Ch. 1: Shooting Fireworks
Kingdom of Saphinia in the Land of Jewels, Month of Brilliance…-
Near to the castle, I gazed up at the starry night sky as I stood on a vast, quiet plain…-.
Suddenly, a brilliant flash painted the sky.
(So beautiful…)
Sai: “…do you like it?”
Sai stood beside me and looked at me with his beautiful blue eyes.
OO: “Was…this for me?”
Sai: “Yeah. It’s my thanks for waking me up. Everyone at the castle was discussing it for your arrival but…I wondered if it was a little too flashy.”
Sai seemed to be asking me a question, and he frowned slightly.
OO: “I really like it..! Thank you so much!”
Sai: “Good, I’m glad.”
He smiled as he spoke.
The fireworks were launched one after the other, bathing Sai and I in their light.
(It’s wonderful…)
My gaze was fixed on that beautiful sight, and I had lost all track of time when…-.
Boy: “Ah! It’s Prince Sai!”
A group of young boys had noticed Sai and rushed over.
Sai: “You’re from the village. Isn’t it past your bed time? You should hurry home.”
Boy 1: “We’re sorry! But, we got some fireworks too!”
Boy 2: “We brought some small ones!”
Boy 1: “Prince Sai, let’s set them off!”
Boy 2: “You too miss!”
OO: “Me? Are you sure?”
Boy: “Yeah! Prince Sai, hurry up!”
However, Sai just stood there with a troubled smile on his face.
(Sai…?)
OO: “Don’t you want to? I’m sure the fireworks they brought will be beautiful too.”
Sai thought for a moment…
Sai: “I agree…but I’m alright just watching like this. You go off and have fun with them OO.”
He spoke quietly.
OO: “…but…”
Sai: “Don’t worry about me.”
OO: “…”
Sai: “I’ll wait for you here, so go on. Take care.”
OO: “…alright.”
I turned from Sai at those words, and went over to the boys.
I turned to look back, and saw Sai once more gazing up at the fireworks soaring into the night sky.
Ch. 2: Sai and the Kitten
Sai: “I agree…but I’m alright just watching like this.”
——————–
I couldn’t get Sai’s troubled smile out of my head, and had difficulty sleeping that night.
The next day…-.
While Sai was off on official business, I took a stroll down a small path near the castle.
(I wonder if I’ve walked a little too far.)
Along the path that connected the town to the castle, there stood a dilapidated cabin.
(What’s that…?)
As I happened to pass by the front, I could hear the boys from yesterday.
(Are they playing again?)
I moved closer and peeked around the side…
OO: “…!”
The boys had surrounded a kitten and were roughly washing it.
OO: “Stop, it doesn’t like that!”
I suddenly rushed over, and the boys looked up at me in bewilderment.
Boy 1: “It’s dirty, so we’re cleaning it up.”
Looking at the kitten, I saw it shivering in fear.
Sai: “OO? What’s going on?”
I looked towards the voice, and saw Sai peering out from a carriage.
OO: “Sai…!”
Sai and his servants had been en route to the castle, having finished their business.
Sai: “Go on ahead, I’ll be fine.”
Sai came over, having told the servants to go to the castle.
Sai: “…what are you doing?”
Boy 1: “The cat was dirty, so we brought it here to our hideout!”
Boy 2: “So we’re cleaning it!”
Sai looked at the frightened kitten for a moment, then calmly turned to face the boys.
Sai: “You shouldn’t do that. This kitten is hurt.”
(Ah…)
Looking at the kitten’s paws, it appeared as if something had bitten it.
It seemed the boys noticed the injury for the first time as well.
Sai: “It’s in pain from this injury.”
Sai dropped his gaze to the kitten’s injury, as if directing the boys to look at it as well.
Boy: “…it looks like it hurts.”
Sai: “A stray dog must have bit it…and it’s scared, and confused. And then you boys brought it here and caused more chaos.”
The boys stared at the kitten, trembling in fear at Sai’s feet…
Boy: “We’re sorry.”
They looked up at Sai.
Sai: “Good. But don’t apologize to me, apologize to the kitten.”
Contrary to Sai’s harsh words, his expression instantly softened.
(Sai…)
That kind expression made my heart beat a little quicker.
OO: “A-also, we should treat that bite.”
Sai: “Good point.”
The wet kitten snuggled up to Sai’s feet and started purring.
OO: “Haha, how cute.”
Sai: “…yeah.”
(Sai…?)
He simply gave a nod, and his eyes were cold as he looked at the kitten.
OO: “I think it likes you Sai.”
Sai: “…I wonder.”
Sai spoke curtly, as if he had no interest in the kitten.
Entering the cabin, we treated the kitten as best we could with what was on hand.
It instantly took a liking to Sai, and stayed firmly at his side.
OO: “It seems to have finally calmed down. I wonder if it’s because of being near you.”
Sai: “Eh?”
OO: “I mean look, it hasn’t left your side.”
Sai: “…”
The kitten purred, as it say it wanted to be pet, but not once had Sai made a move to touch it.
OO: “Sai…?”
Sai: “…what should we do with it?”
OO: “Hmm…I know! Can’t you give it a place to stay in the castle!?”
Sai: “Eh…”
Sai blinked.
OO: “S-sorry…that was a little selfish of me.”
Sai: “It’s fine…. But I can’t keep it in the castle. My father absolutely hates animals. I think it’s because I was bitten by a dog when I was small…after that, he forbid animals from coming into the castle.”
OO: “O-oh…”
(If that’s the case…)
OO: “What if we take care of it here for a little while, and in the meantime we can find someone to adopt it?”
Sai stared at the kitten for a while…-.
Sai: “I suppose we can’t just leave it on its own…alright, let’s do that.”
With that, he agreed to my proposal.
OO: “Thank you! Isn’t that great~!”
I picked up the kitten, and gave it an affectionate pet.
Sai: “OO…”
OO: “Eh?”
Sai:” OO, has anyone ever told you you’re a bit pushy?”
OO: “Wh-what’s that supposed to mean…”
I reflexively peered into his face at that sudden question.
Sai:” S-sorry…”
He seemed to panic and turned his gaze away from me.
Sai: “…I think it’s nice, that side of you.”
I felt my cheeks heat up at that.
The earring hanging from his right ear shifted and reflected a blue light.
Ch. 3: His Sleeping Form
A little while after Sai and I helped the kitten…-.
I had planned to bring the kitten some food and once more arrived at the cabin.
Kitten: “Meow.”
I walked over, and the kitten started rubbing its head against my legs.
(It’s so cute…)
I scratched its head, and it purred and rolled over to show me its belly.
(Does it remember me? I’m glad.)
Sai: “OO.”
Sai poked his head in through the entrance of the cabin.
After that first time, Sai had also come with me to look after the kitten in the cabin.
OO: “Sai! It looks like the kitten finally remembers me!”
Sai: “That’s nice.”
OO: “Sai, should we give it a name?”
I proposed naming the kitten to Sai, my heart bubbling with happiness, however…
Sai: “…I don’t think we should do that. It’ll make it more painful when we let it go.”
He replied, his voice cool.
(Speaking of which, we said we’d look for someone to adopt it, but we haven’t actually done any looking. But…somehow, that kind of hurts.)
Sai started reading on a nearby bench.
(I wonder…)
OO: “Sai…is it that you don’t like cats?”
Sai: “Why would you think that?”
Sai looked at me curiously.
OO: “Do you not like the kitten, and think that looking for someone to take it in is too much of a bother…?”
Sai: “That’s not it.”
Sai: “I don’t dislike cats, and they don’t bother me.”
OO: “Really?”
Sai: “Yeah.”
OO: “…I’m glad.”
(But…then I wonder why the kitten doesn’t seem to affect him.)
I thought that as I went to pet the kitten’s head again when…-.
Bang!
There was a loud noise, and some lumber leaning against the wall of the cabin started to fall towards me.
OO: “…!”
I instinctively turned to protect the kitten…-.
Sai: “…”
OO: “Sai!”
Sai moved to cover us, protecting both me and the kitten.
OO: “Sai! Sai, are you alright!?”
A large plank struck Sai’s shoulder and slid to the ground.
Sai: “I’m fine…that was quite a shock, wasn’t it.”
OO: “Th…thank you. Let me see your shoulder.”
Sai: “Really, I’m fine. More importantly…”
I followed Sai’s gaze…-.
The kitten was curled at his feet in fear.
OO: “That was pretty scary for it…”
Sai gently stroked its head.
Sai: “There there.”
(…such a kind face.)
I unintentionally stared at Sai’s face, his eyes so very gentle as he calmed the kitten.
Sai: “Everything will be alright now.”
His voice was gentle, and a pleasant warmth flooded my chest.
(I really think…)
OO: “I really do think you should take the kitten in Sai.”
Sai: “Eh?”
OO: “It’s taken such a liking to you and all… And your expression is so kind when you pet it.”
Sai: “…”
Sai looked a little surprised at what I said, but…
Sai: “I told you before, I can’t bring it into the castle. Anyway, I think there’s someone out there who will treasure this kitten more than I can.”
His voice was calm, but frank.
OO: “I guess you’re right…”
Sai: “Right. And I think it would be happier with someone kind like you OO.”
OO: “I don’t think that’s true!”
I spoke with unintentional enthusiasm.
Sai: “You sure are taking this seriously.”
Sai chuckled and continued to pet the kitten.
(He says that even though his expression is so kind.)
Sai: “We should hurry and find someone to adopt you.”
Sai’s expression was still very gentle as he addressed the kitten.
My mind went in circles as I tried to think of a way for Sai and the kitten to be together.
The next day…-.
The sky was perfectly clear as I once again went to the cabin to check on the kitten.
(…huh?)
Inside, I could see Sai sitting against a wall.
OO: “Sai…?”
I quietly called out, and his eyelids fluttered slightly.
(He’s asleep…)
The kitten was curled up next to him, sleeping.
(Sai…he came to take care of it.)
Sai and the kitten were wrapped in the gentle sunlight coming through the window.
(I wonder…if it’s okay to sit next to them.)
I quietly moved to sit next to Sai, a peaceful expression on his face, when…
Sai: “Nn…”
(…!)
Sai’s head fell onto my shoulder, and his hair tickled my cheek.
(He’s warm…)
Before I knew it, I fell asleep as well, feeling his warmth and wrapped in that comfortable sensation.
Ch. 4: Sai's Feelings
A breeze caressed my face, and I slowly opened my eyes.
(Ah, I…)
I had intended to sit nearby so I wouldn’t wake the two of them, but I had fallen asleep as well.
Sai: “…are you awake?”
I heard a gentle voice.
OO: “…!”
I realized my head was in Sai’s lap as I looked up at him.
His left hand was resting on my shoulder, making it feel warm.
OO: “I’m sorry! I …!”
I hurriedly sat up…
Sai: “…you looked comfortable while you were sleeping.”
Sai averted his gaze, looking a little embarrassed.
Sai: “…”
OO: “…”
The silence lengthened, and my heart was only beating faster.
Sai: “Oh right, the kitten is gone.”
Sai broke the silence.
OO: “Eh…”
Sai: “It was gone when I woke up… I thought it might come back, but it hasn’t yet.”
OO: “I wonder where it could have gone when its injury hasn’t healed yet.”
Sai: “…let’s look outside.”
OO: “Right.”
I looked for the kitten with Sai, but it was nowhere to be found.
(Where did it go?)
I came out of the trees and walked over into a small cave when…-
OO: “Sai! Over there…!”
A rushing river was inside the cave, and the kitten was stranded on a rock sticking up in the middle of it.
The water looked as if it would soon swallow the rock where the kitten stood.
OO: “Why is it over there… we have to hurry!”
As I made my way to wade into the river…
Sai: “Wait!”
Sai grabbed my arm.
OO: “But we need to hurry!”
Sai: “No, it’s dangerous!”
OO: “I’ll be fine! Hurry…-“
Sai: “Alright, I’ll do it. Just wait here!”
I tried to shake him off and move into the river.
Sai: “I told you it’s dangerous! You just stay here.”
Sai let go of my arm, and didn’t hesitate as he walked into the river.
The water was only deep enough that it went past his waist, however the current was strong and it pulled on him.
(Sai…!)
Somehow he was able to reach the kitten. He gently lifted it into his arms and waded back to me.
OO: “Thank goodness…! Thank you.”
Sai: “…”
His blue eyes were fixed on me.
OO: “Sai…are you alright?”
He had said nothing, and I asked worriedly…-
Sai: “You’re really reckless.”
OO: “Eh…-“
Sai murmured, his voice a mix of exasperation and worry.
Sai: “…”
His sparkling eyes were so beautiful, they took my breath away.
OO: “Y-You are too…I was worried.”
Sai: “It’s because you looked like you were about to do something crazy. I get that you wanted to save the kitten…-. But don’t you think you should look after yourself a little more too?”
Sai smiled, a hint of mischief on his lips.
(He can smile even now.)
That smile sent a pleasantly sweet sensation flooding through my chest.
Sai: “Alright, here.”
Sai handed the frightened kitten to me.
Sai: “Let’s head back to the castle.”
OO: “…yeah!”
Sai and I returned to the castle, taking the kitten along with us.
Butler: “Lord Sai…!”
We reached the castle, and the butler raised his voice in surprise as he saw how soaked Sai was.
The butler hurriedly grabbed a towel and rushed over.
Butler: “What on earth happened!?”
Sai: “I’m alright.”
Butler: “…”
Sai took the towel, and moved to leave.
The kitten trotted behind him at a brisk pace but…
Sai: “Sorry but you have to stay here. OO, sorry to ask this, but could you take the kitten to the stables?”
Sai said only that much then turned on his heel to leave.
Butler: “Lord Sai can be so indifferent about these things.”
The butler watched as Sai walked away.
I sensed a deep affection in that gaze.
Butler: “That is how it has always been. He doesn’t really worry about others, like there’s a line there that he won’t cross.”
OO: “I think I understand what you mean.”
The butler smiled at me, looking a little troubled.
Butler: “He is a very kind person…yet to me, he looks just a little lonely.”
——————–
OO: “I really do think you should take the kitten in Sai.”
Sai: “I think there’s someone out there who will treasure this kitten more than I can.”
——————–
(Sai…)
At the same time, I remembered his smile from before.
——————–
Sai: “It’s because you looked like you were about to do something crazy. I get that you wanted to save the kitten…-. But don’t you think you should look after yourself a little more too?”
——————–
(Sai, you should do the same…)
Deep down, that’s what I thought as I continued to watch Sai walk away.
Ch. 5: Fear of Fire
The next day…-
The wind blowing through the window felt nice.
(I wonder if I burned it.)
I was grilling some fish to bring out to the kitten near the stable.
Sai: “W-what are you doing OO!?”
Sai had come to see what I was doing, but he stood there trembling with his gaze fixed on the frying pan.
OO: “Sai! I’m just grilling some fish for…-“
Sai: “That’s dangerous!”
OO: “Eh?”
I took my eyes off it for a second, and the flames got a little bigger.
OO: “Ah, sorry, I got distracted.”
The flames went down and I looked at him, but his face was pale.
(What’s wrong?)
OO: “You don’t look so good…is something wrong?”
Sai: “…”
Sai looked away and appeared to be hesitating to speak.
(What’s going on?)
Sai had suddenly looked unwell, and I watched him in concern.
Then, Sai slowly started to speak.
Sai: “…actually, I’m not good with fire.”
(Fire…?)
OO: “I see…”
Sai rolled up his sleeve and …
OO: “…!”
I saw a scar from a terrible burn.
OO: “That’s…”
Sai: “I got burned when I was little. Leave the fish to the cooks okay? It’d be terrible if you got hurt.”
Sai spoke, his voice filled with worry.
OO: “Um…well, it’s already grilled so it’ll be fine for now. Will you come over with me? I’m sure the kitten will be happy if you do.”
As I moved the finished fish over to a plate, I spoke in a lighter tone to try and change the mood.
Sai: “…no, that’s alright.”
His face was pale as he settled his breathing.
OO: “Alright…well, then I’ll go out.”
Not wanting to push the issue further, I headed towards the stable alone.
…
……
When I reached the stable, the stars had already started to twinkle in the sky.
(It got late…)
Carrying the fish, I arrived at the stable and saw some boys playing with fireworks outside.
Boy 1: “Hey miss! Let’s do fireworks together!”
OO: “Hold on a minute. I have to give this kitten some food and then…-. Ah…watch out!!”
Boy: “Eh?”
I called out, but it was too late.
The boys had been distracted by me, and the fireworks they had were pointed at some straw near the stable.
The dry straw caught fire, and in an instant the stable was ablaze.
OO: “…!”
The boys stood frozen in fear.
OO: “Get away!! Hurry, get some water…!”
At my words, the boys ran off.
OO: “The kitten…it’s gone.”
I looked around but didn’t see it.
Boy: “If you’re looking for the kitten, it’s inside…”
The remaining boy told me as much, his voice trembling.
(It’s in the fire!?)
With that realization, I snapped and ran into the stable.
…
Maid: “Oh…? The sky is red…”
At that, Sai rushed over to the window.
Sai: “…it’s coming from the stables!?”
OO had taken some fish out to there.
Sai: “…!”
Sai flew out of the room…-
The horses were running wild as Sai approached the blazing stable…-
Some boys were using buckets to throw water towards the blaze.
Sai: “…”
The sky above warped with the intense heat of the fire.
Sai: “Where’s OO…!?”
Sai asked the boys, trying to keep his trembling body in check.
Boy: “Prince…she went inside.”
The boys burst into tears.
Sai: “…!”
…
OO: “Where are you!?”
The flames had already started to light the ceiling ablaze.
(I have to find it quick…!)
I steeled myself so I wouldn’t lock up in fear and searched for the kitten.