Ch. 5: Evening Light
The next day…
Thinking about the other day, I hadn’t wanted to concern Raith…so I had spent the time alone in my room.
Raith: “Ready?”
In the twilight that flooded the room, Raith’s smiling face peeked out.
Raith: “I finished it today. Since I let you see something so distasteful yesterday.”
Raith carried his painting of the glittering sunlight through the trees.
(Even though this is such a difficult time, he’s worrying about me…)
Those feelings, more than anything else, made me happy, and I smiled at him.
As he hung the painting on the wall…
Raith’s Brother: “Princess. I’d like you to come with me.”
Suddenly, Raith’s brother entered the room.
OO: “What…?”
Raith’s Brother: “Forgive my rudeness. But be that as it may, our country is currently in a critical state as it chooses a successor. To have the woman who is the chosen Princess of Träumere spending time with Raith is causing a stir among the servants. Since I’m first in line for the throne, I’d like you to be with me.”
Saying so, Raith’s brother grabbed my hand and left the room.
OO: “Raith…!”
I kept looking over my shoulder as he pulled me away.
Ch. 6: The Sunlight Through the Trees Over His Shoulder
I kept looking back over my shoulder as Rath’s brother pulled my hand.
(Raith…!)
As we approached the garden…
Raith: “Wait.”
Raith ran up to us, out of breath and violin in hand.
Raith: “Don’t touch her.”
Raith glanced down at his brother’s hand, still holding mine.
Raith: “I said don’t touch her!”
His voice was low and Raith snatched my hand away from his brother.
Raith’s Brother: “Such insolence! You’re completely worthless, so infatuated with art and music. At a time like this, can’t you just cooperate for the peace of the country!?”
Raith hid me behind his back as if shielding me from his brother’s shouting.
Raith’s Brother: “…what’s with those eyes?”
Raith: “I don’t care what you say about me, or how you treat me. But I won’t forgive you for dragging OO into this.”
OO: “…!”
Raith: “Her eyes are for seeing beautiful things. And her ears are for hearing lovely sounds.”
Raith seemed to radiate as I hid behind his back…
Raith’s Brother: “What are you talking about!? Beauty? Lovely things? What use are those? She’s a princess, so more than anything she should want to see the prosperity of a country.”
———————
Raith: “I…I’m a pretty useless prince.”
———————
Remembering Raith’s words, I realized something and clenched my fist.
OO: “You say prosperity…”
Raith’s Brother: “Eh?”
OO: “You talk about prosperity, but what exactly does that mean?”
———————
Raith: “Wait just a minute. Everyone is enjoying it so much, I’ll just do one more song.”
Raith: “If you sprawl out in the evening sun, the light through the trees is even more beautiful.”
———————
OO: “I saw people truly enjoying Raith’s music. And he showed me for the first time how beautiful the sunlight through the trees can be.”
Raith’s Brother: “What are you talking about…”
OO: “I think diplomacy and military affairs are important for the prosperity of a country. But… Raith’s music and his art make people smile. No matter who they are. And isn’t the happiness of the people part of that prosperity?”
I finished speaking, and a heavy silence descended on us.
Raith: “OO…”
Raith’s Brother: “…excuse me.”
After a moment, Raith’s brother let out a long sigh and left.
Raith gently placed his hand on my shoulder.
(I…!)
I suddenly felt embarrassed and turned my back to him, however…
(Huh…?)
I noticed Raith was shaking.
OO: “Raith…?”
Raith: “…”
Raith turned his back to me and gripped his shoulder.
With him standing there like that, my arm naturally reached out to bring him closer.
Raith: “…thanks. You really think art can make people prosper?”
He asked with a shaking voice.
OO: “Yes…I’m sure of it.”
At my answer, Raith slowly turned toward me and smiled sweetly.
Raith: “I was filled with courage, thanks to you. Even though I’m not very good at politics and military affairs. You saying that…I’ll do what I can. I couldn’t stand you being taken away for such a ridiculous reason.”
OO: “Raith…”
A gentle breeze ruffled Raith’s hair.
Raith: “OO…”
He traced his thumb across my lips…
Raith: “I hope these beautiful lips…will continue to speak beautiful words. I want to keep filling you with lovely things.”
As I closed my eyes…
He gently brushed my lips, like the wind.
OO: “…”
Raith held me tightly.
Raith: “OO…”
Over his shoulder, the light coming through the trees sparkled and shined.
I closed my eyes, as if I could lock up that beautiful scene.
END