Ch. 1: A Conspicuous Pair
Kingdom of Toriarl in the Land of Jewels, Month of Fragrance…-
The weather was fine and clear in the early afternoon.
Having been invited to Toriarl, I was being guided around the center of town by the local prince, Totori.
Totori: “This is Toriarl’s town center, Citrian Plaza.”
OO: “It’s a lovely bustling town…thank you for showing me around.”
Totori: “It’s no trouble, I was the one who wanted you to come after all. Please take your time and enjoy this country to its fullest in the coming week.”
Totori smiled and gave a small laugh, as gentle as a breeze.
On occasion, Totori would take my hand, and he showed me around the town at an easy pace, guiding my movements and gaze naturally as he did so.
(Totori is so mature…)
I felt slightly embarrassed with him escorting me so flawlessly and treating me like a perfect princess.
(But people have been looking at us…-)
I had felt eyes on us since before, and listened to the people talking.
Villager 1: “Well look at that, Lord Totori is accompanying a lady…!”
Villager 2: “And what’s more, I heard that lady is the Princess of Träumere.”
Totori: “…”
Totori noticed as I had turned my eyes to the ground under everyone’s stares.
Then Totori nodded and smiled at the gossiping villagers.
Villager 1: “…!”
The villager’s face turned red, then they left in a hurry with the person they’d been speaking to.
Totori: “It seems like we’ve gotten their attention. I wonder if it’s because you’re so incredibly cute?”
Totori laughed a little and his mouth turned upwards in a smile as he looked at me.
I felt my heart beat wildly at how close he was.
Totori: “Now, I’ll show you to the terrace over there so you can rest a little while.”
I breathed a sigh of relief, no longer being under the watchful eyes of the people, however…
I wondered if it was because of his brilliant beautiful golden eyes, but my heart wouldn’t calm down.
Ch. 2: The Relationship Between Them
Totori led me to a café where we were seated on the terrace.
Totori: “I suppose it’s only natural that the people would be interested in seeing the Princess of Träumere and the country’s prince. My apologies. I hadn’t considered that.”
His apology was cheerful as he smiled, and I shook my head.
OO: “Do you not normally go out into the town Totori?”
Totori: “No I do, I think being able to speak with the people and meet with them is a wonderful opportunity.”
(Then I wonder why those people were acting like it was so strange…)
As I thought it was odd, Totori stretched out his finger to me and a chuckle slipped from his smile.
Totori: “Your mouth.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Totori: “You have some cookie crumbs on your mouth.”
OO: “Ah…”
Totori gently wiped the crumbs away with his finger.
(This is embarrassing, it’s like I’m a child…but I suppose I must still look like a child to people like Totori.)
The atmosphere around him was calm, and during the time with him, I became a little vexed as I realized the difference in age between the two of us.
Totori: “Hahaha, I feel like there’s another of my younger sister here.”
OO: “…your sister?”
Totori: “Yes, I have a twin sister. And I don’t often go into town with a woman who isn’t her.”
OO: “I see…”
(So that’s why those women thought it was so odd. A sister…)
For some reason, those words caused a loneliness to fill my heart.
Totori sipped from the same kind of tea cup that I had, and he peered at me through his long eyelashes.
Totori: “OO?”
(He’s mature, and has a beautiful smile…I feel so at ease when I’m with Totori. It’s like my heart is wrapped in the calm atmosphere that he has…)
At that time…
Soldier: “Your Highness, the prince is here.”
At the figure facing the terrace from the alleyway, I quickly straightened my back.
King: “Oh, so this is where you were Totori.”
Totori: “Father, what are you doing here?”
King: “I wanted to discuss the marriage interview from the other day with you…”
The king’s gaze stopped at me, and it looked as if he relaxed into a smile.
King: “To think you’d be accompanying a lady…I was worried, thinking it was about time you needed to choose a bride, but it seems I didn’t need to.”
Taking in those sudden words from the king, I…
OO: “A bride…?”
I unintentionally stared, and Totori looked at me as he stood quickly.
Totori: “Father…speaking about those things all of a sudden will cause trouble for Ms. OO.”
OO: “Oh no, I…”
King: “What, am I wrong?”
Totori: “Father!”
Totori was unusually loud.
Totori: “I am showing OO around Toriarl to repay her for waking me up.”
Totori: “I do not have the relationship with her that you seem to think.”
OO: “…”
His denial was in strong opposition to the gentle atmosphere…
(I guess I really am closer to being like a sister than a woman to Totori.)
Thinking that, my chest hurt even more than it had before.
Ch. 3: Feelings Becoming Stronger
The next day, I was choosing a dress for the weekend banquet in the room I had been given, along with the help of a maid.
However…
——————–
Totori: “I do not have the relationship with her that you seem to think.”
——————–
Remembering the day before, my hand stopped going through the dresses.
(I wonder how I can become a woman that fits with how mature Totori is…)
Maid: “Lady OO, what about a dress like this one?”
OO: “…this deep red one?”
The dress she recommended was a brilliantly deep crimson, with a large opening on the chest.
(It’s a little too showy but…)
I was bewildered by the dress in front of me, not being able to see myself wearing it…
Totori: “Pardon me, is it alright for me to come in?”
OO: “…ah, yes.”
The door opened, and Totori stood there holding a bouquet of pure white lilies.
OO: “What are those flowers for?”
Totori: “I thought you’d feel more at ease if you decorated your room with them, so I got some from the gardener.”
OO: “They’re beautiful…thank you.”
Taking the bouquet, I breathed in their sweet fragrance.
Totori smiled as I did so, then looked at the red dress spread out on the table.
Totori: “Are you selecting a dress for the banquet?”
OO: “Yes. But I can’t seem to make up my mind…”
He furrowed his brow, looking at the red dress that clearly didn’t suit me.
Totori: “Well then, let’s see if I can choose a dress that will suit you.”
At his unexpected offer, I…
(Totori choosing a dress for me…)
A slightly embarrassed yet delighted feeling filled my heart.
OO: “…yes, please do.”
Totori: “Very well, I shall choose the perfect dress that fits how cute you are. I think a slightly more subdued design than this red one would be good for you.”
OO: “But, isn’t that a bother?”
I hesitated, not wanting to cause him any trouble.
Totori: “I’d be happy if I can only make you smile.”
OO: “My…smile?”
I stared blankly and met his eyes, which shone with a gentle light.
Totori: “If you’re going to wear it…I think something like this would be better than the red color…”
Totori chose a single dress for me from among the many that were there.
Totori: “How about this one? I think it would look good if we arrange it with some of these white lilies like this.”
Totori held up a pale pink dress to my shoulder.
Then he pulled a few flowers from the bouquet in my hands, and fastened them to the front like an accessory.
Totori: “There, this will bring out your best features, and it looks gorgeous.”
OO: “It’s beautiful…I look like a completely different person.”
I spoke unintentionally as I looked at myself in the mirror, suddenly looking more mature.
Totori: “I’m glad it pleases you.”
My heart started pounding as I saw him watching me and smiling.
Totori: “Now then, I shall take my leave.”
Totori turned his back to me, and left the room.
OO: “Ah…”
(But I didn’t get the chance to thank him…!)
OO: “Wait, Totor-…!”
I took a single step forward…
The heels I was wearing caught on the hem of the dress, and I felt myself start to pitch forward.
(…!)
Totori: “OO!”
Totori turned and rushed over, quickly catching me.
Totori: “That was dangerous.”
OO: “Ah, thank you…”
Totori: “Not at all. But it may be dangerous to wear those heals if you aren’t accustomed to them.”
With his arm around me, I was very aware of the distance between us and averted my eyes.
Totori: “OO, are you alright? The hem of this dress may be a little long. I’ll take it in for some minor adjustments.”
Totori: “While I’m at it, I’ll go ahead and choose a pair of shoes for you before the weekend. Something that’ll suit you perfectly…”
OO: “…”
As he spoke like a refined gentleman, I felt my face heat up in a flash.
He tapped his lips, which had formed into a gentle semicircle smile.
OO: “Totori…”
Totori: “So please look forward to this weekend, alright?”
Saying as much, Totori quietly left the room, just like he’d entered.
(But this weekend is…)
The banquet was the final day I’d agreed to stay…
The day after, I would leave Toriarl.
I tightly squeezed my hands in front of my chest, filled with a feeling I couldn’t put into words.
Ch. 4: Confession, and Then...
The fun-filled days came and went…
This evening was the banquet.
The hall was filled with the sound of classical music, and there were many high class lords and ladies.
(Where’s Totori…?)
The day after he had chosen my dress, he had presented me with a pair of pale pink flats.
I thought the shoes fit me perfectly, not being too childish but also not too mature looking
King: “…”
I spotted the king, and he met my gaze, then pointed to a window that led out into the courtyard.
(What’s going on? I guess I’ll go see…)
I opened the heavy glass door, then went out into the cool evening…
Totori: “OO?”
A night breeze rustled the courtyard trees, causing Totori’s hair to flutter, and our eyes met in the moonlight.
OO: “Totori…”
His beautiful smile eased my heart just like always…
But this was probably the last night I’d see that smile.
(…I…)
Before I knew it, I had been charmed by him, and realized what my feelings were.
(I want to tell him how I feel…)
Though that’s what I thought, I found it incredibly difficult to make a move and just ended up staring at him.
Totori: “…what’s the matter?”
OO: “…”
Totori: “Please, come sit. It’s your last night after all…”
(The last night…I likely won’t get another chance at this if I don’t say it now…)
Pushed on by his words, I at last…
OO: “Totori…I…”
My voice wavered, and I looked him right in the eye.
OO: “…”
Totori: “…”
The night was wrapped in silence.
I couldn’t get my words out.
I stood there for a little while…
Totori: “Those words that you want to say next, you shouldn’t do so now.”
OO: “Eh…?”
OO: “Totori…will you listen to my feelings?”
Totori: “Your…?”
OO: “…I think that when you look at me, I seem like a sister, but…”
Totori: “OO…”
He continued to smile calmly, just like he always did.
I stood there, staring at him.
Totori: “…I’m sorry OO.”
His voice was so soft I thought the wind would carry it away, but it reached my ears.
OO: “…”
I felt a pain pierce my chest.
OO: “I’m sorry…I…excuse me!”
Totori: “OO!?”
I couldn’t bear to be there any longer, so I gave a bow and ran off.
I got back to my room and threw myself on the bed.
(…Totori.)
That night, the pain I endured in my heart kept me awake.