Ch. 1: His Return
Land of Voices, Vox, Month of Sun…-.
The trees were dyed the color of dusk…
??: “Hmn~…”
The person I had just awakened stretched his arms high over his head.
His slightly unruly golden hair shone in the evening sunlight.
??: “Are you the one that saved me?”
OO: “Yes… um…”
He took both my hands and shook them excessively.
??: “Thanks for saving me!”
OO: “N-no problem…”
He was shaking my hands up and down so much that it made my entire body move.
Rufen: “I’m Rufen! What’s your name?”
OO: “I’m OO.”
Rufen: “Alright then OO! Nice to meet ya! And where are we…?”
Rufen looked around.
Rufen: “Oh! This is pretty close to my castle!”
OO: “Eh…?”
Rufen: “This way OO! My castle’s this way!”
OO: “U-um…”
I found myself bewildered as he grabbed my hand and pulled me on with a big grin.
After that, I was dragged along and we finally arrived at Rufen’s castle…
Rufen: “I’m back!”
Guard: “Lord Rufen!? It’s Lord Rufen!”
Butler: “Lord Rufen…! I’m so glad you’re safe!”
Rufen: “Yeah! Sorry for worrying everyone!”
At Rufen’s return, the people of the castle raised their voices in astonishment.
Rufen stood before them, spreading his hands out wide.
Rufen: “Now, let’s have a feast! Partly because of my return… and so I can thank you!”
Rufen looked towards me and smiled cheerfully.
His loud, bright voice echoed throughout the castle.
Ch. 2: A Hectic Party
As the sky turned an indigo blue, the banquet began.
There were a lot of candles in golden candle holders at the table that had been prepared for me, and the flame flickered and shone faintly on the white tablecloth.
(How pretty…)
As I was captivated by the flame, I heard a pleasant song that celebrated Rufen’s return.
OO: “Everyone sings so well…”
Rufen: “Singing is our specialty in this country! Isn’t it great that it’s so lively!?”
Having said that, Rufen smiled excitedly.
(When Rufen smiles, I feel incredibly happy…)
OO: “Your voice is so bright and lovely Rufen.”
Rufen: “Y-you think so…!?”
Rufen scratched at the end of his nose, looking a little embarrassed.
Rufen: “I-I know! You should just talk more casually with me! You’re being too formal.”
OO: “Alright… I mean, okay.”
Rufen: “Yeah, like that!”
As I spoke, he smiled as bright as the sun.
Before long, a large number of platters of food were brought into the banquet hall.
Rufen: “The food’s here! Wait right here OO!”
Maid: “Ah… Lord Rufen! We’ll bring the food over…”
Rufen: “It’s fine! I got it!”
He hurriedly ran over to where the food had been set out as I sat in my chair.
Servant: “He hasn’t changed.”
Maid: “Yes, you’re right.”
Servant: “It was like the flame had gone out with Lord Rufen gone from the castle…”
The servants all looked at Rufen, their gazes warm.
(Everyone looks so happy that Rufen came back…)
Thinking that, I felt my chest warm.
Rufen: “What’s up? Everyone’s looking at me.”
Rufen came back with an armload of plates and titled his head as he saw the gazes focused on him.
Everyone smiled at seeing his puzzled expression.
(It’s kind of…)
OO: “Haha…”
Rufen: “W-why are you laughing!?”
OO: “Sorry, it’s just really fun talking to you Rufen. And everyone around you is smiling… it’s kind of like you’re the sun.”
Rufen: “…!”
As I said it, Rufen’s face turned slightly red.
Rufen: “Well, eat up!”
The multitude of large plates were piled high with various meat and fish as Rufen set them before me.
(I… I can’t eat this much… and for some reason, I don’t have much of an appetite…)
OO: “Thank you.”
Rufen: “No problem! It’s the least I can do.”
OO: “I can’t eat all this…”
Rufen: “But all the food in this country is so delicious that you can’t stop once you’ve started.”
Rufen arranged all of the plates out on the table.
(My body feels kind of heavy, and I don’t really want to eat… but Rufen went to all this trouble.)
From amongst the dishes, I chose a tomato dish and took a bite.
(It’s sweet and delicious…)
But I could only eat a little before I set my fork back on my plate.
Rufen: “What’s wrong? Do you not like it?”
OO: “It’s not that…”
Even though the food was very good, it felt like there was a lump caught in my throat and I couldn’t muster up the desire to eat.
(I wonder what’s wrong with me… my head feels kind of funny too…)
Rufen: “Did I bring you all food you hate!?”
OO: “No…”
Rufen: “Then what’s wrong? Isn’t there anything you want? Oh, I know! It’s because they’re touching right? But no matter how it’s arranged, it all ends up in your stomach together.”
(I-I can’t get a word in…)
Rufen: “I’ll bring you something different. What do you like? Do you want something sweet like a cake?”
OO: “Yeah… I like cake, but… I feel…”
(My body is heavy…)
Rufen: “Alright, cake it is! And then what? What else do you like?”
(Rufen is asking so earnestly… I have to answer him properly… but… my head feels so strange, I can’t figure out the words…)
Rufen: “What’s wrong? You look pale.”
OO: “Do I…?”
Rufen: “Do you feel sick!?”
OO: “Sorry… just a little…”
Rufen’s eyes opened wide in surprise, and he lifted me up.
Rufen: “Hey, doctor! Someone hurry and call the doctor!”
OO: “Eh…?”
Rufen: “Just hang on! I’ll help you!”
(R-Rufen…!?)
OO: “U-um…”
Ignoring my confusion, Rufen frantically continued to call for a doctor.
At Rufen’s shouting, the servants rushed off.
The party overflowing with singing fell into an uproar and came to an end.
Ch. 3: Gently Nursing a Patient
Having called the court physician, I was immediately brought to a room.
(What should I do? I’m really just feeling a little unwell…)
I was encouraged to lay in a bed, and now Rufen crowded around me.
Rufen: “Are you alright!?”
He looked at me with concern.
As I tried to respond…
OO: “Wh…-.”
Rufen grabbed my shoulders and forcefully started to shake them.
Rufen: “Hey, OO! Do you recognize me!?”
OO: “Uh…”
Rufen: “What’s wrong!? Are you so sick that you can’t talk!?”
(It’s… it’s because you’re shaking me… that I can’t answer…)
Court Physician: “Lord Rufen, Lady OO can’t answer if you shake her like that.”
Rufen: “O-Oh!”
As the doctor said it, Rufen hurriedly pulled his hands away.
The doctor took his place and put his hand to my forehead.
Court Physician: “How are you feeling?”
OO: “Um… I…”
Court Physician: “I’m sure it was troublesome having Lord Rufen cause such an uproar.”
The doctor smiled wryly, and behind him Rufen shrugged his shoulders.
Court Physician: “However, it is clear you are feeling unwell. You have a slight fever. I’m sure you’re tired from your travels. I want you to rest for today.”
OO: “Alright…”
Rufen: “Get lots of rest! Because tomorrow we’ll go see the parade in town!”
Rufen’s eyes sparkled as he spoke to me.
Rufen: “There’ll be a bunch of people singing, and dancing along with the parade! It’ll be lots of fun! Plus, there’ll be lots of delicious food!”
(It does sound fun… I have to get better by tomorrow…)
Yet contrary to my determination, my body felt heavier.
(…I wonder if my fever went up. But Rufen is really looking forward to it…)
Seeing Rufen smile, I hesitated to say anything that might cause him to worry.
OO: “I want to go, it sounds fun…!”
Rufen: “Right? I’m sure you’ll like it.”
OO: “I don’t know if we can do that…”
Rufen: “It’ll be fine! I’m sure you’ll be all better tomorrow morning!”
Rufen: “Oh!”
With a brilliant smile, Rufen rushed over to a cupboard.
He came back carrying a bunch of fruits in his arms.
Rufen: “I brought a bunch of delicious fruit! You’ll feel better in no time if you eat these!”
OO: “Thanks Rufen…”
Rufen: “I’ll bring more!”
OO: “Eh… um…”
Court Physician: “Now, hold on there.”
The doctor gently called out for Rufen to stop even as he seemed about to dash off again.
Court Physician: “Lord Rufen, the most important thing you can give her right now is rest.”
Rufen: “O-oh…”
Court Physician: “Also… it may be difficult for Lady OO to go out tomorrow.”
Rufen: “Eh…?”
Court Physician: “Lady OO should rest for a full day. She mustn’t do anything too strenuous.”
Rufen: “A-alright…”
Rufen’s shoulders slumped considerably.
OO: “Let’s go tomorrow if I’m feeling better.”
Rufen: “…”
Rufen’s eyes flicked over to the doctor but…
The doctor slowly shook his head.
OO: “Sorry.”
Rufen: “Why are you apologizing?”
OO: “You went to the trouble of inviting me, but…”
Rufen: “…it can’t be helped since you need to rest up! Don’t worry about me, just hurry and get some sleep.”
OO: “Okay…”
Rufen: “Make sure you cover up with a blanket.”
Rufen pulled the blanket up so far that he practically covered my face as he tucked it in.
(I-it’s so tight around my face that it kind of hurts…)
Rufen: “Rest up! Okay?”
Rufen’s expression was worried as he looked at me.
OO: “Rufen…”
(He’s such a nice and honest person…)
OO: “Thanks…”
I thanked Rufen and smiled at him…
Rufen: “I-it’s nothing… really…!”
Maybe it was because the fever was blurring my vision, but it looked like Rufen’s face turned red.
Ch. 4: A Kindness Through the Door
The noon bell rang out in the town to signal the hour…-.
The light coming in was bright as it hit my eyelids.
(I’m feeling quite a bit better. Oh right, the parade…)
———————–
Rufen: “Get lots of rest! Because tomorrow we’ll go see the parade in town!”
Rufen: “There’ll be a bunch of people singing, and dancing along with the parade! It’ll be lots of fun! Plus, there’ll be lots of delicious food!”
———————–
I remembered how his shoulders had drooped.
(Rufen was really looking forward to it…)
At that time…
I heard a voice I recognized from the other side of the door.
(Is that Rufen…?)
Rufen: “I wonder how OO’s doing.”
For a while now, Rufen had been pacing in front of the door.
??: “You’re like a bee, going round and round like that.”
Rufen: “Wh-what are you doing Bro!? Have you been watching this whole time?”
Rufen’s Brother: “Yeah. I’m pretty sure you were told to leave her be for now.”
Rufen: “But I’m so worried I can’t sit still… what should I do in times like this?”
Rufen’s brother just smiled wryly at him as Rufen’s eyebrows knit together in concern.
Rufen’s Brother: “Oh well, I guess I’ll help you out.”
Rufen: “Wh-what?”
Rufen’s Brother: “First you need to get a present.”
Rufen: “A present?”
Rufen’s Brother: “Yeah. Get a lot of things she would like. That’s just standard practice.”
Rufen: “…then what?”
Rufen’s Brother: “…geez, do I have to tell you how to do everything?”
Rufen: “P-please…!”
Rufen’s Brother: “I’ve never seen you look so troubled.”
Rufen’s brother smiled as he patted Rufen on the head, Rufen’s expression twisted with concern and yet still quite serious.
Rufen’s Brother: “Next is… to apologize sincerely. I can tell without even having seen you that you act like your usual self around girls.”
Rufen: “Uh… th-that’s…”
Rufen’s Brother: “So first you need to apologize for all the times you were pushy. You like her, right?”
Rufen: “Yeah, I got it… wait! L-l-like her!?”
Rufen went bright red, his voice turning into a shout as Rufen’s brother covered his mouth with his hand.
Rufen’s Brother: “She’s going to hear you. I’m so envious of how innocent you are!”
Rufen: “Sh-shut up!!”
Rufen’s Brother: “Also, keep it down. Your loud voice is going to wake her up.”
Rufen: “Uh…”
Rufen’s Brother: “It’s possible she’s already heard our entire conversation.”
Rufen: “!! Really!? OO!”
Rufen’s Brother: “You…really are an idiot.”
(He said that but…)
OO: “Y-yeah…”
I answered in a quiet voice, my heart pounding in my chest.
But…
No matter how much time passed, there was no answer from the other side of the door.
(I wonder if he didn’t hear me…)
(I can’t answer…)
Even now, my heart was pounding over whether or not Rufen would open the door, but as I stood there, everything outside the door was quiet.
I took my hand off the doorknob and slowly headed back to bed.
(Rufen likes me…?)
I slipped back into bed, unsure of what to do about my beating heart.
…
……
The next morning…-.
Thanks to resting for an entire day, I woke up refreshed.
(…I should go see Rufen. I need to tell him that I’m better.)
I hurriedly got up and dressed myself.
Then as I opened the door, the scene before me had me blinking.