Ch. 1: Eyes of Flame
Kingdom of Flarerouge in the Land of the Sun, Month of Brilliance…-
The magnificent reception hall was filled with a tense air.
I had accepted an invitation and now stood before Prince Apollo, surrounded by ten-odd fierce-looking guards.
OO: “…”
Standing before Apollo, awakened from the slumber of the Dream Eaters, I shrank beneath his withering stare and couldn’t get a single word out…-.
Apollo: “You’re a quiet woman. You, are you truly the Princess of Traumere?”
OO: “Y-yes…!”
My voice cracked beneath those eyes that burned like flame.
Apollo: “Can you not even give a direct response?”
His voice, low and sharp, echoed around the hall.
I was completely overwhelmed by Prince Apollo’s presence.
(He’s the one who called me, but he’s acting like this…)
I tried to think of what to do, but no matter what, my mind remained blank…-.
Then…
Apollo: “That’s enough. How ridiculous that a woman like you is the Princess of Traumere. Certainly, it was just a coincidence that you awoke me. I had thought that certainly Traumere must be a place populated by high nobility… yet you bear not even the slightest inkling of royalty.”
OO: “I…-.”
Apollo: “Oh, you can answer now?”
Apollo’s lips arced up into a sneering smile.
Apollo: “Still, this is the first time you have been able to look me in the eye.”
(He’s scary…but…)
He was directing that confident grin at me while exuding such awe that a chill went up my spine.
(For some reason, I find it fascinating…)
I couldn’t comprehend why I was being sucked into his gravitational pull, but I continued to look him straight in the eye as I panicked.
Apollo: “Not bad. I shall acknowledge only those eyes. Now, state your wish.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Apollo: “As thanks for waking me, I shall grant you one wish.”
Prince Apollo rose majestically from his throne.
Apollo: “There is not a single thing that I cannot do in this country.”
Those eyes that asked me for my wish seemed to burn brilliantly like flame.
Ch. 2: The Majesty of Royalty
Apollo: “There is not a single thing that I cannot do in this country.”
————————
Prince Apollo stood there with an imposing authority and asked what I wanted as a reward for waking him.
(But asking that so suddenly…)
Apollo: “What’s wrong? Hurry and answer.”
OO: “Yes…um…”
Apollo raised his eyebrows as I hesitated.
Apollo: “You’re annoying. Then choose from these: riches or beauty. Which will you choose?”
OO: “Riches…?”
I repeated it without thinking…
Apollo: “Then bring out the reward.”
Prince Apollo quickly raised a hand and gave direction to someone who looked like a close aide.
OO: “U-um… No, I don’t actually want money…-.”
Apollo: “You… are you making a fool of me?”
Prince Apollo’s irritation was growing stronger, and I felt it prickling over me.
OO: “That’s a bit difficult but… if I’m forced to choose, I’ll go with beauty.”
Apollo: “Being forced? Speak your words plainly woman. Hey!”
Irritated, he gave an order to someone who looked like an aide.
Apollo: “I shall prepare for you the finest quality dresses and jewels that are the pride of my country, Flarerouge.”
OO: “Eh…”
Apollo: “What are you staring blankly like that for?”
OO: “I couldn’t… accept something so valuable.”
Apollo: “It is a paltry amount compared to the value of having awoken me.”
Apollo: “Also…”
Suddenly, Apollo peered closely at me, his eyes squinting…
With great, long strides, he suddenly came to stand directly in front of me.
(Eh…? What?)
He came in extremely close, then looked down at me as if appraising something.
Apollo: “…”
I thought I saw his flame-red eyes narrow when…
Apollo: “Your posture is poor. Straighten your back.”
OO: “…!”
Prince Apollo suddenly slid his hand down my back.
At his touch I had no choice but to straighten out my back, as if a steel rod had been shoved into it.
Apollo: “Good, that’s better.”
Once again without any advanced warning, his large hand grabbed my jaw.
OO: “…!”
Apollo: “Close your mouth, you look like an idiot. Your expression is also bad, can’t you make a better face?”
OO: “U-um.”
Apollo: “Don’t talk. For your face, lift the corners of your lips slightly and fix your eyes straight ahead. Don’t blink too much.”
(What… is going on?)
Apollo: “Did you not hear me? Hurry and do something about that idiotic expression on your face!”
OO: “!”
In response to his shout, my spine straightened again.
Apollo: “Good…seems you can do it if you try. Your looks and behavior are unbecoming of a member of the royal family of Traumere.”
OO: “As a royal…”
Apollo: “You have practically no manners. I despise those who have no self-awareness.”
OO: “…”
(It’s true that… compared to Apollo…)
There was certainly a gravity of royalty about him as he stood there imposingly.
Apollo: “Alright. Next is…-.”
Apollo began to say more when…-.
Soldier 1: “A-ah, Lord Apollo, apologies for interrupting you sire…”
Near the back, a single soldier spoke up with a thin voice.
Soldier 1: “It’s… nearly time for your meeting with His Highness and your elder brother…”
Apollo: “That’s enough. It’s pointless to leave earlier than necessary for something like that.”
Soldier 1: “But-.”
Apollo: “You…Did you not hear what I just said?”
Soldier 1: “Hii…!”
(Eh…?)
Apollo’s form seemed to waver as if from a heat haze.
In the next instant…-.
OO: “F-flames!?”
Apollo’s arm was engulfed in brilliant crimson flames.
Apollo: “You’re all getting on my nerves…”
Soldier 1: “L-lord Apollo, please…!”
The flames seemed to burst from his hand as they grew and roared to life.
(What…is this!?)
As if matched by the boiling of the flames, Apollo’s expression was dark with rage.
Soldier 1: “I-I don’t want to die…!!”
The soldier covered his head and curled into a ball.
OO: “Prince Apollo! Please stop…!”
I immediately jumped between Apollo and the soldier.
Apollo: “Hoh… do you want to die together?”
My body and mind were shaking between the heat of his blazing flames and the coolness of his voice.
Apollo: “Move.”
OO: “…I won’t.”
(If I do…)
Apollo: “…”
His sharp gaze pierced right through me, but…
Apollo: “…you really are an irritating woman.”
Finally, the flames surrounding his arm disappeared.
Apollo: “Don’t ever show yourself before me again. I order you to leave first thing tomorrow.”
Apollo turned his back to me as he spoke those cold words.
(That was scary…)
Soldier 2: “What a tyrant…”
Soldier 3: “That was terrifying… at this rate, I could suffer that same fate…”
I heard the solders whispering to each other.
OO: “…”
However, I…
Could do nothing to stop myself from being entranced by him and his gallant form as he strode away without even looking back once.
Ch. 3: Glittering Gold
The day after I had stayed one night in Prince Apollo’s castle…-.
I walked alone through the town of Flarerouge as I left.
———————-
Apollo: “…you really are an irritating woman.”
Apollo: “Don’t ever show yourself before me again. I order you to leave first thing tomorrow.”
———————-
(It was scary… but his commanding behavior is unforgettable. As a royal huh… maybe I’m fooling myself.)
I continued walking, sighing deeply, when…
Soldier 1: “Hey now, we’re soldiers yeah? You get it now!?”
Child: “I-I’m sorry… I’m sorry!”
Soldier 2: “Aren’t you a gutsy kid for running out in front of us.”
Several men who appeared to be soldiers were surrounding a young boy.
Townsperson 1: “Hey, that’s…”
Townsperson 2: “Stop it! Those are probably Lord Daia’s soldiers… if you just barge in, they’ll kill you!”
The surrounding townspeople all seemed afraid, and not a single one moved.
(Oh no…!)
OO: “Stop it…!”
My body spurred into action and I stood between the boy and the soldiers.
Solder 1: “What’s this? You’re an energetic girly, aren’t ya?”
The soldier drew his sword and pointed the tip of it at my chest as a threat.
(What should I do? I’m scared…but.)
I pressed my lips together, and the men all laughed in amusement.
Soldier 1: “Ya got some nerve girly.”
The sword tip pointed at my chest slowly moved its way up to my neck.
OO: “…!”
I felt myself tremble and I was almost to the point where I couldn’t look on anymore when…
A sword passed in front of my eyes and I heard the echo of metal striking metal.
(Eh…?)
Golden hair glittered in the bright light of the sun…-.
Apollo: “…what are you doing?”
Apollo stood there, composed, with his back to me and a massive sword in his hand.
Even from his back, I could see he was on edge as he trembled with anger.
I…
OO: “Prince Apollo…!”
I called out his name without thinking, and Apollo glanced at me, his gaze fierce.
Apollo: “Be quiet.”
He spoke only those two words to me, then his gaze immediately returned to the soldiers in front of him.
(Prince… Apollo?)
Unable to believe what was happening, my eyes went wide as I looked at his back and could do nothing else.
Apollo: “You’re making that same idiotic expression as usual.”
For an instant, he looked back at me, and I was certain I saw a faint smile.
Soldier 1: “P-Prince Apollo…”
Apollo: “You, are you all his subordinates?”
(His…?)
The soldiers in front of him huddled together, as if they were a group of frogs before a snake.
Apollo: “…very well. If you won’t answer, this is your end.”
I thought he would quickly bring down his blade, but once more Apollo’s body shimmered with heat.
Solder 2: “Hiii! W-we’ll be killed, he’s gonna kill us…!”
Soldier 1: “Th-this is… the rumored power…”
OO: “Prince Apollo…!”
Child: “Hii….”
The onlookers from the town, and the child…
The flames that Apollo brought forth were causing them to panic.
I…-.
OO: “Please stop…!”
I shouted without thinking, and Prince Apollo stopped and turned to look at me.
Apollo: “Why should I?”
OO: “Prince Apollo…”
I immediately clung to his arm…
Apollo: “…what are you doing? Get off.”
OO: “You can’t. Please stop… everyone… the townspeople and the children are all watching…!”
I frantically begged him to stop…
Apollo: “…”
Suddenly, the heat radiating from his body was pulled back.
Soldier 1: “N-now’s our chance to run!”
Soldier 2: “…!”
In that interval, the soldiers scrambled over each other to run away.
Apollo watched them go as if he was seeing something disgusting.
Apollo: “…idiots. Both those men and you.”
He spat out his words and looked around, surveying the scene.
Townsperson 1: “…!”
Townsperson 2: “L-lord Apollo…”
The people looked at Apollo with fear in their eyes.
(Why…?)
At that time…-.
Child: “…Prince Apollo, thank you.”
Timidly, the child who had been saved spoke up to Apollo.
Apollo: “It’s natural for a king to protect his people.”
He spoke with a severe expression, and his words were assured and strong.
Child: “…yeah! You were so strong and super cool!!”
The child looked at Apollo with respect, and I saw a faint smile on Apollo’s face.
Or so I thought…-.
Apollo: “Hey.”
OO: “…”
Apollo turned his piercing gaze to me.
(Wh-what do I do? I acted on my own and…)
Apollo: “…”
Under his powerful gaze, for some reason I felt my body heating up.
OO: “…”
Unable to handle it, I looked down…
Apollo: “Saving one of my citizens is something worth recognition.”
OO: “Eh…-.”
I looked up, his words completely unexpected.
But then…-.
Apollo: “However, taking on two men was reckless…beyond idiotic. Are you a complete moron?”
It was the first time… I had seen those red eyes filled with something like affection.
OO: “Prince Apollo…”
Apollo: “But you… …!”
OO: “Prince Apollo!?”
In the middle of talking, Apollo suddenly grasped at his chest and fell to his knees.
In a panic I tried to help him up but…
Apollo: “Leave me be…!!”
He slapped my hand aside.
OO: “P-prince Apollo, but…”
His face was pale and strained from pain.
(What’s wrong? For him to suddenly be like this…?)
Apollo: “I’m telling you… don’t make such a racket… around the people. The castle… back to the castle. You’re coming with me.”
OO: “Eh…? R-right.”
I held my hand out again to try and help him, but he brushed it aside again.
Still…
Even still, Apollo was dignified as the two of us walked back to the castle.
Ch. 4: Bound Heart
Apollo, who had rescued me downtown and quelled an escalating situation, was suddenly wracked with pain…
With him still struggling, the two of us returned to the castle…-.
Apollo: “Ugh…”
Apollo didn’t let any of the servants see him in this state as we made our way to his room. Once there, he lay down, his breathing pained.
I…-.
OO: “I’ll… go call for someone!”
I stood and started to leave when…
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to a stop.
Apollo: “Don’t do something unnecessary… I’ll be better soon.”
His pale face distorted in pain.
OO: “Um, I’ll wipe you off…”
I gently began to wipe away the sweat that had appeared on his forehead.
Apollo: “…”
Apollo put his fevered hand over mine.
Apollo: “Don’t… worry. There’s no need for that.”
OO: “But… you really look like you’re in pain.”
Then…
Apollo: “…”
Apollo took my hand that he’d grabbed and moved it to his chest.
(Eh…-)
His muscular body was soaked with sweat and I could feel the steady beat of his heart.
As if resonating with his strong heartbeat, my own pulse started to quicken.
(Prince Apollo…?)
At that moment…-.
(Is that… a tattoo?)
My gaze was drawn to a beautiful yet fierce illustration adorning his chest.
(The sun and… a lion…?)
Imprinted on his chest was an image combining a blazing sun and a fiercely roaring lion.
(It’s hot…)
Although it was all the same skin, the section with the tattoo seemed to burn hotter than the rest of him.
Apollo: “…recently, I’ve been losing my patience more frequently… then I use that power, and my chest aches.”
OO: “That power…?”
Apollo: “The power to create flame… it’s something under my control. However, because of my father and elder brother, the reason it pierces my heart like this is due to a binding.”
OO: “…a binding?”
Apollo seemed to be breathing easier, and his body seemed a little more relaxed.
Apollo: “Yes. Thanks to that, the more I use this power… the more it hurts my heart.”
Apollo’s expression shifted to annoyance.
OO: “But that’s…”
Apollo: “You think it’s impossible? Well, there’s no reason someone like you would understand.”
The pain seemed to have completely subsided now, and his breathing was back to normal…
Apollo: “Father and Brother fear me. They fear I could rule the entire kingdom.”
OO: “That’s…-.”
Apollo: “If that were not the case, why else would they have exiled me to this corner of the countryside?”
OO: “That’s so horrible. To think your own father and brother would do that…”
Apollo: “…hm.”
OO: “That’s so sad… your own family being afraid of you…”
Apollo: “Sad? It is simply who I am.”
Apollo: “If not for this binding, I would have eliminated my pathetic Father and Brother, ruling over the entire land as king. No, even with this binding… I will assuredly eliminate them. I am the only King of Flarerouge.”
OO: “…”
His steely gaze sparkled like his sights were set on prey.
There were secrets held in those eyes, and the fear I felt froze my spine into place and made my body tremble…
Apollo: “In addition, you may prove useful…”
OO: “Eh…?”
At that moment…-.
OO: “…!!”
I felt my shaking body unsettled… and before I could react, I was suddenly being pinned down beneath Apollo.
OO: “Prince Apollo…!?”
Apollo: “Answer me, Princess of Traumere. What is the power you used to awaken me? Since I was born… this is the first time I’ve received help from another.”
There was a glint in his eyes and across his handsome features, similar to his flame… I could see it burning.
Apollo: “Will you fall to fear, just like my family… or will you save me…”
I saw fascination flitting across his arrogant expression…
OO: “…”
Pinned down by that gaze, I forgot to breathe.
Apollo: “No answer? …very well.”
OO: “…!”
Apollo’s face suddenly came in closer.
Though I tried to resist in my surprise, he wrapped his strong hands around my wrists so I couldn’t even twitch.
Apollo: “Your face isn’t bad. And then there are those eyes when you look directly at me…”
OO: “L-let me go…!”
Apollo: “Yes, those eyes.”
Apollo chuckled from deep in his throat.
Apollo: “What’s wrong? Hurry and answer… then I’ll let you go.”
His lips were near, close to my cheek… then I felt his breath against my ear.
OO: “…”
I trembled… not with fear, but something else that crawled up my spine.
At that sensation, I tightly shut my eyes…
Suddenly, my body felt light and the pressure above was gone.
Apollo: “You’re quite an amusing woman when I tease you.”
OO: “…!?”
Apollo, who had released me, was smiling at me with satisfaction.
(Teasing me…!)
Apollo: “Thanks to you, I’ve come up with a plan.”
Paying absolutely no mind to my feelings, Apollo had set his mind on something.
Ch. 5: The Value of a Princess
Apollo: “Thanks to you, I’ve come up with a plan.”
———————-
After that…-.
He had pressured me into accompanying him, and I was headed for…
The royal palace where Apollo’s father lived, far from Apollo’s territory.
(He’s been very insistent on this journey… I wonder what he’s planning.)
———————-
Apollo: “Listen up, you’re not to leave my side no matter what. You will only respond with a clear ‘yes’. If you need to give any other answer, just smile. And do not refer to me as ‘Prince Apollo’ but just ‘Apollo.’ Am I clear?”
———————-
I recalled the entire journey being like that, and my unease grew steadily.
After waiting for some time, a solemn man in formal attire with an attendant entered the hall.
(I wonder if that man is Apollo’s father?)
King: “It has been some time, Apollo.”
Without even a smile, his father… the King of Flarerouge, glanced at Apollo as he spoke.
Apollo: “Indeed. I’ve come today to inform you of something.”
King: “Inform me…?”
Apollo gave a rare smile.
Apollo: “I am engaged with the Princess of Traumere.”
OO: “…!?”
Surprised, I looked at Apollo with wide eyes, but he only scowled in response.
(S-so that’s it, I just have to pretend…b-but, engaged!?)
King: “…is this true?”
Apollo: “Yes. Once we have decided on a date for the wedding ceremony, you will be informed.”
OO: “Ah…”
That was all I could get out before Apollo moved to leave.
Flustered, I gave a quick bow and followed after him…-.
OO: “Wait a minute! Prince Apollo…-.”
He didn’t stop walking even though I had called out to him.
OO: “…Apollo!”
Just like he’d told me on our way to the palace, I dropped the formalities, and he finally looked at me in displeasure.
Apollo: “…what?”
OO: “About earlier, why did you lie…?”
Apollo: “If we get married as I said, it won’t be a lie. Does that satisfy you?”
OO: “No it doesn’t. I mean, it’s so sudden…”
Apollo: “If the Princess of Traumere is to take my hand, they’ll grow impatient and make a move. That is your only value here. Rejoice.”
OO: “…I will not.”
Apollo: “Why?”
Apollo’s tone sounded more like an interrogation than a simple question.
OO: “I don’t need… that kind of value.”
Apollo: “I’m the one who needs it.”
I couldn’t understand what emotion was buried in his words, and it grated horribly against my heart.
Apollo: “Anyway, if you just do as I say, there won’t be a problem. That’s enough tedious discussion.”
OO: “But Apollo, you don’t even like me…”
Apollo: “… there is no need for feelings in this. You will act for me. That is all.”
OO: “You can’t just…-!”
OO: “…!!”
As soon as I started to object, Apollo seized my wrist.
In the blink of an eye, he’d pushed my back against a wall.
Apollo: “Be silent and obey me…! Everything I do is for this kingdom. Because I need power to lead this country.”
The last words were said like an afterthought, then he let me go and walked away with long strides.
———————-
Soldier 2: “What a tyrant…”
Soldier 3: “That was terrifying… at this rate, I could suffer that same fate…”
———————-
Townsperson 1: “…!”
Townsperson 2: “L-lord Apollo…”
———————-
(Power to lead the country… is that really what is needed…?)
I stood there frozen and alone, a painful weight heavy on my heart…-.
…
……
Several days later…-.
Apollo was suddenly ordered away on a military campaign by his father to an independent self-governing district.
(Apollo said his father and brother were plotting something but…)
Unable to do anything, I felt an onset of unease as I watched Apollo leaving with a large battalion of soldiers.
The burning sun that normally shone on Flarerouge was hidden that day.
Ch. 6: Apollo's Brother
Immediately following Apollo’s departure for his campaign…
There was a bellow like a roar, and so many footsteps it sounded like an earthquake.
I frantically fled from my room.
(What is going on…!?)
As I stepped into the hallway, the castle residents seemed to be running away from something.
OO: “Excuse me! Is something happening?”
I caught a maid and asked, and her voice shook as she answered.
Maid: “U-um, Lord Apollo’s elder brother, Lord Daia… his soldiers are invading the castle…”
OO: “…!?”
At the shocking news, I found it difficult to breathe.
(Right now, Apollo is gone… what should I do…!?)
I…-.
(I know, if I could have a conversation directly with his brother…)
Thinking that, I ran down the hall.
(I have to let Apollo know right away….)
Though I didn’t know the best way to contact him, I ran down the hall.
Then…-.
??: “Could it be you are the Princess of Traumere?”
The man in front of me, accompanied by soldiers, dramatically spread his hands.
OO: “…and you are?”
Daia: “First Prince of Flarerouge, Daia, and Apollo’s elder brother. Princess, you are as lovely as the rumors say. Such a waste for you to be with that great fool. How would you like to become my wife?”
His hair and eye color were the same as Apollo’s, and yet…
His movements were the exact opposite of Apollo, who always moved with overflowing majesty. Instead, Daia seemed incredibly weak.
OO: “…I refuse.”
(He must have chosen the time when Apollo would be gone…)
I squeezed my hands into fists and look him straight in the eye to give force to my refusal.
Daia: “Those eyes… they’re just like his. How annoying.”
A thin smile flashed across his face before disappearing.
Daia: “It doesn’t matter what you say. Now, come with me.”
OO: “…!”
He took a step forward and roughly grabbed my arm.
At that time…-.
Apollo: “You truly are an idiot.”
A low voice carried and echoed down the hall.
Daia: “What…?”
Apollo: “Were you planning to conquer my land and steal the castle and the princess in my absence? How naïve. Besides, that woman is beyond you.”
Apollo exuded anger as if he were about to unleash his flames as he stepped closer.
Then crimson flames burst forth from his arm… and they were more violent and sublime than I had ever seen before.
Daia: “Impossible… why are you here!”
Daia’s hand where he held my wrist was quivering and he took a step back.
Apollo: “Don’t shout, your voice is grating…!”
Daia: “…!!”
The rampaging flames coiled around Daia as if to burn him.
However… perhaps just for intimidation, the flames only burned the floor and Daia fell back in surprise.
As his grip on my arm loosened…-.
Apollo: “OO.”
It was the first time I had ever heard Apollo call me by name, and he held his hand out to me.
OO: “…!”
I shook off Daia’s hand and, as if in a dream, ran over to Apollo.
I found myself wrapped up in his strong arms.
OO: “…”
Not even thinking, I buried my face in his chest, and he held me even tighter.
Apollo: “I assumed you’d make a move. Foolish brother.”
Daia: “Wh-why are you back…!?”
Apollo: “A half day was sufficient enough to seize that level of territory. It seems like you and Father both underestimated my power.”
Daia: “Tch… w-well, I’ll withdraw for now…! But just this time!”
With that pitiful parting remark, Daia seemed to crawl as he ran away.
Slowly… as if responding to a calmness settling over Apollo’s heart, the flames disappeared.
Apollo: “…are you hurt?”
OO: “I’m alright. But Apollo…”
Perhaps it was from using his power, but Apollo’s face looked haggard.
Apollo: “What about me? I simply quelled a disturbance and protected the queen.”
OO: “B-by queen…”
Apollo: “My queen, I’ve made up my mind, so it is decided.”
He spoke so naturally and declared it so plainly.
Apollo: “As queen, you will be at my side. Then you simply have to let me protect you.”
OO: “Even though… you still don’t like me…”
Apollo: “I was thinking of how I wanted to see you, somewhat.”
OO: “Eh…”
I saw a kind smile on Apollo’s face then, one I had never seen before.
Apollo: “Yes, I wanted to hurry and see that idiotic face of yours.”
OO: “Geez…!!”
(He just keeps teasing me…)
Despite thinking that, Apollo’s smile filled my heart, and I ended up being unable to say anything more.
Apollo: “I’m returning to my room. I’m a little tired…”
OO: “…A-Apollo…!”
(Is he alright… from using his power?)
I anxiously looked at him, but his gaze seemed to rebuke mine.
Apollo: “I told you not to worry.”
However, his face was pale and twisted with pain, and seeing that made my heart ache.