Ch. 7: Chance, and Bewilderment
I told Edmond what had happened and he looked incredibly shocked.
However his expression returned to normal after only a moment, hiding his emotions, before he spoke.
Edmond: “…let’s go.”
En-route to the boy’s house, Edmond told me the reason he had been so surprised.
Before, when he would come to this area, one of the adults he knew very well was the boy’s mother…
Boy: “Miss!”
The boy immediately ran out of his house.
Boy: “It’s the real prince! Prince Edmond!! Mo-m!”
With a hurried pounding of footsteps, we went with the boy to his mother’s side.
Mother: “It couldn’t be…is it really…Prince Edmond…”
The boy’s mother opened her eyes wide upon seeing Edmond, then started to cough violently.
Edmond: “It’s been a while. Please, lay back down.”
Edmond gently put his hand on her back and eased her down into bed.
Mother: “Prince Edmond, that time…what happened then…how can we ever apologize enough…”
At those words, Edmond cast his eyes down, full of sadness.
Ch. 8: The Past, and a Wavering Heart
Edmond cast his eyes down, full of sadness…
(I shouldn’t be part of this conversation…what do I do…?)
I didn’t know where to look, so my gaze wandered. Then I suddenly saw some tea leaves in the kitchen.
I asked the boy if it was alright, then went to start making some tea.
(It would be good if I could ease the tension, just a little bit…)
With the water boiled, I poured the tea and handed some to everyone.
Boy: “Mom, she made tea for you.”
Mother: “Thank you…”
OO: “It was no trouble.”
The mother’s thin body seemed to shrink even smaller as she offered her thanks.
OO: “Here Edmond.”
Edmond: “Thanks OO.”
Edmond’s expression softened just a little as he took the tea.
Then he took a sip…
Edmond: “…it’s good…I see…this is the tea I would often drink when I came here …”
After that, Edmond and the boy’s mom began to talk, little by little. When he stood to leave, Edmond said he would make arrangements for some medicine.
Then we were on our way back from the slums…
Suddenly, Edmond stopped, and once again turned his gaze to the slums.
Edmond: “It’s our fault…the royals…that this place ended up like this…there shouldn’t have been any evil people in the slums…and yet…”
His voice became thin and faint, like the fading glow of the setting sun.
I couldn’t do anything other than grip his hand tightly, as if afraid he would fade away as well.
Edmond: “…OO.”
I thought of how I always wanted to feel the warmth of his hand like this…
A few days later…-
Each day I would go into the slums with the medicine from Edmond and help nurse the boy’s mother back to health.
Edmond didn’t try to stop me either, but he did send along a contingent of guards with me.
(I bet he’s really worried…)
My mind was spinning, thinking about so many things that my chest started to ache.
I returned to the castle from the slum that day as usual…
Minister: “That is why you are causing so much distress now. That place is evil.”
Edmond: “But…”
Edmond and the minister were talking in the castle hall.
Seeing me, Edmond’s expression suddenly turned gentle and he smiled.
Minister: “Well then, please excuse me…”
Edmond: “Yes…OO, welcome back. Did anything happen today?”
OO: “No, but the boy’s mother seems to be making a recovery…and she’s very grateful to you Edmond.”
Edmond: “I see…”
OO: “Um…”
What the minister had said before seemed to stick in my chest.
(If the slums are destroyed, that boy and his mother will…And the rest of the people that live there will be out on the streets as well.)
Edmond: “Come here OO.”
As if sensing my unease, Edmond called me over.
Pushing down the feeling in my chest, I did as he asked and went to his side.
Edmond: “It’ll be alright, so don’t look so distressed.”
OO: “But…the slums will…”
Edmond: “What a problem. I had no intention of causing you this much stress…but that’s all I can see in your face.”
Edmond took my hand and pulled me closer, and I rested my head on his chest.
I could immediately smell the faint scent of muscat…
(It’s…kind of suffocating.)
Edmond: “OO, it’ll be alright. There’s no need for you to worry.”
OO: “Edmond…”
Edmond wrapped his arm around me and stroked my head.
Edmond: “Besides, the absolute best path…for the people of the slums is…-
Edmond closed his mouth, as if biting off the end of the sentence.
It felt like his hand, resting on my head, was shaking.
(I want to protect him.)
That was the most powerful thing I had felt since coming here.
After that, Edmond said he had some official business to take care of, so we parted ways and I headed back to my room…
Minister: “…ha…for crying out loud.”
??: “Hehe, it’s just as you said, Minister.”
Minister: “Hmph, if they’d hurry and tear that place down, there would be new riches at hand. How long are they going to cling to it…”
??: “Well then, we shall continue to support you…for the agreed upon price.”
(What does that mean…?)
As I stood there hidden, I could feel the blood drain from my face.
Ch. 9: A Kiss, and a Decision
I turned pale as I heard the private discussion between the minister and a man I couldn’t see, but who sounded like a merchant.
(What do I do…do I tell Edmond? Mmm or do I…)
OO: “…!?”
I was fidgeting so much that I backed up into something and went to yell when…
??: “Quiet.”
The person behind me grabbed me and covered my mouth.
My heart started pounding.
OO: “Nn…”
Edmond: “Don’t say anything.”
(Edmond?)
Possibly because I was panicking, for a moment I didn’t really understand who was there and struggled.
(B-but why is Edmond here…)
Looking, I saw Edmond with a stern expression, his ears straining to hear the secret meeting the minister was having.
The two of us stood rooted to the spot, not even daring to breathe for a little while… then the minister left.
Edmond: “Sorry for being so rough all of a sudden.”
OO: “It’s fine, you helped me.”
Edmond confirmed that the minister and his friend were completely gone, then slowly let me go.
Edmond: “But…I had thought the minister was acting strange. I figured if I followed him, I could figure out what was going on, but to think it was this…”
Edmond’s expression became grave, and his lips became pale as he thought about the implications.
Edmond: “The royals…and their selfish desires…they shouldn’t cause those people to suffer. They mustn’t. This all happened because of us. I have to do something.”
A vibrant light sparked in his eyes.
I saw Edmond’s expression then, steady and fierce, an expression I’d never seen until now.
Edmond: “My voice may be too late.”
OO: “Edmond…if…if there’s anything I can do to help…anything at all, tell me. I’d be happy to help you.”
Edmond: “Thanks OO. I’ll do my best, just knowing you’re on my side.”
OO: “Edmond…”
Edmond: “It’ll be alright OO. I’ve finally found my determination. So I won’t worry about it anymore.
Edmond spoke, gently playing with my hair.
(Edmond…he’s so brave, and kind…)
I couldn’t help being attracted to the man I saw before me.
He seemed to be looking at me with that intense gaze…
Edmond: “Thank you, for being my support…”
His smile, gallant and lovely, drew closer.
Then I felt the gentle caress of his lips, light as a feather, on my cheek.
Edmond: “Things will be fine. And there are things I need to do now, as a prince.”
Seeing that strength within his kindness, I thought he looked worthy of the title ‘prince’.
Ch. 10: Announcement, And...
A few days after his decision was made…-
Edmond led a group of followers from the castle into the slums.
(Good luck Edmond.)
The people in the slums gathered, unawares as to what was going to happen, but they all seemed uneasy.
Then Edmond raised his hand, his voice strained.
Edmond: “Everyone, please listen!”
It became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
The people of the slums stared up at Edmond as he stood on a platform.
(Everyone is really nervous…I’m sure this is the first time something like this has happened.)
Edmond carefully looked at each and every person gathered there.
Then…
Edmond: “I have an announcement to make, here and now. I, Prince Edmond of the Kingdom of Dajeelburg, swear that I will devote myself to the betterment of these slums.”
Murmurs spread out from him like a wave.
Minister: “W-what is he…”
Edmond: “I assume you won’t believe me at first. However, I fully intend to do this. And I hope that someday you will believe me. I apologize to you, for these days of pain and hardship…I’m so very sorry…for everything.”
Edmond bowed his head low.
The people stirred, getting louder and louder.
The people seemed confused about what Edmond had suddenly come out and said.
Edmond: “…”
At that time…-
Boy: “Prince Edmond…! I believe Prince Edmond!”
The voice that shouted above the rest was from the boy we had been seeing the past few days.
Boy: “And I want to help Prince Edmond too! I want to help my mom…!”
Edmond seemed surprised at first, but before long he smiled kindly at the boy.
Edmond: “Thank you.”
After that…-
Slum Girl 1: “Prince Edmond-! I’ll follow you too!! Please, change this town!!”
Slum Boy: “Prince Edmond-!”
The voices in the crowd gradually changed into cheers of support.
Edmond: “…”
Edmond raised his hand again.
The voices had turned to cheers, broken up by rounds of applause.
Minster: “No…”
Edmond descended from the platform and put his hand on the minister’s shoulder, whose face had gone ghastly pale.
Edmond: “I’ve received Father’s permission. The matter has already been decided.”
The minister fell to his knees in defeat.
And then…
Edmond: “Now, let’s go back.”
Edmond took my hand, a refreshing smile on his face.
OO: “Right!”
I nodded, squeezing his hand back.
(I’m so glad…!)
I was enveloped by his smile, and the palm of his hand.
Edmond appeared to shine, his entire being full of kindness and strength.
Edmond: “It feels a little like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”
He said it with a smile, holding my hand as we walked through the town.
All around us people were still cheering and applauding.
Edmond: “I had always felt uncertain, and unable to come up with an answer or solution. I think…I’ve finally been able to do the right thing. It’s quite wonderful, to be honest with yourself.”
OO: “Yeah, I think so too.”
Edmond: “And besides, I’m a prince, which means I have to help the people.”
OO: “Yes…it’s wonderful.”
His whole face lit up with a smile.
That in itself was proof that his wounds from the past had been healed…
(The people’s hearts darkened as the area turned into a slum and people fell to poverty…that’s why Edmond…I’m sure that those bright, fun-filled days will return. I really believe they can get those days back…)
Edmond: “Thanks for supporting me this far.”
OO: “O-oh, I didn’t do anything…”
Edmond: “This is thanks to you. You led me back to the slums, and back to the people I had once known. You shook me from my feelings of uncertainty…and led me to this conclusion.”
OO: “I…I didn’t really do all that.”
Edmond: “Regardless of what you say, I’ll always think it was because of you. So, will you stay by my side?”
OO: “Eh…!”
I blinked in surprise.
Edmond looked at me with a smile and…
Edmond: “Now Princess, let us return to the castle.”
He spoke with an exceptionally bright smile, as if he’d been joking.
However, right after that…
OO: “…Edmond…?”
Edmond pulled me forcefully down a narrow alleyway.
Edmond: “There are a lot of good places in the slums. No one can see us here…”
OO: “…!”
There was a gleam in his eye, different than usual…and Edmond tightly grabbed my back and pulled me towards him.
Edmond: “I’ve been patient until now. Like a proper prince…and I’ve become accustomed to behaving myself around you. How many times…I’ve wanted to say how dear you are to me.”
OO: “…!”
My heart started pounding in surprise, and I was at a complete loss for words.
Edmond: “I think I can say it now. That I love you. And that I want you…”
OO: “Ah…”
He gazed at me, his eyes full of passion, as he drew closer.
(W-what do I do…?)
I became entangled in his gaze, unable to quiet the beating of my heart or figure out what to do.
He was an inch away, and he closed his eyes…
Edmond: “I love you…”
Gently…he kissed me.
I could do nothing about the pressure squeezing tightly on my heart, so I clung to his chest.
OO: “Nn…”
Edmond suddenly pulled me in even closer, deepening the kiss.
(I…can’t…)
I could do nothing as I felt myself suffocating…then slowly, he pulled back.
Edmond: “OO…”
His voice was so sweet and kind as he said my name.
Edmond: “…should I not?”
OO: “I-I…”
Edmond: “I’ve always wanted to touch you like this. To feel your body close to mine, to kiss you…I couldn’t tell you until now, but now I want to tell you time and again how precious you are to me.”
OO: “…me too…”
Edmond: “Hm? What?”
OO: “Me too…Edmond. I love you too…”
I spoke my feelings desperately.
Edmond’s expression seemed to melt as it turned gentle, then held me tightly in his arms again.
Edmond: “Thank you OO. Now…once more…”
OO: “…yes.”
I was again caught up in a sweet, passionate kiss.
(This fragrance…)
The sweet, subtle fragrance of black tea that I had smelled coming from Edmond since I’d come to this country drifted on the air.
We finally separated, and I wanted to respond to all of his feelings…
Wrapped up in that sweet scent that I loved, wishing to respond to him, I gave myself over to Edmond.
END