Ch. 1: The Red-Haired Prince
Kingdom of Gartina in the Land of Jewels, Month of Rainbow…-
Below the beautifully clear blue sky, the town was studded with red gemstones that sparkled brighter than the sun.
(I’ve never seen such a beautiful town…)
I had been invited to this country as thanks for waking Prince Tiga, and now I made my way down the main street towards the castle.
??: “OO!”
Turning in the direction of the voice, I saw Prince Tiga riding a horse, his beautiful red hair swaying as he smiled at me.
Tiga: “OO, you made it.”
OO: “Prince Tiga!”
Tiga: “Haha, you don’t have to stand on ceremony.”
OO: “Oh, um, then…Tiga.”
Tiga: “Yeah that’ll work. Hurry and hop on.”
Tiga extended his hand down to me from atop the horse.
OO: “R-right.”
I took his hand, but remained stock still as I couldn’t figure out how to get on the horse.
(Horses are taller than I thought.)
OO: “Ah…”
Tiga dismounted the horse and easily boosted me up so that I could ride on the horse.
OO: “Th-thanks.”
Sitting side-saddle, I was surprised that my point of view was even higher than I thought it would be.
Tiga: “Don’t move.”
(…?)
He quickly mounted the horse behind me, then reached his arms around my back and grabbed the reins.
(I’m kind of nervous.)
As I sat side-saddle I leaned so my cheek was resting against his chest.
Tiga: “Here we go.”
Tiga’s pleasant voice whispered close to my ear, and my heart sped up a little.
Ch. 2: The Prince's Smile
Taken along by Tiga, the castle and town flew by as I took it all in, then we arrived at a vast meadow of vibrant green.
(Such a beautiful green…and the air feels so nice.)
Tiga: “Before we head back to the castle, I wanted to make a side trip. C’mere.”
Tiga nimbly jumped down from the horse, then held his hands out to me.
OO: “Th-thanks.”
I hesitated and took his hands, then with some force he pulled me off…-
OO: “…”
The next thing I knew, he was holding me in his arms.
OO: “S-sorry…”
At that, Tiga laughed.
Tiga: “Right, let’s take a little break. Thanks Bran.”
He lightly patted the pure-white horse’s back and smiled at it.
That smile was so gentle that it warmed my heart.
Tiga: “Do you wanna pet him?”
OO: “…eh!?”
I wondered if it was in response to what Tiga had said, but the horse turned its head to look at me.
Tiga: “Look, he’s even waiting for ya.”
OO: “Y-yeah.”
I timidly put my hand on the horse’s back, and its eyes seemed to say it felt good.
(It’s a cute horse.)
Tiga: “Seems like he’s taken a liking to ya.”
OO: “I’m glad.”
Tiga: “I know, you wanna try riding by yourself?”
OO: “Eh? By myself?”
Tiga: “It’ll be fine, I’ll teach you.”
OO: “Alright, I’ll try.”
Tiga: “Alright!”
OO: “But I’m scared…”
Tiga: “It’ll be fine, I’ll be with you.”
Tiga patted me on the back as he spoke, and then I came to ride the horse alone.
(What do I do, I’m so nervous.)
Tiga: “Here, lemme help.”
With Tiga supporting me, I was somehow able to straddle the horse, and I nervously picked up the reins when…-
Tiga: “Okay, we’re gonna walk.”
Tiga grabbed the end of the reins, and guided the horse.
The horse trotted a short distance and I gradually came to enjoy it.
(The wind feels really good…this is fun.)
Tiga: “Well? You enjoying it?”
OO: “Yeah!”
Tiga: “Alright, here we go.”
OO: “Eh?”
Then suddenly, Tiga let go of the reins and stopped walking.
OO: “T-Tiga!?”
I sat there dumbfounded as the reins were suddenly in my control.
OO: “What…what do I do!?!”
The horse kept going at the same slow pace, but I could only panic.
Tiga: “Hold the reins tight, and straighten your back.”
Walking next to us, Tiga told me what to do, but…
Even though I understood what to do, my body wouldn’t listen to me.
(I’m scared…!)
I leaned forward with the horse’s rhythm and accidentally kicked its flank.
Tiga: “Not that…!”
As if taking that as a signal, the horse started galloping, flying through the air.
(Will I get thrown off…!?)
As I clung to the horse, my face paled with dread…-
I heard Tiga’s whistle cut across the meadow.
OO: “…?”
The horse gradually slowed down and cantered back to where Tiga was.
(Th-thank goodness.)
Arriving safely to where Tiga waited, he smiled innocently at me.
Tiga: “You okay?”
Unable to come up with a good answer, I took hold of Tiga’s hand and got off the horse quickly, like I was trying to run from it.
Tiga: “Kicking the flank is a signal to make the horse gallop. Sorry for not explaining that. But it felt good right?”
OO: “I-I was scared…!”
Tiga: “Haha! I was really surprised when you suddenly took off.”
As Tiga stroked the horse, he flashed me a smile as brilliant as the sun.
Tiga: “I’ll teach you even more about riding!”
(I can’t be mad when he looks at me like that.)
I didn’t know if it was because of the fear I been feeling a moment ago, or Tiga’s smile…-
But my heart was pounding obnoxiously loud.
Ch. 3: Tiga and Luca
After racing across the meadow on horseback…-
Guided by Tiga, we safely reached the castle.
(I didn’t know what would happen…Tiga…)
I let out a sigh as I remembered the terrifying experience when…-
Tiga: “Alright! Everyone line up!”
Having arrived at the castle, Tiga had the attendants start to gather.
Tiga: “We’ll be having a welcome party for my benefactor here, OO! So hurry up and start getting things ready!”
(Eh!? A party?)
I was surprised at the sudden turn of events, and Tiga looked at me.
Tiga: “You’ll be the main attraction of the party.”
OO: “Eh!?”
Tiga: “Well of course you are! That’s why I called you here. I’ll pick out a dress for you. Okay?”
In the end, I did as Tiga said and agreed to attend the party.
Having been shown to a room, I stuck my arm through the sleeve of the dress Tiga had chosen.
The color suited my skin tone, and when I looked in the mirror it was like seeing a different person.
(I’m feeling a little shy.)
At that time, Tiga came to the room.
Tiga: “…”
OO: “Do I look weird…?”
I reflexively averted my eyes as I felt Tiga looking at me.
Tiga: “The dress looks good on you.”
OO: “…thanks.”
Tiga broke into a smile.
OO: “I-I wonder…”
Tiga: “What are you embarrassed for? You’re the main attraction after all.”
Tiga lowered his eyes and lightly poked me.
Tiga: “Of course, that’s to be expected of something I picked out!”
Seeing him congratulate himself, I felt the tension disappear and found myself smiling as well.
(Tiga can be a little pushy…but it’s kind of fun when we’re together.)
Tiga: “Right, let’s go.”
The party hall was decorated with the same dazzling red gemstones inlaid throughout the town.
(Wow, there are so many people.)
The nobles wore outfits set with beautiful gems and took turns greeting me.
(I’m getting worn out…but I can’t be rude.)
Tiga: “OO.”
Seeing me unable to relax in the lavish atmosphere, Tiga roughly butted in.
Tiga: “Drink this. It’s good.”
OO: “Thanks.”
In the moment I was going to take the glass from Tiga…-
OO: “Ah…”
I bumped into someone in the crowd of people, and the contents of the glass spilled onto Tiga’s clothes.
OO: “I-I’m sorry.”
Tiga: “It’s no big deal. Wait here a sec. I’ll go change.”
As I panicked, Tiga flashed me a bright smile.
OO: “A-alright.”
I sat on a stool near to the wall as I watched Tiga walk off.
(Tiga’s so nice. And yet I went and did something so rude.)
I leaned back against the wall and looked up at the ceiling when…-
??: “You okay?”
Suddenly, a man I didn’t recognize was looking down at me.
OO: “…!”
Luca: “Sorry for startling you. I finally got the chance to greet you. You’re OO right?”
OO: “Y-yes, I am.”
Luca: “I’m Luca. You don’t have to use any titles or anything.”
OO: “Alright…”
Luca: “I’m from a family that has a long-standing close relationship with Tiga and the royal family…I’ve been friends with Tiga since we were little.”
It seemed like Luca lowered his voice for that last bit.
Luca: “You don’t look so good. You can use my shoulder if you want.”
OO: “Eh?”
I was at a loss for words, but Luca ignored that as he pulled my head onto his shoulder.
(Wait…wait a second.)
Tiga: “What’re you doing!?”
(…!)
Tiga had returned to the hall and forcefully grabbed my hand as he glared at Luca.
Luca: “What a way to say hello. She just seemed tired.”
Tiga: “What did you do to OO?”
Luca: “I was simply lending my shoulder to a tired lady. Right?”
OO: “What!?”
Tiga: “OO, is that right?”
(I guess that’s true but…)
OO: “Yeah…”
Tiga: “…”
Tiga said nothing and instead let out a heavy sigh.
OO: “…”
Tiga: “Say something.”
Tiga’s voice sounded more irritated.
Tiga: “Luca, I’ll see to her.”
Luca: “As you wish.”
Luca said as much, then waved as he disappeared into the throng of guests.
OO: “U-um, Tiga…-“
Tiga: “Just come over here!”
Tiga cut me off then forcefully pulled on my hand, cutting straight through the crowd.
OO: “W-wait!”
Tiga kept pulling on my hand until we reached the inner parts of the hall, then he suddenly stopped.
Tiga: “Sit.”
Tiga grabbed my shoulders and pushed me down into the seat.
There was a big commotion around us.
OO: “…this chair is…”
The place where I was sitting was the exclusive chair of the prince.
OO: “N-no, I can’t…-!”
But when I tried to get up, Tiga pushed me back down.
Tiga: “It’s fine, just be quiet and sit!”
OO: “But this is your…”
Tiga: “If you’re tired, say something.”
(Tiga…)
Tiga: “I said it’s fine. So just sit.”
OO: “…alright.”
Tiga: “If you’re here, that guy shouldn’t make a move on you.”
(He seems kind of mad…do Tiga and Luca not get along?)
Ultimately, I stayed in that chair, and the party came to an end.
Ch. 4: Playing in the Water With Him
The next morning…-
I slowly opened my eyes to the light of the morning sun.
(I feel heavy…)
Possibly from the exhaustion of the day before, my head felt hazy.
(Just five more minutes.)
Feeling listless, I started to close my eyes again when…-
Tiga: “Hey, you awake?”
There was a knock on the door, and I heard Tiga’s cheerful voice.
OO: “T-Tiga!?”
As if on reflex from hearing Tiga’s voice, I leapt out of bed, then Tiga opened the door and poked his head in.
OO: “Wait a minute…!”
Tiga: “So you were still sleeping huh?”
OO: “D-don’t just come in here like that.”
Tiga: “Why not? You were being slow so I came to wake you up.”
As I pressed down on my hair, which was in disarray, I felt my face flush, but Tiga didn’t seem to mind and just laughed happily.
Tiga: “Now that you’re up, we can go out.”
Without giving me time to answer, Tiga pulled on my hand.
OO: “G-go out?”
Tiga: “Hurry and get ready. I’ll call a maid.”
(Tiga…)
But for some reason I couldn’t go against his coercing.
…
……
After I finished getting ready, Tiga took me to a kind of beach near the castle.
The sun’s rays beat down, reflecting beautifully on the water’s surface.
(It’s kind of relaxing…)
Beside me, Tiga took off his shoes and waded into the water.
Tiga: “Come on in, the cold water feels good.”
OO: “…alright, I’ll try.”
Tiga: “That’s the spirit!”
I nervously stepped into the river.
OO: “It’s fine, I’ll just watch from here.”
Tiga: “What does that even mean…?”
Tiga stood there watching me for a moment when…-
Tiga: “I’m gonna get out of the water for a sec, so lend me a hand.”
He said as much and held his hand out to me.
OO: “Ah, okay.”
In the instant I took his hand…-
OO: “…!”
I was pulled into the river.
I was shocked at the sudden cold sensation that went up to my knees and lost my balance, and Tiga helped hold me up.
Tiga: “Feels good right?”
OO: “What the heck…-!”
Before I could finish, Tiga splashed me with the water.
Tiga: “Haha!”
OO: “…well fine then!”
In an instant my shoulders relaxed, and I determinedly splashed him back.
(I wonder how I got so wrapped up in the way Tiga lives his life.)
(But it’s fun…!)
After a little while, Tiga suddenly completely stopped what he was doing.
Tiga: “Hey, you’re…!”
OO: “Eh? What?”
His face turned red and he looked away.
(What’s wrong?)
Tiga: “Just wait a sec!”
Tiga got out of the river and I watched as he hurriedly grabbed his jacket, then something was put on my shoulders.
OO: “!?”
Luca: “You’re a little exposed.”
Luca had suddenly appeared and put his jacket on my shoulders, smiling mischievously.
OO: “You’re…”
Luca: “You’re showing through your clothes.”
OO: “!!”
I was so embarrassed I couldn’t move, but I covered myself with both hands.
Tiga: “You again! What’re you doing here!?”
Tiga glared at Luca, having returned jacket in hand.
Luca: “What am I…This is my favorite place. I always come here to read. Shouldn’t I be asking you the same thing?”
Tiga: “…!”
OO: “Tiga, Luca was just letting me borrow his…-“
Tiga: “Don’t say anything. Come on!”
Tiga grabbed my hand, and while still wearing Luca’s jacket, we left the river behind.
Ch. 5: Luca's True Intentions
After we had returned from the river to the castle town…-
(I ended up borrowing Luca’s coat.)
Tiga pulled on my hand, walking in front in silence.
(Tiga hasn’t said anything to me.)
Silence filled the space between us, and I felt awkward when…-
Suddenly, Tiga stopped in front of a clothing store along the roadside.
Tiga: “I’ll buy you something you like.”
OO: “Eh!?”
Tiga pulled on my hand and we went inside the store.
(What’s with this all of a sudden?)
Tiga: “Here, take this.”
I stood there bewildered and Tiga suddenly held out an outfit to me.
OO: “I can’t do that.”
Tiga: “I said I’d buy it.”
OO: “I mean, even if you say that, all of a sudden…”
Tiga: “Will you not wear something I pick out?”
Tiga: “There’s no mistaking my choice anyway, so just try it on.”
OO: “…but…”
Tiga: “You’ll catch a cold in those wet clothes, so hurry and change. I’ll just throw that guy’s jacket away here.”
As Tiga had said, I changed my clothes.
(He’s being pushy but…)
After I finished changing, I showed Tiga how I looked.
Tiga: “Not bad. But there’s still…”
Tiga went to choose even more from the clothing racks, but now his clothes were wetter than me.
OO: “Tiga, you should change too.”
Then Tiga smiled mischievously at me.
Tiga: “You choose for me.”
OO: “Me?”
Tiga: “I’ll change if it’s something you picked.”
(This is kind of embarrassing…but if he doesn’t change, he’ll get sick.)
From the many clothes, I selected one outfit and held it up to Tiga.
Tiga: “What’s with these clothes? Don’t you have any taste?”
OO: “A-are they weird? I thought they’d look good.”
Tiga: “I’ve got no choice but to wear them, but in exchange you get this.”
What he handed to me was so vibrantly colored it made me think of a clown, not something I would wear at all.
OO: “Wait a minute, that’s…!”
Seeing my discomfort, Tiga laughed joyfully.
It was a little funny, and I found myself caught up in that laugh as well.
(This is fun.)
As we laughed together…-
Luca: “Wouldn’t this be better?”
Luca, suddenly at my side, handed me a different dress.
Tiga: “Geeeeeez Luca!! Again!?”
Ignoring Tiga as he raised his voice in anger, Luca tossed me a wink.
Luca: “Hmm, you want something with elegance right? Ah, then what about this?”
The one-piece he handed to me was covered in garishly pink lace
OO: “…um.”
Tiga: “There’s no way that’ll look good on her!”
Tiga put the clown-like outfit back on the rack and moved to stand between Luca and me.
Tiga: “Hey, Luca! C’mere!”
OO: “T-Tiga!”
Tiga: “You just wait here for a minute!”
Saying as much, Tiga took Luca and left the clothing store.
(What do I do…?)
Remembering Tiga’s look of anger, I felt uneasy and followed after the two of them…-
I saw the two of them in an uncrowded area not far from the store.
OO: “Tig…-“
Tiga: “What the hell have you been doing since yesterday!? Slinking about and following us…”
Tiga’s harsh words drowned out my voice.
Luca: “What, I just wanted to get closer to her, you know?”
As Tiga hounded him, Luca replied flippantly.
Luca: “I mean, OO is the Princess of Träumere after all. What’s the harm in wanting to get along with her, you know? If things go well and I get her favor, the day might come when I stand above you.”
Tiga: “What the…”
Luca: “Ever since we were little, whatever you wanted, I had to obey, since you’re the prince… I didn’t much care for that.”
Tiga: “Luca…”
Luca: “Well, that’s why I don’t have any interest in that girl other than that. She’s so unsophisticated, definitely not my type.”
(…!)
Tiga: “…why you!”
Tiga rushed at Luca in anger and grabbed him.
OO: “Tiga…!”
Without thinking, I ran towards them.