Ch. 1: Vacant Eyes
Riement in the Land of Time, Month of White…-.
The midwinter sunlight fell gently from the clear, cloudless sky…-.
(It’s so bright…!)
Down a back street, a strong light seemed to eradicate the cold in the air as a prince appeared before my eyes.
The prince’s eyes seemed a little vacant, as if he wasn’t fully awake yet.
Zwei: “…did you wake me up?”
OO: “Y-yes.”
Zwei: “I see… what’s your name?”
OO: “I’m OO.”
I explained who I was.
Zwei: “…the Princess of Traumere then.”
For an instant, the darkness and dullness of his eyes seemed to intensify.
(I wonder what’s wrong?)
OO: “Um, what’s your name?”
Zwei: “My name is Zwei.”
His voice was low and quiet as he spoke, not looking at me.
(It feels kind of like he dislikes me…?)
OO: “U-um…?”
Zwei: “I…”
OO: “Eh?”
Zwei: “It would have been better… if I could have just stayed asleep…”
Zwei spat out those words as if he really hoped it from deep in his heart.
OO: “Zwei?”
Zwei: “…no, it’s nothing… forget I said anything.”
(What does he mean… that he wanted to stay asleep?)
Zwei: “Well then, I’ll be off.”
(…eh!?)
Zwei turned his back to me and started to walk away.
OO: “Ah… wait!”
Zwei: “Is something the matter, Princess OO? There is no need for someone of your status to concern yourself with someone like me.”
(Wha…)
OO: “Um, I was wondering if I’d done something…”
Zwei: “…?”
OO: “It’s just, the way you’re acting towards me… it’s… kind of prickly.”
Zwei: “I assure you that isn’t the case. Rather, I should be incredibly apologetic for taking up the time of someone such as yourself, Princess of Traumere.”
Contrary to his words, Zwei’s voice was incredibly cold.
OO: “Well… I… before I came here, I wasn’t royalty but rather just living a normal life. So, would it be possible for you to treat me like a regular person?”
As I said it, Zwei looked at me with a bit of surprise.
OO: “…?”
Zwei: “…you’re an odd person.”
His distant eyes softened, and I felt like I saw him smile for just a moment.
Zwei: “I’ll be taking my leave then.”
Once more, Zwei turned away from me and began to walk down the street wrapped in a chill.
OO: “Zwei…!”
There was no strength in his stride as he walked off, solemn, and it seemed as if Zwei was burdened by a heavy darkness.
I had to chase after him.
Ch. 2: An Opened Heart...
Even now, the heavy atmosphere seemed to spread rather than recede.
(I just ended up following after Zwei…)
Having chased after him, I had come to the main town.
Shops selling all sorts of foods and other daily necessities were lined up on the street.
(There are a lot of shops, but it doesn’t feel that lively…)
It seemed that even the people walking down the streets had gloomy expressions.
(The atmosphere is so oppressive…)
Within it all, I continued to walk after Zwei until we came to a small side street with meager lighting.
OO: “Where is this…?”
Zwei: “…”
Zwei didn’t give me any sort of answer.
(I wonder if I’ve bothered him by following… but… I couldn’t help but be curious.)
We kept going for a while, then we arrived at a shop that seemed like a bookstore with books piled up almost to the street.
(Just from the titles, these all seem like really complex books…)
Zwei entered with a confident stride, and I soon lost sight of him.
(I guess Zwei reads difficult books like this.)
It wasn’t just the storefront, but the entire shop filled with books written about things I didn’t understand.
I picked one up and flipped it open…
Zwei: “You’re still here?”
OO: “…I’m sorry.”
His words seemed to be a form of rejection, but I searched for something to say to keep the conversation going.
OO: “…all the books here seem to be on really difficult topics.”
Zwei held at least ten books in his arms.
OO: “Um, why are you buying so many?”
Zwei: “…”
Zwei didn’t answer, but just dropped his gaze to the stack of books.
OO: “…could you teach me about it?”
Zwei: “…”
Seeing Zwei like that, I was unable to ask anything else.
Zwei: “Even if I tell you, you’ll think it’s boring.”
Zwei shifted his gaze from the books to me, then spoke seriously.
Zwei: “…they’re academic books on mathematics.”
OO: “Academic books… do you like mathematics then?”
Zwei: “…I like studying.”
OO: “Studying…”
Zwei: “It’s… just a hobby.”
I watched as Zwei’s expression became shadowed.
(Come to think of it, when I woke him up…)
————————
Zwei: “It would have been better… if I could have just stayed asleep…”
————————
(I wonder if that had anything to do with the expression he’s making now…)
For some reason, it was painful to see him like that, so I spoke without thinking.
OO: “I’m not very good at math…”
Then, Zwei looked at me as if that was unfortunate.
Zwei: “There are precise answers in mathematics, and I find that theory to be incredibly beautiful.”
OO: “It’s difficult for me to understand… I think language is more interesting.”
Zwei: “Languages…?”
Zwei looked at me, as if waiting for me to continue.
OO: “How you can understand the feelings of a character, or how the imagination continues to expand the more you think about something. It’s kind of exciting.”
I saw myself reflected in Zwei’s quiet eyes.
OO: “I’m sorry, did I say something weird…?”
Zwei: “No…”
In the next instant, the corners of Zwei’s mouth twitched into a small smile.
(He’s smiling…)
Zwei: “I was just reminded of a child who said the same thing.”
OO: “Eh…?”
I looked at Zwei, that quiet smile still on his face…
Zwei: “I’m heading back to the castle after this. Would you like to come?”
My heart leaped in my chest at that unexpected invitation.
OO: “Yes, thank you!”
Zwei: “This way.”
OO: “Alright.”
Zwei started walking down the road to the castle, and I followed after him.
The frail winter sunlight kindly illuminated the path as we walked.
Ch. 3: A Castle of Learning
With Zwei leading the way, we finally arrived at the castle.
My cheeks felt a little flushed from the walk, so the cool winter air felt nice.
(The castle has a certain atmosphere to it…)
The castle had been built away from the bustle of the town, and I could feel the weight of the years on it.
Zwei: “I’ll show you to a room.”
OO: “Thank you.”
The room was without splendor, yet there was a warmth to it from all the experiences recorded in its walls.
OO: “This is a wonderful castle.”
Zwei: “It’s a very old castle… I moved here away from the main castle. There aren’t many servants, so it might be a bit inconvenient for you…”
OO: “That’s alright. I told you earlier, I used to live a normal life. Rather than a grandiose castle, well… I like this kind of place better…”
Zwei: “You don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings. It’s just a fact that the castle is old.”
After saying it with a smile, Zwei tilted his head as if he were thinking hard about something.
OO: “…Zwei?”
Zwei: “…could I just call you by your name instead of ‘Princess’? Since you said you wanted to be treated normally.”
OO: “…of course!”
I answered enthusiastically, and Zwei smiled shyly.
(I thought he was a cold person before. But his smile is so kind…)
OO: “Do you live here because you prefer this type of atmosphere Zwei?”
Suddenly, a shadow fell over Zwei’s expression.
OO: “Did… did I say something wrong?”
(And just when he’d finally smiled, I went and did something again…)
Zwei: “Ah, no, sorry. Don’t mind me.”
He spoke hurriedly, then continued in a soft voice.
Zwei: “I don’t have a very good relationship… with my father or my siblings.”
OO: “What do you mean…?”
Zwei furrowed his brow and slowly started to explain.
Zwei: “Before… I wanted, from the bottom of my heart, for this country to prosper. I planned to do everything in my power as a prince. But when my father ascended the throne as the king, he seized power for the royals and nobility, only thinking about how to amass their own fortune. My brothers also took advantage of that and only concerned themselves with the power struggle… …”
OO: “Zwei?”
Zwei: “What did you think of the town?”
At those words, I remembered the gloom I had felt in the town.
OO: “…”
I didn’t say anything…
Zwei: “It’s the fault of the royals… that the town has become like that. Rather than efficiently taking care of governmental affairs like they should, they just keep going in circles with all these ridiculous schemes… their attention is only on their own authority, and they neglect the needs of the people.”
OO: “Zwei…”
Zwei: “I grew tired of it… it continues even now, but I don’t plan on having anything to do with it anymore.”
Zwei’s voice was quiet, but I could hear his determination.
Zwei: “Neglecting the current suffering of the people… don’t the nobility fill you with scorn?”
OO: “That’s…!”
Zwei: “…it’s alright. Thanks.”
OO: “…it’s awful.”
Zwei: “…”
Zwei fell to silence, his head downcast.
(That’s why he’s given up and said it would have been better to stay asleep…)
OO: “But…”
I stopped myself there.
(But doesn’t Zwei actually want to save his country…?)
Zwei: “I’m at a loss when you look at me like that.”
Zwei kindly placed his hand on my head.
I looked up and saw Zwei’s miserable smile…
My heart ached when I saw it.
Zwei: “Oh, right. The children of the town are going to come here tomorrow to learn. It’s not a formal thing, so if you’d like, do you… want to talk to the kids with me?”
OO: “Children…?”
Zwei: “Yeah. It’s kind of like a hobby of mine. Teaching the kids.”
OO: “That’s wonderful…!”
(Ah…)
————————
OO: “How you can understand the feelings of a character, or how the imagination continues to expand the more you think about something. It’s kind of exciting.”
OO: “I’m sorry, did I say something weird…?”
Zwei: “No…”
Zwei: “I was just reminded of a child who said the same thing.”
————————
(Is that… what he was referring to!?)
Realizing it, I felt embarrassed, and my face went red…
Zwei: “So will you make a little appearance tomorrow?”
Zwei smiled kindly.
OO: “Of course!”
Zwei: “The kids will be happy.”
OO: “But won’t I be in the way?”
Zwei: “Not at all.”
Zwei: “I have them meet in an impromptu classroom that’s been constructed near the castle. You can just come tomorrow whenever it’s convenient for you.”
OO: “Thank you Zwei.”
Zwei: “You can just rest up today.”
OO: “Right, goodnight.”
Zwei left the room, and I watched him disappear into the darkness of the corridor.
(I kind of feel like the distance between us has shrunk a little.)
As I felt a twinge of joy, the light of twilight spilled in through the window.
Ch. 4: A Sudden Visitor
The next day…-.
The soft sunlight lit up the winter sky.
————————
Zwei: “So will you make a little appearance tomorrow?”
————————
Zwei had invited me to attend, so I went to the classroom near the castle.
(…I wonder if it’s alright for me to go in.)
I peeked into the small room, and Zwei noticed me then gave me a little wave to come over.
I stepped in quietly at the back of the room.
The air in the room was cool as the children sat around Zwei.
(Zwei looks so serious…)
Zwei’s attention was focused on the children as he spoke passionately.
Zwei: “Everyone. There have been a great number of disputes in our country’s history, but that just means there’s a lot for us to learn from them. Mutual cooperation and caring for each other allows us to live good and rich lives. And all of you are in the middle of practicing that right now.”
I was overcome with emotion at seeing just how different Zwei was compared to the day before.
Then…-.
???: “What are you doing!?”
OO: “…!?”
Suddenly, there was a loud voice and the sound of something breaking as a single man violently burst through the door.
(Who is that…!?)
???: “It’s been a while Zwei.”
Zwei: “…it has.”
OO: “Um… who is that?”
Zwei: “…my older brother.”
The light in Zwei’s eyes went out, and his expression fell into shadow.
Zwei’s Brother: “I heard you were doing something sneaky, so I came here to check it out… what are you doing gathering kids here in this old run-down castle!?”
Zwei: “…this is a place of learning.”
(The children are frightened…)
The children were holding each other, trembling at the sudden interruption.
Zwei’s Brother: “Learning? So, you plan on winning over some kids and turning them into your own private army then?”
Zwei: “…what are you talking about?”
Zwei’s Brother: “You pretend to be indifferent, but the truth is you’re aiming for the throne too!”
Zwei: “Can you just leave it there…? Stop doing this in front of the children.”
Zwei’s Brother: “The kids!? It’s not like they’re yours!”
Zwei’s brother turned his piercing gaze to the children, and I blocked his way.
OO: “Stop it!”
Without thinking, I moved to stand between Zwei’s brother and the children…-.
Zwei’s Brother: “Who the hell are you!?”
He raised his hand high overhead.
OO: “…!”
Zwei: “Stop!”
In that instant, Zwei shouted and pulled me into his arms.
OO: “Zwei…!”
Zwei’s brother held his raised hand in check.
Zwei’s Brother: “Hmph… ridiculous. I’ll leave it at that for today Zwei, but you better come to the castle tomorrow. We royals are setting a bad example for the people by being scattered like this.”
Zwei: “…”
He glanced at Zwei, then left with a brisk walk.
Zwei watched his brother leave, his eyes veiled in a dark shadow.
OO: “Zwei… are you alright?”
Zwei: “OO… I’m sorry you had to see that.”
Saying as much, he gently grasped my hand.
(Ah…)
I realized for the first time that my hands were shaking.
Zwei: “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. Thank you for protecting the kids.”
OO: “You didn’t do anything wrong Zwei.”
Zwei: “You’re very kind…”
OO: “…it was all so sudden, I just moved on reflex.”
Zwei: “Your courage saved us.”
Zwei: “Really, thank you…”
Zwei ducked his head in apology.
(Zwei…)
Seeing him like that was just too different from the serious Zwei I’d seen surrounded by children…
OO: “Zwei… how about we try confronting the issue?”
I spoke the words without thinking.
Zwei: “Eh…”
OO: “I’ve seen how much you care for the children. I just feel like you shouldn’t give up…”
Zwei: “Confrontation…”
OO: “Yes.”
Zwei’s expression changed to one of confusion.
Then he turned to look at the kids.
Zwei: “My own feelings…”
At that moment, the children rushed over to Zwei and gathered around his feet.
Child 1: “Teacher… you can do it.”
Child 2: “Go beat that guy up!”
Zwei: “Everyone…”
Zwei looked at the children, then finally spoke with determination.
Zwei: “…I’ve decided.”
The soft sunlight slipped into the classroom, alight like embers.
They sparkled in Zwei’s eyes as he looked straight ahead.