Ch. 1: A Single Flower, and His Expression
Kingdom of Dajeelberg in the Land of Black Tea, Month of Azure…-
The sun was climbing high into the clear sky…
I walked along the streets, the town looking like a painting as I made my way towards Edmond’s castle, per his invitation.
(These cookies should be alright to bring to a tea party.)
Cookies in hand, something tugged on the hem of my clothes as soon as I’d stepped out of the shop.
Boy: “Hey Miss, gimme a cookie please!”
A young, shabby-looking boy stared up at me with a smile.
OO: “Um…”
Boy: “Please Miss!”
OO: “S-sure. Here you go.”
I held out the cookies, unable to deny such an innocent request…-
Boy: “Wow…Thanks! Here, you can have this. Bye bye!!”
The small boy, smiling from the bottom of his heart, took the cookies and held out to me a single white flower.
OO: “What a cute flower…”
(That boy…I wonder who he was.)
Though I was curious, I re-bought the cookies and headed to the castle.
…
……
I arrived at the castle, and a butler led me to the party hall.
Even within the castle, the luxury looked like something out of a painting, and it took my breath away.
(Something smells good…muscat?)
I was enraptured by the beauty of the castle and the sweet, rich scent when…-
Edmond: “Welcome OO.”
Edmond appeared, his smile brimming with kindness.
Looking at me, Edmond swept into a bow.
(Such a beautiful person…)
I was so fascinated by his elegant movements that I forgot myself for a moment.
Edmond: “Now, please come this way.”
He suddenly held his hand out to me, urging me to take it
OO: “Ah…”
I took his hand, and could feel the same kindness in his grip that I saw on his face.
OO: “Oh, right. I brought some cookies if you’d like.”
Edmond: “You brought them especially for this? Thank you. They look delicious.”
OO: “It’s for inviting me to this tea party.”
Edmond: “You needn’t have troubled yourself. In that case, let’s enjoy them together.”
Edmond handed the cookies to the butler so they could be prepared.
Edmond: “Oh? What is this flower…?
OO: “Oh, when I was in front of the shop…”
Edmond: “…did you happen to meet someone while you were in town?”
The gentle smile suddenly vanished from his face, and his expression clouded slightly.
(What’s wrong?)
OO: “Y-yes. …I got the flower from a boy in town.”
Edmond: “I see…let me see it.”
OO: “Ah…”
Edmond took the flower from my hand and placed it on the corner of the table, his expression sorrowful.
(What’s going on? He suddenly stopped smiling…)
His eyes were unfocused as they shimmered with an unknown sadness.
Ch. 2: Tea, and His Smiling Face
Edmond: “…did you happen to meet someone while you were in town?”
Edmond’s eyes wavered as if puzzled…
Edmond: “Listen to me OO. You mustn’t go about town by yourself again.”
At his sudden statement, I…
OO: “Yes, I understand.”
His tone was severe, quite different from a moment ago, and I could only nod.
Edmond: “That’s a good girl.”
Then the smile returned to his face.
OO: “…why is that?”
Edmond: “Regardless of why, you must promise me. Say you’ll never do it again.”
OO: “Alright, I understand.”
His expression returned to the gentle smile from before.
Edmond: “Now, let us end that conversation. I’ll dispatch an emissary to escort you, so you have nothing to worry about.”
I nodded, and Edmond called the butler again to pull my seat out for me.
OO: “Thank you.”
Edmond: “Now, let us drink. I have prepared some first-class tea just for you. And then of course there are the special cookies that you brought.”
Edmond smiled kindly, his gentleness returned.
His smile never fading, Edmond used his long, beautiful fingers to begin brewing the tea.
Edmond: “Here you are.”
OO: “Thank you. It smells wonderful.”
And so I continued the tea party with Edmond until evening.
…
……
OO: “So there are other kingdoms in the Land of Black Tea besides this one then.”
Edmond: “Yes, and each one produces its own special kind of black tea. The land is famous for it. Though I’m sure my kingdom’s is the most delicious.”
Edmond laughed in jest.
Edmond’s mood was so kind, and before I knew it, I had lost track of time and simply enjoyed our conversation.
At that point…-
Cabinet Minister: “Please excuse me Lord Edmond. About our conversation earlier regarding the cattle…”
A man with a well-built frame came towards us.
Edmond: “Minister…as you can see, I am entertaining a guest at the moment. May we discuss this after?”
Cabinet Minister: “…please excuse me My Lord. Then, later tonight.”
Then, the minister’s gaze shifted to the corner of the table.
Cabinet Minister: “Oh? This flower.”
Edmond: “…”
Cabinet Minister: “My Lord…you should not be supporting the slums so.”
(Slums…?)
Edmond: “I am aware. Pay it no mind. You may leave now.”
The minister bowed his head and went back out into the hall.
OO: “Um…what was he talking about?”
Edmond: “Well…”
Edmond slightly lowered his head, his face full of sorrow.
A shadow fell over his beautiful face, then…
Edmond: “This kingdom has an area of slums. The boy who gave you the flower was likely from there, as this flower only blooms in the slums…”
(That boy was from the slums…)
Edmond: “However, it’s not that the area has been a problem to the public order. Originally, it was a new residential area built by the government and it contained many fine apartment buildings.”
OO: “I see…”
Edmond: “Yes. And yet the country has turned a blind eye to the area as it turned into a slum. They say that it would take a considerable amount of funding to restore the place in earnest…it truly is a shameful tale.”
My chest ached as I saw Edmond’s expression, biting his lower lip.
And yet the thought of that young boy…
OO: “I feel like…you really want to do something about it Edmond.”
Edmond: “I do…and yet I…-“
(Edmond…?)
I couldn’t ask anymore, seeing the pained look on his face as he cast his eyes down. Instead, I gently rested my hand on his.
Edmond: “…sorry. Let’s stop talking about this depressing topic.”
Edmond smiled, as if trying to suppress the pain.
OO: “…”
Edmond: “Haha, come on, don’t look so down.”
He gently grasped my hand atop his.
Edmond: “Did you enjoy the tea party?”
OO: “Yes, very much.”
In response to his bright smile, I smiled back.
Then…-
Edmond: “I’m glad…”
Edmond’s cheeks turned a slight shade of red.
Edmond: “…I’m pleased you enjoyed it. I wanted to make it fun, since you came all this way.”
Just like when he’d entered the room, Edmond was an elegant escort.
However…-
———————
Edmond: “It truly is a shameful tale.”
———————
My heart hurt as I thought of the pained expression I had seen.
Ch. 3: Invitation to the Slums, and Unease
The next morning…-
(I kept thinking about what Edmond had said about the slums and couldn’t sleep much…)
It felt like something was lodged in my chest and I couldn’t get it out, so I had gone to stretch my legs in the courtyard and maybe clear my head.
The beautiful flowers were in full bloom, and I could hear voices in the courtyard.
(Huh? This voice…is it Edmond?)
I suddenly stopped and strained my ears.
Minister: “Prince Edmond, your decision.”
Edmond: “It’s not something I can decide on so quickly. I’d like to discuss it in more detail with Father.”
(As I thought. And the other person, is it the minister from yesterday?)
I suddenly lost my nerve as I was eavesdropping and went to leave when…
Minister: “My Lord! The slums are a blemish on this country.”
At his loud voice, I reflexively stiffened.
Minister: “Parliament has already decided we should tear it down at once. Besides, surely you haven’t forgotten what you suffered through, yes?”
Edmond: “That’s…”
Edmond closed his eyes as if in pain.
Minister: “Prince Edmond.”
Edmond: “…I understand Minister. However, let me make one inspection.”
(This seems like a really important discussion. I shouldn’t listen anymore.)
Thinking that, I took one step towards walking away when…-
Edmond: “Who’s there!?”
Edmond must have heard me, and he called out.
I hesitated for a moment, but nervously came out.
OO: “I’m really sorry. It looked like you were having an important conversation so I thought I’d best leave but…”
Edmond: “It was you…”
Edmond confirmed it was me before smiling awkwardly.
After that, he gently beckoned me over.
Edmond: “It’s alright, come here.”
OO: “I-I’m sorry!”
I panicked and went to run when…-
Edmond: “…OO! Wait!”
Edmond recognized me and called out with such force that I stopped.
OO: “Um…I’m really sorry. I hadn’t intended to eavesdrop but…”
Edmond: “It’s alright, you don’t have to be afraid.”
Edmond lifted his eyebrows as if a little embarrassed, then smiled.
Edmond: “I’m pretty sure you heard us but…I’m sorry OO. I’m going to head into town today, can you entertain yourself? Let’s enjoy ourselves together tomorrow.”
OO: “I’m fine by myself. But…”
Edmond: “What’s wrong?”
Edmond stood there with a kind expression as he waited for my response.
———————
Minister: “Besides, surely you haven’t forgotten what you suffered through, yes?”
Edmond: “That’s…”
———————
OO: “Um, can I go with you into town?”
I had said it before I could stop myself.
Edmond: “Eh? What are you saying!? Definitely not. I told you yesterday, remember?”
OO: “But I…”
———————
OO: “I feel like…you really want to do something about it Edmond.”
Edmond: “I do…and yet I…-“
———————
Edmond’s pained demeanor from yesterday came to mind.
(I’d really like to help him.)
Minister: “I think that would be fine My Lord.”
OO: “Really…?”
Edmond: “What are you saying Minister? There is no way I could expose her to such danger.”
Minister: “Still, it would be good for her to look around and give us her opinion since she’s a member of a foreign royal family.”
Edmond: “Even so, she is a princess, and I could never take her to such a dangerous place…”
Minister: “How many years have we already spent without settling on a decision for this problem? This is finally our chance.”
The minister looked at Edmond, the corners of his mouth twitching up into a grin.
At his look, I felt a strange feeling of discomfort.
Edmond: “…very well. I shall do so just this once. As the minister says, it is important to get various opinions.”
(I’m glad he’s taking me along but…)
OO: “Um, are you sure?”
I inquired, curious about the minister’s response.
Edmond: “This time will be a special exception.”
Edmond looked at me with gentle eyes, and his face relaxed into a smile.
OO: “Um, thank you very much.”
I thanked the minister for backing me up…-
Cabinet Minister: “Oh no, thank you for agreeing to such a request. Should anything happen…we will protect you.”
Contrary to his words, the feel I got from the minister made me suspicious.
OO: “R-right…thank you very much.”
Edmond: “However, OO. Once we’re in town, do not leave my side for any reason.”
OO: “Yes.”
Edmond: “Alright, good girl.”
Edmond gently patted my head with his large hand.
(Is it really…that dangerous?)
I smiled, as if to hide the pain in my chest.
Ch. 4: The Condition of the Slums, and His Hand
We arrived in town, and Edmond immediately began his investigation.
Edmond: “This area is still beautiful, it hasn’t changed.”
Minister: “Indeed. However if you take one step further, you’re on route to the more deteriorated part of the slums.”
Edmond: “Practically.”
Minister: “The deterioration is quite severe.”
Edmond: “The papers for the building please.”
Minister: “Yes My Lord.”
As Edmond looked over the documents, the people of the town started to gather at a distance and watch us.
(Edmond speaks as if he doesn’t really do these inspections…I wonder if it’s strange that he’s here.)
At that time, I heard someone shout angrily.
Man: “You think this is free!?”
(W-what the!?)
I turned towards the voice and…-
I saw a small boy, frightened, and surrounded by a group of grown men.
(That’s…)
———————
Boy: “Hey Miss, gimme a cookie please!”
———————
(The boy from before…!?)
OO: “Excuse me! What’s going on here?”
Without thinking, I moved to stand in the way of the men to protect the boy.
Man: “Move it lady. We caught this kid trying to steal our things.”
OO: “Eh…-“
Boy: “…I-I’m sorry…”
Unable to bear it, I held the boy tightly as his shoulders shook with his apology.
OO: “…I’m sorry. I offer my apology as well. Please, forgive the boy.”
I deeply bowed my head to the men.
Boy: “Miss…”
Man: “I ain’t gonna forgive him just like that! If you get in our way…-“
The man approached us and raised his fist overhead when…-
Townsperson: “Hey! Knock it off! Don’t go fighting a woman and a child!”
Townsperson: “That’s right. They even apologized. Just forgive them.”
In an uproar, the people of the slums came rushing to our aid, raising their voices one after another at the men.
Man: “…tch!”
The men hesitated for a moment, but finally left.
Boy: “Hey miss…thanks.”
The boy had finally stopped shaking, and I let him go. He gave me a weak smile.
OO: “No problem…and you won’t steal again right?”
Boy: “Yeah…I’m sorry.”
I said my farewell to the boy after he apologized, and went back to where Edmond was but…
OO: “Huh?”
(I don’t see Edmond anywhere…)
Boy: “Hey miss, are you lost?”
OO: “Y-yeah…seems so.”
Townsperson: “Prince Edmond? I just saw him over that way carrying on his inspection.”
The people who had saved us kindly told me where to go.
OO: “Thank you so much!”
(Such nice people…)
I said my thanks to the people and walked in the direction of where Edmond should be.
I had only been walking a little while when…-
OO: “…!”
The men from before stood impassively before me, blocking the way.
OO: “Y-you’re…”
Man: “You were with Prince Edmond before.”
Man: “Bet you’re a pretty important person…so, why don’t you come with us?”
I felt myself freeze up as I looked into their dull, staring eyes.
(No, I’m scared…!)
At that time…-
Edmond: “What are you doing over there!?”
Edmond, the very person I had just been looking for, appeared gallantly with a host of castle soldiers.
Slum Man: “…damn.”
The men fled immediately, and Edmond’s face relaxed in relief.
However, after a brief moment…
Edmond: “…! Where did you go off to!?”
Edmond rushed over to me and tightly gripped my shoulders.
Edmond: “Didn’t I tell you not to leave my side?”
OO: “…I’m sorry.”
Edmond: “I told you, you must stay with me no matter what.”
OO: “I-I’m alright.”
Edmond: “You clearly aren’t…you’re shaking.”
Edmond placed his hands on my back, trying to comfort me.
OO: “Yes…I was scared.”
Edmond: “No…I’m sorry. I took my eyes off you.”
Edmond smiled kindly at me, though it didn’t touch his eyes.
Edmond: “…as I thought, I shouldn’t have brought you here.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Edmond: “It would have been awful if something had happened, like you’d been kidnapped.”
Edmond hung his head, his soft hair hiding his face in shadow.
OO: “Edmond…but there were a lot of nice people in the slums too.”
Edmond: “…”
OO: “Edmond…?”
I instinctively peered into his face as he stood with his head hung in silence…
OO: “You’re right…”
Remembering how scared I had been, I hugged myself.
Edmond: “I was thoughtless.”
Edmond’s face twisted in regret.
Edmond: “I’m sorry for getting so gloomy. Let’s go back to the castle.”
OO: “Ah…”
Edmond firmly grasped my hand and began walking.
There was no sign of his usual kind and gentle hand…-
His hand held mine tightly, as if desperately trying to hold onto a myriad of emotions.
Ch. 5: The Past Discussed, and a Decision
I returned with Edmond to the castle after his inspection and was led to his room.
The room had elegant furniture, all neatly arranged, and we sat in chairs facing each other.
Edmond: “I’m really glad there were no further incidents.”
OO: “I’m sorry for worrying you.”
Edmond: “It’s fine, as long as you’re safe.”
He reached out his soft, gentle hand and caressed my cheek.
Edmond: “So, why did you say you wanted to go into town with me?”
OO: “Well I…”
Edmond: “Haha, it’s alright if you can’t say. Well then, what did you think after seeing the town? I wonder what it looked like to a princess from another country…”
I…
OO: “I thought it was a cheerful place. And there were a lot of kind people.”
Edmond: “I see…you really are quite genuine.”
OO: “…I thought…it was a cruel place.”
Edmond: “Cruel?”
OO: “That boy from the slums, he looked like he was so poor he had to result to stealing…”
Edmond: “Yeah…you’re right.”
Edmond turned his gaze away, his expression sorrowful.
OO: “Edmond…?”
I was pulled in by his emotion, and gently grasped his hand.
Edmond: “OO…”
I saw myself reflected in his eyes.
Edmond: “I…I was kidnapped by the people in the slums.”
OO: “Kidnapped…!?”
Edmond tightened his grip on my hand.
Edmond: “Originally the slums were a residential area built as part of a sanitation plan brought about by some politicking. When I was very young, Father would often bring me there with him.”
Whether because of the strong memories from that time or something else, his expression became grim.
Edmond: “I would often find myself there, and I got along well with the people who lived in the area. Before I knew it, I would go on my own. Of course, I’d sneak out of the castle.”
OO: “You’d sneak out…? That’s kind of surprising.”
Edmond laughed.
Edmond: “My father is a very strict man, and I would spend every day inside the castle. So I really enjoyed the time I spent away from him. Everyone was so kind. Even though I was the prince, I wasn’t seen as being different. I was treated the same as any other child, and we’d even eat meals together…”
This time, Edmond’s expression was a little more gentle.
(I’m sure he has a lot of wonderful memories…)
Edmond: “But…then the country started to abandon the area. In the blink of an eye, the public order descended into chaos…”
I firmly grasped his hand again as his expression started to darken.
Our two hands tightly grasped each other.
Edmond: “One day…I went to play as usual. And I was kidnapped.”
OO: “…”
Edmond: “The culprits were adults that had always treated me kindly. At that time, I was somehow able to find an opening and run away.”
OO: “I can’t believe something like that happened…”
Edmond: “It was a shock. The place I had loved…the people I had loved, it all became terrifying.”
Edmond wrapped his other hand around our intertwined fingers and pulled them closer.
Edmond: “After that, I avoided having anything to do with the slums. Even though looking back on it, it was the royal family that caused that to happen…-“
(So … this was the reason Edmond looked like he was suffering. He’s stuck between his duty as a royal and his painful memories…)
My chest tightened upon hearing of his incredibly painful memories.
As I considered what to say, a knock came at the door, shattering the silence.
Minister: “My Lord.”
Edmond: “…what is it?”
Minister: “His Majesty the King is calling for you. He would like a report from your inspection.”
Edmond: “…alright, I’m coming.”
Edmond dismissed the minister and slowly unlinked our hands.
Then he gently placed his hand on my head.
Edmond: “This shouldn’t take long, can you wait for me here?”
OO: “…yeah.”
Edmond: “That’s a good girl.”
In the end he gave me a gentle Edmond-like smile, and left the room.
And so for a while I thought about Edmond and the slums.
(I think Edmond wants to help the slums…And I do too…I want to help those people.)
Then there was a knock at the door and Edmond returned.
Edmond: “I’m sorry that took a while.”
OO: “Edmond, I…is there anything I can do to help?”
Edmond: “OO…”
However, Edmond frowned, seeming sad, and shook his head.
Edmond: “Let’s stop talking about the slums.”
OO: “Eh? But why…-“
Edmond: “If you get wrapped up in this anymore, you could be in danger, and I don’t want that. Besides, after my investigation it’s been decided that the slums will be demolished.”
At his decision, I stood there, at a loss for words.
Ch. 6: A Visitor, and the Beginning of Trouble
Edmond: “Let’s stop talking about the slums. Besides, after my investigation it’s been decided that the slums will be demolished.”
OO: “W-wait…”
Edmond: “It’s already been decided. That place…it’s dangerous.”
Edmond said it so definitively, like he was being stubborn about it, and I…
OO: “…”
I stayed quiet as I searched for what to say.
Edmond: “You understand, right OO?”
His argument sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.
OO: “Edmond, are you really okay with that…!?
I said so, and Edmond’s eyes flickered, but his face stiffened immediately as he regained control of himself.
Edmond: “It is not my wish, but I must think of what’s best for the kingdom.”
OO: “But…”
Edmond: “That’s just how it is.”
OO: “But…Edmond, didn’t you just say you…”
Edmond: “…”
OO: “You really want to help them, don’t you…?”
I looked at him, pleading.
However, he wouldn’t meet my eyes…
Edmond: “I’m sorry…it’s already decided.”
OO: “Ah…”
He spoke it over his shoulder and quickly left the room again.
…
……
Before long, rumors of the demolition of the slums had spread.
Even within the castle, I heard of it.
(I’m sure it’s already spread to the town and into the slums too. Is this really okay…?)
I walked alone down the hallway, thinking to myself, when…
(Huh? There sure is a lot of noise coming from the castle gate.)
Curious, I headed for the gates…-
OO: “Excuse me, what’s going on?”
Gate Soldier: “Ah, Lady OO.”
Gate Soldier: “This filthy brat…I-I mean, this young boy is insisting he see you.”
I looked at the small child the soldier had grabbed.
OO: “You’re the boy from before…!”
It was the young boy from the slums I had come to know.
Boy: “Miss!”
Seeing me, the boy frantically shook off the guard and ran to me.
Boy: “Miss, please help me…! My mom…my mom is…”
OO: “Calm down. What on earth is going on?”
I crouched down in front of the boy as he desperately pleaded with me, large tears falling from his face.
The boy suddenly forced a white flower into my hand, continuing to cry and ask for help.
…
……
Seeing how distressed the boy was, I had gone to the slums.
(I know I’m not supposed to come here but…)
We rushed to the boy’s house, and there was the boy’s mother, lying down and afflicted with a terrible, constant cough.
Boy: “The coughing…it won’t stop.”
I listed to the slum boy’s story and learned his mother hadn’t stopped coughing for a few days now.
The many days in that constant state had caused her body to weaken.
Boy: “*uu, hick*…Miss…what should I do? I don’t have a dad…and I don’t have money for medicine…Miss, *hick*, miss, what’s gonna happen to my mom…?”
OO: “It’s alright, it’s going to be alright.”
(We have to get some medicine first…otherwise…)
OO: “Wait here, I promise I’ll be back.”
I promised the boy, and left his house immediately.
I rushed down the road alone, so I could buy medicine in town when…
(Eh? Is someone following me…?)
I remembered what had happened with the men before and shivered.
OO: “!?”
As I began to run in fear, someone grabbed my arm.
My heard began to race but…
Edmond: “I thought it was you…OO.”
OO: “Eh…? Edmond?”
I looked behind me and saw Edmond, accompanied by guards from the castle, looking at me in surprise.
Edmond: “What are you doing here…?”
OO: “Edmond…!”
I was overcome with relief and happiness, and my body moved on its own to cling to him.
Edmond: “OO…?”
I clung tightly to his body, and he gently wrapped his arms around me.
Then he held on to me tightly.
(I’m so glad…I was so scared…)
I felt the strength seep out of my body as I clung to him, he who had become someone who could bring such peace.
Edmond: “Are you hurt? Are you alright?”
OO: “I’m fine…sorry.”
Edmond: “Do you realize what you did wrong and what you’re apologizing for?”
OO: “I…I came here even though you told me not to.”
Edmond: “That’s right. That was very bad of you.”
He gently rubbed my back as he held me tight, then stroked my head.
Edmond: “Now, tell me exactly why you came here.”
We slowly pulled away from each other, and Edmond’s voice was kind as he asked.
OO: “Actually I…”
I told Edmond of how the boy from the slums had come to get me, and how I had seen his sick mother.
Then…
Edmond: “What did you say…?”
Edmond’s expression changed in an instant.
OO: “Edmond…?”
(His face changed all of a sudden…what’s wrong?)
At the time, we were desperate, and didn’t even notice the eavesdropping minister hiding in the shadows.