Ch. 5: Feelings of Anxiety
The next day…-.
(It’s cold…)
I had just woken, but already the cold from outside was penetrating the room and piercing through my body.
At that time, there was a knock on the door and Zwei came in.
Zwei: “Sorry for waking you so early…”
OO: “It’s alright.”
Zwei’s gaze fell to the side of the bed, and he let out a small sigh.
(Zwei…)
OO: “Are you going to the main castle now?”
Zwei: “Yeah…”
Zwei’s voice seemed so frail.
Zwei: “I’m so pathetic. I came because seeing your face gives me courage.”
(Zwei… he’s really anxious.)
Zwei: “But I made my decision. I’ll face my own feelings. I want to help the people. I don’t know what will happen, but… I’m going.”
Saying as much, Zwei turned away from me.
As I watched him go, I couldn’t help but feel worried…
OO: “…wait!”
Zwei: “OO?”
OO: “…would it be alright if I went with you?”
The words were out of my mouth before I’d even realized it.
Ch. 6: An Opened Path
I accompanied Zwei and the two of us arrived at the main castle.
Compared to Zwei’s castle, this one was had flashy wallpaper and was filled with gaudy furnishings.
(Zwei didn’t say a single word the entire way here. I wonder if he’s doing alright…)
Zwei stood next to me, and I saw his expression stiffen.
At last…-.
King: “It’s been some time Zwei.”
The king, as well as Zwei’s brother, had a serious air about them.
Zwei: “Father.”
King: “Zwei. I’m glad to see you doing well.”
Contrary to those words, he regarded Zwei with an icy expression.
Zwei stealthily took my hand and hid it behind his back.
His hand was trembling slightly.
Zwei’s Brother: “The woman from yesterday. So, you came too.”
Next to the king, Zwei’s brother glared at me.
(…I’m scared, but still.)
I remained at Zwei’s side, my eyes fixed on his brother.
OO: “My name is OO, Princess of Traumere.”
Zwei’s Brother: “Traumere…!?”
OO: “Your Majesty, I am well aware that this is impertinent… however, I ask that you listen to what Zwei has to say.”
Zwei: “OO…”
I tightly squeezed his hand.
King: “…I welcome you to our country.”
After the king had glanced at me, he turned his attention back to Zwei.
King: “Zwei. Stop this foolishness and come home.”
Zwei: “I have no problem with returning. However, I want you to take a look at the state of our people. I want to make a country where our people live rich, fulfilling lives. But in its current condition, our country is one where the people suffer in poverty.”
King: “By rich lives, you’re referring to money. First, the country has to build up enough wealth, then even the people will be well off.”
Zwei: “…but hasn’t this gone on long enough? The children of this country can’t even get an education or support, so the first thing we need to do is put that to rights. Not just for the royals and the nobility. For each and every single citizen, so this can be a country where people live full lives.”
King: “…it’s out of the question.”
(Zwei… you can do it.)
Zwei kept his gaze straight ahead, his eyes fixed on the king, but it felt like he would be swallowed by the oppressive atmosphere.
At that time, a panicked butler rushed over to the king.
Butler: “P-please excuse me… outside the castle, it’s the citizens…!”
King and Zwei’s Brother: “What…!?”
Going into the hallway, they looked out the window…
The children that Zwei had been teaching were all huddled together, as well as a great number of adults who seemed to be their parents.
(That’s…!)
Zwei: “…everyone.”
Child 1: “Prince Zwei actually looked at all of us and saw us. And he was really nice when he taught us all those difficult things!”
Parent 1: “Prince Zwei is properly looking out for the future of the people, not just the country itself!”
Parent 2: “We support Prince Zwei!”
The people all spoke up, shouting words at the king and Zwei’s brother in quick succession, all while Zwei looked on with a light in his eyes.
King: “Wha… what is this!?”
Zwei’s Brother: “I’m sure this is just some plan Zwei concocted!”
(You’re wrong… this is what everyone truly thinks of Zwei.)
Zwei: “…”
Zwei bowed his head deeply to the children and their parents outside the window.
I felt enthusiasm blossom within me as I saw Zwei like that.
King: “Zwei… Zwei! I’m entrusting you to come up with a new educational system!”
Zwei’s Brother: “Wh-what!?”
King: “Shut up. Don’t you see we have to do something at this point!?”
Zwei’s Brother: “That’s…”
The king seemed to give in to his rage as he stomped off, leaving us.
Zwei’s brother chased after the king, almost as if he were running away as he disappeared around a bend in the hallway.
Zwei: “Thank you, everyone. I promise to do what I can do make this a good country.”
The children and their parents exploded with joy as they applauded for Zwei.
OO: “I’m so glad it worked out Zwei! …eh!?”
Suddenly, Zwei swept aside my hair with his large hand and placed a kiss on forehead.
OO: “Zwei…!?”
Zwei: “Just like this.”
His voice echoed near my ear, and my heart started pounding.
(Zwei’s heart is beating really fast too…)
His heart was ringing like an alarm bell, and it overlapped with mine.
Zwei: “I can keep moving forward as long as you’re at my side like this… OO… won’t you please stay by my side and watch over me as I walk down this path?”
OO: “…eh?”
My mind went completely blank at those unexpected words, and I couldn’t get out anything coherent.
Zwei: “…is that too much?”
I automatically shook my head slightly.
OO: “I’d… be happy to.”
(Being at Zwei’s side from now on…)
Zwei: “Thank you.”
Saying as much, he pulled me into a tight hug.
Outside the window, I could hear the children shouting, and I caught sight of the parents trying to keep them under control.
(I wonder what… everyone is going to think seeing us like this.)
Zwei: “Turn this way.”
Zwei turned his back to the window as if to shield me, then tightened his hug.
His face slowly came closer, and the pleasant sunlight washed over both of us.
OO: “Zwei… the kids can see…”
Zwei: “Only a little…”
In the next instant, his lips gently touched mine.
As I heard the kids laughing from beyond, I was wrapped in happiness.
END
Secret Story: The Courage You Gave Me
To come to terms with my own feelings, I decided to return to the main castle.
However…-.
(I wonder how long it’s been since I’ve spoken with Father. Will I be able to properly convey my feelings to him?)
I had planned to compose myself, but my inner thoughts refused to quiet themselves.
(But… now, I’m not alone. Since OO will be with me, I can be brave…)
I stole a glance at OO beside me.
OO: “Zwei?”
Zwei: “…!”
She turned to look directly at me, and I found myself at a loss for words.
Zwei: “No… it’s nothing.”
I turned away from her innocent gaze and casually dodged her questioning.
(Just having OO beside me makes my heart stronger. I don’t really know why that is though…)
…
……
After a while, we arrived at the main castle, and as usual, it was filled with gaudy furnishings.
This overbearing castle with its pointless extravagance…-.
Seeing that nothing had changed since I left, it was as if the entire castle was a representation of my father and brother.
(It’s so oppressive…)
I pressed my hand to my chest and settled my breathing, then walked before my father.
King: “It’s been some time Zwei.”
I had prepared myself but as I now stood before my father, my heart quickened.
(Calm down…)
Though I tried to convince myself, I couldn’t stop shaking.
(…maybe speaking to Father is hopeless.)
I wanted to run away from there…-.
The thought crossed my mind.
(Even though I brought OO with me… I’m useless like this…)
I gently grasped OO’s hand.
Then…-.
That warm and gentle hand squeezed my trembling one.
Zwei: “…”
(I never want to let go of her hand…)
I got the sense that her delicate fingers were encouraging me.
OO: “Your Majesty, I am well aware that this is impertinent… however, I ask that you listen to what Zwei has to say.”
Zwei: “OO…”
OO did her best to appeal to the king on my behalf.
I felt a warmth gradually spread in the depths of my heart.
(OO is trying so hard just for me… I…!)
King: “Zwei. Stop this foolishness and come home.”
Father’s overbearing voice echoed in my ears.
However, it didn’t disturb my heart in the way it would have before.
Zwei: “I have no problem with returning. However, I want you to take a look at the state of our people. I want to make a country where our people live rich, fulfilling lives.”
(I said it… for the first time, I said it… I said what was on my mind…)
??: “Teacher Zwei!”
At that time, I heard a voice I recognized coming from outside the castle.
Going to the window out in the hallway, I saw the children I taught and their parents.
Child 1: “Prince Zwei actually looked at all of us and saw us. And he was really nice when he taught us all those difficult things!”
The children earnestly voiced their support.
(Everyone…)
As everyone’s voices started to reverberate throughout the castle, Father’s face grew dark.
King: “Zwei… Zwei! I’m entrusting you to come up with a new educational system!”
Zwei: “…!”
Father was overwhelmed by everyone’s opinions and agreed to let me develop a new educational system.
(I’m so glad I was brave and came here. If OO hadn’t faced my father at that time… I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to voice my own opinion.)
OO: “I’m so glad it worked out Zwei!”
OO was so delighted, as if this had been her victory as well.
Zwei: “…”
(I know now.)
I pulled OO into an embrace and gently kissed her forehead.
OO: “Zwei…!?”
OO’s eyes went wide in shock.
(I surprised her…)
Yet I thought even that expression on her was lovely.
(I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I was my typical self. You’re the one who gave me this courage.)
Zwei: “OO… won’t you please stay by my side and watch over me as I walk down this path?”
OO: “…eh?”
Her eyes wavered.
As I watched her eyes, I waited for her response.
(Please… I want to give this courage… back to her.)
OO: “I’d… be happy to.”
Zwei: “…!”
I pulled OO in even tighter.
In that moment, I heard cheers of joy swell up from outside the window.
Everyone was giving us their blessing.
(Thank you everyone. But right now…)
Zwei: “Turn this way.”
I turned my back to the window and hugged OO even tighter where no one could see her.
(I wonder if I kind of overdid it… but… this much is fine, right?)
OO: “Zwei… the kids can see…”
Zwei: “Only a little…”
I slowly placed my lips over hers.
(I’ll use the courage you gave me for your sake this time. I’ll protect you. I promise, I’ll protect both you and this country.)
I could hear the delighted voices of the children as I prayed for a wonderful future for both this country, and OO.
END