Ch. 7: At the Castle, Regaining Composure
Apollo: “I was thinking of how I wanted to see you, somewhat.”
Apollo: “Yes, I wanted to hurry and see that idiotic face of yours.”
————————
After that…-.
I accompanied Apollo and we returned to his room.
The sun had already set, and blackness spread outside the window.
The inside of the castle had been in an uproar with the assault, but after learning of Apollo’s return, things were finally starting to calm down.
Apollo: “Kh…”
(He looks like he’s in pain… because he used his power.)
OO: “Apollo… thank you for saving me.”
Gently, I brushed back his bangs that were soaked in sweat.
Apollo: “I don’t need your thanks. I’m the one at fault for not taking proper measures.”
OO: “…but.”
His breathing was still pained and coming in shallow gasps.
Apollo: “So for a little while… I won’t be using my powers.”
Apollo touched the tattoo on his chest, then…-.
Soldier: “Lord Apollo…!!”
The door suddenly flew open, and soldiers brandishing their swords poured into the room.
Apollo: “…what do you want?”
Apollo got up, picking up on the unusual situation at hand, and hid me behind his back.
Soldier 1: “An order from Lord Daia… at present, you cannot use your power.”
Soldier 2: “We have to kill you now, otherwise Lord Daia will kill us…!”
As soon as they shouted those words, the soldiers readied themselves to strike…
Apollo: “…”
In exchange for their words, Apollo quickly took out one soldier after the other, knocking them to the ground.
Soldier 1: “U-ugh…”
Apollo looked down at the soldiers with scorn.
Apollo: “Are you prepared?”
Solider: “Ah…ah…”
Apollo’s voice was low as he spoke, his foot on the neck of the soldier that lay on the ground.
I just watched… unable to move my body at the horrible scene playing out before me…
Apollo: “I asked if you were prepared.”
Apollo pressed down harder.
Either from fear or lack of oxygen, the soldier passed out…
OO: “…Apollo…”
Apollo: “…cowards.”
Apollo spat out the word as he looked around at the soldiers on the floor.
Apollo: “…if I didn’t have this power… I wouldn’t be able to rule.”
OO: “Apollo, that’s…-.”
Apollo: “Be quiet!!”
Heat wrapped around Apollo’s arm and the surrounding area began to waver from the heat.
OO: “…stop…!”
(If he uses his power…!)
At that time…-.
Soldier 3: “Prince Apollo is this way!!”
The sounds of other soldiers and their footsteps were approaching the room.
Apollo: “Dammit… seems like my castle is crawling with my brother’s abandoned rats… we’re leaving at once. Come!”
He tightly gripped my arm, and Apollo and I fled the castle.
From his other hand he threw out raging flames, clearing a path for us.
Ch. 8: I Want to Be of Help
An uneasy, pale light spilled from the moon lodged in the pitch-black sky…-.
Having been chased from the castle, we headed through the town.
However, along the way…
(Apollo… is acting strange.)
His breathing was rough, and his shoulders heaved with the effort of it.
Apollo: “…tch… damn, my head is spinning…!!”
OO: “Apollo…!”
I hurriedly supported Apollo as he started to stagger.
Apollo attempted to brush my hand away, but his own hand went limp.
OO: “Let’s rest for a bit. You aren’t looking very good.”
Apollo: “I… must become a man worthy of being king…”
OO: “…okay.”
I could only nod as Apollo spoke, his words sounding on the brink of delirium.
Apollo: “Why is it… a king has nowhere to return to… other than his castle… why couldn’t I stop… my castle being taken…!”
OO: “Apollo… calm down.”
As he got more riled up, I attempted to calm him down by placing my hand on his back. Then…-.
Townsperson 1: “Lord… Apollo?”
Townsperson 2: “Aah, it’s Lord Apollo!”
As I had expected, Apollo’s form was too conspicuous, and the people started to gather.
Townsperson 3: “The lord is looking quite unwell. What on earth happened!?”
The people had gathered at once, and the night was immediately crowded.
OO: “Um, this is…”
I was at a loss for how to explain what had happened.
The townspeople shared looks with each other and seemed to consider something…-.
Townsperson 4: “Lord Apollo! Please allow us to return your kindness.”
Townsperson 3: “We’ve heard of what happened in the castle. Even out here, we’ve heard that Prince Apollo was defeated…”
Apollo: “What did you say…”
Townsperson 4: “But we want to be of use to you…!”
Townsperson 2: “Because Lord Apollo has protected this section of Flarerouge until now!”
Seeing the state Apollo was in, the people unanimously extended offers of help.
(…everyone here understands Apollo.)
My chest warmed with happiness.
However…-.
Apollo: “Argh, just shut up!”
Apollo’s strained roar echoed across the evening town.
OO: “Apollo! Please calm down…”
Apollo: “Are even you… going to look at me with pity…!?”
OO: “No. Please, just listen. You of all people should be able to understand these people’s feelings.”
Apollo: “…something I can understand huh.”
OO: “They want to help you Apollo. Because you’re someone who protected them and are important to them.”
Apollo: “…”
OO: “And to me…”
Seeing my face, Apollo’s expression suddenly changed.
Apollo: “OO…”
Then, as if resigning himself, Apollo laughed bitterly.
Apollo: “To make the woman I love cry… how long would I have to live my life in disgrace over that?”
Apollo’s fingers were painfully gentle as he wiped away the tears that had formed in my eyes.
(Love…?)
Apollo’s straightforward gaze was directed right at me as I stood there in puzzlement.
Apollo: “What’s with that face? You are my queen. It’s obvious I would love you.”
He spoke those words so matter-of-factly, but to me it wasn’t like that at all…
OO: “You’re… you’re still saying that I’m your queen.”
Apollo: “Though it’s the first time I’ve said I love you.”
OO: “…!”
Apollo stroked my hair, smiling slightly.
(I’m happy…)
The moonlight shone gently on Apollo’s profile.
Seeing his smile, a sweet feeling was born in my heart.
Ch. 9: For the People
For the time being, Apollo and I had regrettably gone into hiding, however…
Having received help from the townspeople, we began to live independently from the territory.
(I feel like I’ve been able to see completely different expression from Apollo ever since we came here.)
Child: “Aah, Lord Apollo, be more gentle when you give the vegetables water!”
Apollo: “Gentle? I don’t understand.”
While experiencing the daily lives of the people, Apollo had become more expressive.
Even now, he was looking straight at the child who was teaching him with a furrowed brow.
Apollo: “Hey, kid. Tell me what you mean by ‘gentle’.”
Child: “Uuum, like to make them grow healthy, you gotta talk to them and be nice! Bye bye! I’ll leave it to you Lord Apollo!!”
Apollo: “H-hey!”
Seeing all of that, I couldn’t help laughing.
Apollo saw me and grimaced in displeasure.
Apollo: “…so you were watching.”
OO: “Yes. It was quite charming.”
Apollo: “How strange…”
OO: “Eh?”
Apollo: “I said it was strange. The people living here know a great deal that I don’t. How to tend to crops, how to work together… I’ve only thought of myself and acted accordingly.”
OO: “Apollo…”
Apollo: “I only thought of how I could live a life worthy of a king. A king leads with absolute authority, and in doing so the people would also be happy. That is what I believed. But… it seems I was wrong.”
OO: “Apollo…”
As Apollo thought back on the past, his hands tightened into fists, and I slowly moved closer when…
Close Aide: “Lord Apollo…”
Apollo’s close aide, who he had maintained contact with even after going into hiding, appeared.
Apollo: “…what?”
Close Aide: “I believe everyone is approaching their limit… your elder brother took your place as lord, and his misrule must end.”
Apollo: “Is it getting worse?”
Close Aide: “Yes… his rule as a tyrant is extreme, and he has begun killing those who try to flee as an example…”
OO: “How horrible…”
Close Aide: “Please make your decision soon.”
A strong light of determination filled Apollo’s eyes.
It was something I had come to see recently at times, and I found that brilliance beautiful…
Apollo: “It is not enough for a king to have a country. For the country… is the people.”
Close Aide: “Lord Apollo…!”
Apollo: “I will fight for the people. It’s time for me to do what I must.”
Apollo’s gaze didn’t waver and was filled with a powerful nobility and pride…
His strength had grown since he had first decided to use his power to protect the people.
The smile that lit his face at that moment was magnificent and beautiful.
Ch. 10: Hero of the Sun
Apollo: “I will fight for the people. It’s time for me to do what I must.”
————————
The flame that burned in Apollo’s eyes flared to life with determination…-.
To take back the castle and protect the people, Apollo’s first plan was…
To gather the people into a private army and head off for the castle.
Apollo: “Put your faith in me. All of you need only to hold your swords and ready your shields, and just appear as if you’re coming in for an assault. You will serve as a threat, saying you have been assembled as my private army. We will deceive the enemy with numbers. I alone will be enough for the actual fighting… I’ve completely recovered.”
Having asked for it, I was also mixed in the private army.
I had said that I didn’t want to just wait around, and I never thought Apollo would actually nod in agreement…
(In the end, he smiled. He said that he likes strong women…)
The time we had spent in the town flashed before my eyes.
And then…-.
Apollo: “March!!”
Private Army: “Ooh—!!!!!!”
As soon as Apollo shouted from the front, a pillar of flame rose up from him.
The red seemed as if it would burn the entire castle, but neither the people nor the castle burned, and the flame instead rose up in a beautiful pillar.
Apollo: “OO. Don’t leave my side for an instant!”
OO: “Right…!”
We marched further into the castle, protected by the roaring of the flames.
Soldier 1: “S-someone, do something!!”
Soldier 2: “N-no way! They’ve got more soldiers in that fire!!”
The people of the village who Apollo was protecting made a show of their numbers from within the flame.
Apollo: “…good work.”
Apollo smiled at the people.
Soldier 3: “S-save me-!!”
In the face of that enormous flame, the enemy soldiers in the castle could do nothing as they scattered every which way.
The flames raged, as if being spewed out by a dragon, and they led us through that place of chaos.
(Wow… this is so amazing…! But…)
I looked up at Apollo and his face was even paler than before.
OO: “Does it hurt…?”
Without thinking, I gently placed my hand on his chest, and I felt an immense heat against my skin.
Apollo: “I’m fine… we’re moving in.”
OO: “Right…!”
Protected by Apollo, I turned ahead towards the reception hall.
Inside were Apollo’s father and older brother.
King: “…so you still had this much power remaining.”
Daia: “Seriously… with the recent expedition, I thought he’d be weaker after flinging his power around like that.”
Apollo: “I assume you’ve prepared yourself.”
The burning flames that wrapped around Apollo moved like a living thing and swelled up.
King: “Are you certain about this? I’m the only one who can undo the binding on your heart.”
Apollo: “…”
Daia: “That’s right, if Father is gone, that power will eat away at your heart and you’ll probably die someday…- …!?”
Apollo made a throwing motion, and a massive ball of flame descended on the two.
King: “A…Apollo…!!”
Daia: “You’d kill your own family…!”
Apollo: “I will… eliminate everything that stands in the way of this country and its people’s future. Even if it’s my own Father and Brother…!”
The flame engulfed the two along with his unwavering words.
Apollo: “…”
Apollo clutched at his chest in pain as he moved closer to me, then he placed his hand in front of my eyes.
Apollo: “Don’t look.”
OO: “…”
However, I could still hear the roaring of the flames.
Finally, both the sounds and the heat dissipated…
Private Army: “L-lord Apollo…”
Private Army: “Lord Apollo… has won!!”
Private Army: “Lord Apollo!!!”
The people in the army rushed to Apollo.
Apollo gave a weak smile, then…
OO: “Apollo…!”
I supported Apollo as he collapsed, but under his weight, the both of us fell to the floor.
OO: “Please hold on…!”
Apollo: “…”
I spoke frantically, and Apollo cracked his eyes open with a pained grimace.
Apollo: “I didn’t intend… to be such an unsightly king…”
OO: “That is absolutely not true…”
(Apollo… you cared more about protecting the people than your own family, or even your own body.)
Apollo: “Don’t cry, OO. If you do, I’ll die.”
OO: “…right. This country needs you Apollo… so please live.”
Apollo: “Yeah… you don’t have to tell me that…”
After a weak, yet arrogant smile, Apollo slowly closed his eyes…-.
…
……
Several weeks after that…-.
Having saved the people, Apollo was deemed a hero and a parade was held for his triumphant return.
However…
Citizens: “Lord Apollo! Lord Apollo!!”
Citizens: “Lady OO!!!”
Surrounded by the joy of the people, Apollo was not the only one to make a triumphant return.
OO: “W-why am I here too…?”
Apollo: “Because the people wished it. We had to meet their demands. And anyway, isn’t this fortunate? This parade serves as an advanced celebration of our wedding.”
OO: “Eh…!”
I looked up at Apollo in surprise, and there was a slightly teasing smile on his face.
He smoothly slid his arm around my waist and pulled me in tightly.
OO: “U-um…”
(This is so embarrassing…!)
Apollo: “Don’t fidget. Don’t be nervous. You are the one who will be the Queen of Flarerouge.”
Realizing, I lowered my head, but Apollo put his fist underneath my chin and brought my eyes up to meet his.
Apollo: “Become a woman worthy of standing at my side.”
The ferocity held in his sparkling eyes before grew even stronger.
I couldn’t calm the beating of my heart, and I couldn’t get any words out…
Apollo: “…there’s no way to remove the binding on my heart now. But even without using my power, I will make a future for this country, for its people, and for you. OO. Become my only family. I love you.”
OO: “…Apollo…”
Apollo: “Your answer.”
OO: “Yes…”
I felt Apollo’s hand on my shoulder tighten.
In his face at this angle, I could see relief, strength, and beauty…
It was brilliant, like the sun that would shine down on our path from now on.
END
Secret Story: For My Beloved Woman
The destructive flames that I created burned my father and brother away to nothing…-.
And at the same time, the one person who could remove the binding from my heart was erased from this world.
(I have no regrets.)
I used too much power and… fell into a deep sleep…-.
As recompense for having used my ability to its absolute limit, the pain I felt was like it was ripping my body apart.
However…
OO: “…Apollo…”
Apollo: “…”
One night, I slowly regained consciousness and opened my eyes.
OO lay at my bedside, asleep.
I didn’t even know how many days had passed since I’d fallen asleep.
(Don’t tell me… she’s been here the whole time? She should have left that to a servant.)
I quietly reached my hand out to the hair that had fallen over her face, but my chest spiked with pain.
(I guess it will still take some time before I’m recovered…)
I carefully brushed away her hair, being sure not to wake her.
(It’s soft…)
OO: “Nn…”
Her eyelids fluttered slightly.
(Did I wake her…?)
OO: “Nn… Apollo…?”
Apollo: “Yeah…”
OO’s eyes opened wide at my response.
OO: “Apollo…!”
Her expression of surprise shifted to a smile, but then immediately her eyes lowered in sadness.
(Geez, what a restless woman.)
However, seeing OO’s expressions and being here alive right now was a strange sensation.
OO: “You looked like you were in so much pain the entire time… and I couldn’t help but worry. I’m really… so glad…”
Tears formed in her eyes as OO was unable to contain her emotions even as she smiled.
Apollo: “…I’ve never seen a woman as prone to worrying as you.”
OO: “…but you really did look like you were in a lot of pain. So…”
Apollo: “Did you think I would die?”
At my question, OO looked apologetic and hung her head.
Apollo: “I promised, didn’t I? That I would live, without you needing to tell me to…-“
OO: “Yes, you did… I’ll have to trust in you more Apollo.”
I felt uneasy seeing her downcast with that sorrowful look in her eyes.
(…what a hopeless woman.)
Thinking that, I couldn’t harbor any ill will for the feelings she held for me.
Apollo: “Come here, OO.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Apollo: “I’ll show you that my heart won’t stop beating that easily.”
OO: “…!”
I grabbed onto her and forced her into an embrace.
OO: “Apollo…?”
She tilted her head in confusion even as she was held to my chest.
Apollo: “…listen.”
OO: “…!”
She pressed her soft cheek against my chest.
After shifting slightly, she completely rested her head against my chest.
OO: “It’s loud… I can hear your heartbeat clearly.”
She said those words with a delighted smile on her face.
This woman was so impolite.
This woman… was one I loved dearly.
Apollo: “…I must be alive then. From now on, this heart will beat with this bond that pierces it…-.”
As I hugged her delicate body closer, she gave herself over to the embrace.
Apollo: “And… with you.”
Our hearts beat as one, wrapping the two of us in tranquility and bliss…-.
…
……
Some time after that, I was completely recovered…-.
The town was holding a grand parade to celebrate my return.
Citizens: “Lord Apollo! Lord Apollo!!”
Citizens: “Lady OO!!!”
At the request of the citizens, OO was also with me.
OO: “W-why am I here too…?”
Apollo: “Because the people wished it. We had to meet their demands.”
As expected, OO was agitated.
Apollo: “And anyway, isn’t this fortunate? This parade serves as an advanced celebration of our wedding.”
OO: “Eh…!”
I wrapped my arm around the waist of a surprised OO and pulled her close.
OO: “U-um…”
Her cheeks were clearly red, as if she were completely innocent.
(That kind of expression isn’t bad. …but that expression alone isn’t good.)
Apollo: “Don’t fidget. Don’t be nervous. You are the one who will be the Queen of Flarerouge.”
I tilted her head up, given she was prone to looking down, and forced her to meet my eyes.
Apollo: “Become a woman worthy of standing at my side.”
OO, clearly still feeling shy, looked directly into my eyes.
(Yes… from now on, I will encourage those eyes.)
Apollo: “…there’s no way to remove the binding on my heart now. But even without using my power, I will make a future for this country, for its people, and for you.”
Along with what I build from this point forward, for my beloved woman…
Apollo: “OO. Become my only family. I love you.”
OO: “…Apollo…”
Apollo: “Your answer.”
OO: “Yes…”
I felt my heart pound in my chest.
No matter what might happen, I would bring the people of this country happiness as their king.
Alongside my beloved OO.
END