TRIGGER WARNINGS: Gaslighting, Manipulation, Assault, Ignoring Boundaries
Ch. 1: An Arrogant Prince
Kuyou, Land of the Calendar, Month of Stars…-.
Small birds sang in the brisk morning air.
In a forest on the outskirts of the Land of the Calendar, I clasped my hands together and prayed in front of a ring…-.
Inui: “Awful… to think I would be taken out by the Dream Eaters.”
The person spoke, seemingly languid, as he sighed and looked at me.
Inui: “You… Aah, I’m Inui. Prince of Kuyou of the Land of the Calendar.”
OO: “Nice to meet you, I’m OO.”
Inui: “Since you woke me, you must be the Princess of Traumere, right?”
OO: “…yes.”
After admitting to who I was, Inui effortlessly lifted up my chin.
(W-what!?)
His jade green eyes stared straight at me.
But in the next instant, his lips pulled up into a broad grin…
Inui: “Oh? You’re actually pretty cute.”
OO: “Eh…”
My heart jumped slightly as he spoke those words from far too close.
But Inui rose up, paying me no mind.
Inui: “I’m going back to the castle. You’re coming too. Geez, at such an important time… I wonder if they’ll have been able to properly carry out the preparations for the prayer ceremony without me there…?”
I titled my head, puzzled at his mutterings.
(The prayer ceremony. That’s the ceremony held each year here in the Land of the Calendar…)
I thought back on the information I’d once heard from another prince of this country, and Inui turned to look back at me.
Inui: “Your answer?”
OO: “Y-yes…”
Inui: “Good, then let’s go.”
OO: “…!”
Suddenly, he grabbed me around the shoulders and I found myself instinctively moving into his arms.
(This person…)
Unable to hide my confusion at his arrogant attitude, we left the forest.
Ch. 2: Touching Lips
Accompanying Inui, we entered the castle…-.
And he was immediately surrounded by servants and an uproar spread through the castle.
Servant 1: “Lord Inui has returned…!”
Servant 2: “This is truly wonderful! If Lord Inui hadn’t returned, who knows what would have happened to the prayer ceremony…”
Inui: “I’m sure you all didn’t slack off on your practicing while I was gone.”
Inui smiled in response to all the people gathered around him.
OO: “Um, about the prayer ceremony…-.”
Inui: “There are twelve royal families in the Land of the Calendar, and once each year the family who protects the central kagura hall changes. We hold a dedication ritual to facilitate the previous family handing over the duty to the next. Well, to put it simply, it’s a ceremony for the new year. That’s why every year around this time, the castles are busy with preparations.”
Now that he’d said it, I saw a great many people coming and going throughout the castle, and all of them looked busy.
Inui: “You’re lucky to have come to this country at the end of the year. Stay for a while and you can attend the prayer ceremony too.”
OO: “I will, thank you.”
At that time, a maid appeared and respectfully bowed.
Maid: “Lady OO, I shall show you to your room.”
Inui: “It’s fine. I’ll take her. All of you stop with the racket and open a path… Let’s go.”
OO: “Alright.”
The people delighted at Inui’s return parted to the left and right at his demand and made a path for us.
(Wow…)
The two of us took that path and headed further into the castle.
We came to one of the rooms in the castle where my luggage had been left.
Inui: “Use this room while you’re here.”
OO: “Thank you very much.”
As I moved to bow my head in thanks…-.
OO: “…! Inui!?”
Just as I realized he was forcefully pulling on my arm, he’d pressed me against the wall.
Inui: “Don’t shout so loud.”
A haughty smile tugged at his lips, pulling them up into a bewitching arc…
(What…!?)
Not caring that I’d stiffened up, Inui placed a kiss on my neck.
OO: “…!”
I pushed against his chest…-.
OO: “Why are you doing this?”
At my question, he smiled wryly.
OO: “Please stop…”
As I tried to escape his arms, he let out a chuckle.
Inui: “Ah, that’s right, are you thinking this is unreasonable since we’ve only just met and don’t really know each other? As expected of the Princess of Traumere. You’re quite sheltered.”
He answered just as I’d asked him to, then smiled as if nothing had happened.
Inui: “There are still a few days till the prayer ceremony, so it would be appropriate to go around the town. If we go out, then you’ll be my companion.”
OO: “…”
(What on earth does that mean…?)
I stood there unable to hide my confusion at Inui’s behavior…
Inui: “Your expression is far too easy to read. Don’t worry. I won’t lay a hand on you. I wouldn’t bother going so far as to chase after a woman who has no interest in me.”
(Eh…)
Inui: “Though if it’s the Princess of Traumere, I wouldn’t be opposed to you becoming my wife…”
He spoke to that point, then let out a sigh that felt like he was looking down on me.
Inui: “You’re the type of person who would definitely oppose affairs and stuff right? So, I’ll stop.”
(Wife? Affairs…?)
He lightly patted my head as if everything he’d said had only been to tease me, then turned towards the sliding door.
Inui: “Call the maid if you need anything. Well then, take it easy.”
He left without giving me a chance to respond, leaving me along in the room.
(That Inui…)
Still feeling out of it from his behavior, I let out a sigh.
Yet I felt extremely hot at the place where he’d kissed my neck just then and stood there dumbfounded in the room as I placed a hand to my neck.
Ch. 3: An Unexpected Side
A little while after Inui had left me in the room…-.
A maid told me lunch was ready, so I left my room and saw the crowd of people running around the castle.
OO: “Everyone seems very busy.”
Maid: “It is because the prayer ceremony is drawing near… I apologize for the disturbance.”
At that time, I saw Inui and a servant having a discussion further down the hall.
Inui: “…the shamisen* aren’t ready? Just how many days do you think we have left until the prayer ceremony?”
Servant: “My deepest apologies. There has been some struggle with the newly announced composition…”
Inui: “Ah, right, that… It is a difficult level, but that’s even more reason we need it as proof that the Dog Family exceeds all others in the arts.”
He had both hands on his hips, a serious and stern gaze directed at the servant.
Inui: “Listen up. We aren’t just the opening act. My family will not stand for it if we’re outdone by the other royal families. I intend to have us completely outshine everyone. Don’t tell me we can’t. Got it?”
Servant: “… Yes sir!”
The troubled servant immediately straightened his back and held his head high at Inui’s words.
(Wow… that servant seems like a totally different person all of a sudden. And Inui has such a serious expression…)
Inui was shrouded in an air of imposing severity, completely different from the person he’d been when he’d approached me.
At that moment, his gaze caught sight of me.
I…
(He saw me, but I can’t exactly feign ignorance and pass on by…)
I bowed slightly, and his lips turned up into a grin.
Inui: “Ah, right, OO.”
I kept my eyes down and unintentionally put myself on guard, but…
Inui: “Ah right, OO.”
He smiled at me as if nothing had happened.
Inui: “Sorry, but it’s extremely unlikely that I’ll have any free time until the year-end celebration. But by all rights, I should be showing you our hospitality…”
Saying as much, Inui’s gaze returned to the servant.
Inui: “Show the Princess of Traumere a proper welcome.”
OO: “Oh no, I’m alright. Everyone’s already so busy.”
I frantically cut in, and the servant smiled.
Servant: “I would never disrespect Lord Inui’s guest to whom we should be showing proper hospitality. It is my duty then to welcome you, Lady OO.”
Inui nodded at the servant’s words.
Inui: “That’s that. If the Princess of Traumere is dissatisfied, it’ll hurt my status. I’ll leave OO in your care.”
Saying as much, he then turned to leave and I…-.
OO: “Um, thank you for worrying about me.”
Inui: “I’m not doing it just for you. Don’t thank me.”
With that, he left.
(I really don’t understand Inui… He suddenly comes on to me, but still has this side where he’s a perfect gentleman…)
Feeling distressed, my eyes followed him as he left.
…
……
After that, following the end of lunch…-.
I was guided around the town of Kuyou by the servant.
OO: “Thank you for showing me so many different things. The garden just now was truly wonderful.
Servant: “Lord Inui manages that garden. From directing the gardener to the koi fish in the pond, he watches over everything in detail.”
OO: “Oh, I see.”
Taking in the view of Kuyou’s charming townscape, I thought back to the garden.
(I feel like the prudent maintenance of every corner of the garden is a true testament to this country’s wealth…)
————————
Inui: “If the Princess of Traumere is dissatisfied, it’ll hurt my status.”
————————
(Inui… just what kind of person is he really?)
The more I came into contact with Inui’s temperament…
The more I wanted to learn about him.
*TL Note: A shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-string instrument played with a pick called a bachi.
Ch. 4: Proud Back
Evening on the same day I had been shown around Kuyou…-.
(For some reason, I can’t sleep…)
Getting permission from a servant, I went for a walk alone in the garden…
(…is that a shamisen?)
Guided by the quiet sound, I went deeper into the garden.
(That’s…)
Inui sat alone on a stone in the garden, playing a shamisen.
His playing was powerful, yet the sound was somehow delicate as it melted into the clear night air.
(…what a beautiful sound.)
By chance, I had come across his solo musical performance in the dead of night, and I stared fixedly at his form as he played until I’d lost track of time…
Inui: “How long are you planning to stand there?”
OO: “Ah…”
Inui looked up, a smile on his lips.
Inui: “Come here?”
He pointed beside him, and I…
I did as he said and sat beside him, which made Inui chuckle.
Inui: “You’re quite obedient.”
His expression bathed in the light of the moon seemed gentle, and my heart pounded a little.
I wasn’t certain if I was getting in the way or not, but Inui beckoned me over.
Inui: “Come on.”
I nodded and sat beside him.
Inui: “…I guess you found me out.”
He spoke with a bitter smile, and I bowed my head slightly in apology.
OO: “Ah… I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep so I went for a walk. Then I ended up watching you in secret… But it was a very beautiful performance. I wanted to just listen to it forever…”
Telling him my honest feelings, Inui grinned.
Inui: “Well thank you.”
OO: “Do you always practice around this time?”
Inui: “Yeah. Since I’m usually wasting my time during the day either instructing others or taking care of official business. That, and I love the atmosphere at night. It lets me focus.”
Saying as much, Inui made a small sound on the shamisen.
At the quiet sound, a pleasant night breeze blew…-.
(I think Inui really is a different person than what I initially thought.)
Thinking that, I subconsciously looked at his face in profile.
OO: “I think I may have misunderstood you Inui.”
Inui: “You mean that impression that I’m arrogant, I immediately pursued you, and that I’m in general an unpleasant guy?”
He spoke as if seeing straight through me and I…
OO: “No, I didn’t…”
I frantically denied it and Inui teasingly lifted an eyebrow.
Inui: “Oh really?”
OO: “…yes. I may have thought that… just a little.”
I admitted it honestly, and Inui smiled wryly.
Inui: “Geez, you really are honest.”
Inui let out a chuckle and stood.
Inui: “Well, that’s good. Forget what you just saw. It’d be pretty uncool if those below me found out that I go practice alone in the middle of the night.”
(Really? At the very least, I…)
OO: “I don’t think that’s true. You’re working so hard and all…”
At my words, Inui frowned slightly as if troubled.
Inui: “I don’t need anything like that.”
Then he looked straight ahead.
Inui: “I’m a prince of this country, and the one who leads the Dog Family. As the perfect prince, and as the one who leads my family… it’s necessary for me to continue to be a source of absolute pride.”
OO: “Inui…”
His eyes, full of a strong will, were looking up, but then turned to me and his lips curved up into a teasing smile.
Inui: “Now, if you don’t hurry to sleep, I might attack you again.”
OO: “Eh…”
Without a moment to answer back to the words he’d suddenly spoken while smiling, he placed his large hand on my head…
Inui: “Goodnight.”
Saying as much, Inui turned to leave.
(Inui…)
Not sparing any effort, and not showing any weakness…
I couldn’t take my eyes from that prideful back.
He never looked back, and I watched his retreating figure until I couldn’t see it anymore.
Ch. 5: A Gentle Smile
The next day…-.
I walked through the castle and heard a loud noise reverberating from the kitchen as I passed.
Curious, I peeked into the kitchen and…-.
Maid: “Ah, Lady OO. I apologize for alarming you…!”
The serving stand was overturned, and the maid was on her knees picking up the various food and plates that had fallen to the floor.
OO: “Would you like some help?”
Maid: “Oh no! I couldn’t possibly ask for your help Lady OO.”
OO: “But everyone else is so busy… please let me help.”
Maid: “Thank you…! Ah, but…”
Looking at the ruined food, the maid’s face turned pale.
Maid: “What shall I do, with this there won’t be nearly enough…!?”
OO: “Eh?”
(If I remember right, this is…)
I looked around the kitchen and saw a number of raw ingredients leftover that hadn’t been used.
OO: “I’ll whip something up using the remaining ingredients. Do we have enough time?”
And so I ended up helping with the cooking…-.
…
After some time, a delicious smell drifted up from the saucepan.
Inui: “You, what are you doing?”
OO: “Eh!? …!”
I turned to the voice that had called to me and saw Inui directly behind me.
(H-he’s so close!)
He peered into the saucepan over my shoulders and his hair brushed against my cheek.
Inui: “Agedashi* huh? But for you to be cooking… you’re a guest, right?”
OO: “But everyone seemed so busy so I…”
As I poked the long cooking chopsticks into the saucepan, Inui looked at me in astonishment.
Inui: “You have a position to uphold. You are my invited guest, which means you should be enjoying your time as a visitor. Not associating with the servants of the royal family.”
OO: “Right… I’m sorry.”
My shoulders dropped, and Inui let out a sigh…
Inui: “…is it good to eat yet?”
OO: “Eh.”
At his words, I…
OO: “…go ahead. Oh, but be careful, it’s hot.”
I picked up a piece of the tofu with my long chopsticks and brought it to his mouth, using my other hand to make sure it didn’t fall.
Inui: “Mm…”
OO: “…do you want to try it?”
Inui: “Just one bite.”
He placed his hand over mine, which held the long chopsticks, then scooped up a piece of tofu from the saucepan and brought it to his mouth.
(…does he like it?)
I waited nervously for his reaction, and after a while he swallowed.
Inui: “…it’s good. And what’s more, this would go great with some sake.”
OO: “Really? I’m so glad…”
I felt a sense of relief.
Watching me like that, a tender smile spread across Inui’s expression.
(Ah… he can smile like that too.)
At that gentle smile, my heart pounded and jumped.
Inui: “Today, I’ll eat the food you cooked.”
OO: “Eh?”
Inui: “I’m hungry. Hurry it up, alright?”
OO: “Y-yes!”
He spoke with a smile and an overbearing posture, and I frantically answered.
I hurriedly continued cooking, and my heart continued to pound faintly.
*TL Note: Agedashi is tofu dish where the tofu is lightly fried and typically served in a broth and sprinkled with spring onions.
Ch. 6: Complicated Feelings
A warm steam rose from the evening meal that had been brought to the small dining table…-.
I’d somehow been able to complete the cooking and now ate the prepared meal with Inui.
Inui: “I never thought I’d be eating a meal that you’d made.”
OO: “I’m sorry for intruding into the kitchen like that.”
Inui: “It’s fine.”
Inui ate in silence, using his chopsticks to pick up the food laid out before him.
I watched him tensely…
Inui: “Not bad. You did good.”
I felt a sense of relief at his words.
OO: “Ah, but I only helped with half of it…”
Listening to what I said, Inui looked at each of the dishes one by one.
Inui: “This one and… this one?”
OO: “How did you know?”
Inui: “I could tell since the flavor is different from how it is normally.”
OO: “Ah, I see…”
(I wonder… if it suits his tastes?)
I felt a little anxious, but Inui’s chopsticks didn’t stop moving.
If anything, he seemed quite satisfied as he made his way through the meal…
(I’m glad I helped to make it.)
I felt happiness blossom in my chest as I watched him eat, then he noticed my gaze and suddenly smiled.
Inui: “You really should stay in this castle. And become my wife.”
OO: “Eh…”
At those unexpected words, I…
OO: “What did you just say?”
Inui: “What, didn’t you hear me?”
He spoke as if surprised.
(He’s talking about being his wife again…)
I gave a weak smile, concerned with how to reply, and Inui’s chopsticks stopped.
Inui: “A person’s dietary needs are indeed important, but I’m even more sure of it after eating your cooking. I’m sure the women around me can’t cook.”
(The women around him…)
At those words, I remembered what he’d said when we first met.
————————
Inui: “Don’t worry. I won’t lay a hand on you. I wouldn’t bother going so far as to chase after a woman who has no interest in me.”
Inui: “You’re the type of person who would definitely oppose affairs and stuff right? So, I’ll stop.”
————————
(I’m sure then…)
I understood then that he was surrounded by many women, and felt a series of complicated emotions.
Inui: “What’s wrong?”
OO: “Um, I was just wondering about yesterday when you mentioned having an affair…”
Inui: “Ah, right, that. You really are opposed to it, right?”
(Am I… against it?)
I couldn’t quite grasp the true form of these hazy feelings and I just bit my lip.
Inui: “…”
I didn’t know if Inui understood my feelings, but he just looked at me in silence.
As I tried to look away, hoping to escape from his gaze…-.
Inui: “Hey, you…”
Inui set down his chopsticks and reached his hand out towards me as I sat in front of him.
OO: “…”
He touched my cheek, and my heart started racing.
Then he leaned forward over the table, coming closer.