matters of the throne, they soon became consumed with thoughts of their own rights… Unable to find a common ground, their friendship fell apart and in the end, they weren’t able to stop the conflict. Actually, it only got worse from there. It’s not just kidnapping between the countries now, sometimes there are also murders.”
He let out a deep sigh.
OO: “Kotohogi…what do you think of all this?”
Kotohogi: “I…”
OO: “…Kotohogi, I don’t think you want to be at odds with Mei.”
Kotohogi: “I don’t? That’s an odd thing to say, considering I’m the prince. I was the first-born, and I have a duty to fulfil…that is what I want.”
Speaking of what he wanted, he sounded horribly empty.
OO: “Is that really what you want Kotohogi…?”
I stood up and approached him.
OO: “Kotohogi, I want to know how you really feel. If you’re really fine with things the way they are…then you shouldn’t look like you’re in so much pain.”
Kotohogi: “…OO…”
OO: “Please don’t make that pained expression…”
I looked into his emerald green eyes, wavering with sorrow…
I slowly reached out my hand to his cheek.
Kotohogi: “OO…”
He spoke my name, and I reflexively cast my eyes downward.
OO: “I’m sorry for being so forward.”
As I apologized, Kotohogi opened his mouth.
Kotohogi: “OO…I…”
OO: “It’s getting late, I should head back.”
Without waiting for him to speak, I left the room like I was trying to run away.
While I walked to my own room, I was filled with regret.
(I’m sticking my nose into this when I don’t even know the full story. But I couldn’t stand seeing Kotohogi in pain like that.)
At that time…
OO: “…!”
Suddenly, someone forcibly covered my mouth.
(Who…!?)
The smell of chemicals hit my nose.
Soon, I lost consciousness.
…
……
Kotohogi: “Where did she go…!”
Kotohogi’s face was twisted with impatience as he went through the castle, looking for OO.
Kotohogi: “You there. Have you seen the Princess of Träumere?”
He called out to some soldiers who happened to be passing by and…
Soldier 1: “N-no, we haven’t.”
Soldier 2: “We don’t…!”
Silently, Kotohogi grabbed the soldier’s neck and shoved him against the wall.
Kotohogi: “…speak.”
The soldier froze in terror.
Soldier 1: “I-it was by order of the king…”
Kotohogi: “Father…!?”
Kotohogi clenched his fist.