Ch. 1: The Prince Who Governs Autumn
Hourai, Land of Four Seasons…-.
I had parted almost immediately with Prince Kaede after waking him, so now I was visiting Hourai to see him again.
I was wide-eyed at the vivid display of beautifully constructed buildings coated with a black lacquer against the trees bursting with autumn colors in the castle town.
(The black and reds together are so beautiful…)
While in the atmospheric town, I suddenly remembered when Kaede and I had met.
(He left without saying much, so I don’t really know anything about him but… I feel like Kaede has the same air of grace and elegance about him as this town.)
I was absentmindedly thinking that to myself as I crossed a bridge over a moat.
Arriving at the castle, I made my way through a refined inner parlor.
I paused for a moment, looking at the elegant garden, then heard the sound of a sliding door quietly opening before Kaede appeared.
Kaede: “Glad you could make it. It was a fair distance, wasn’t it? Are you tired?”
He smiled gracefully as he spoke, and I found myself fascinated.
OO: “I’m fine… the scenery along the way was beautiful so it passed in the blink of an eye.”
Kaede: “Beautiful, huh? So for example, which part caught your interest?”
OO: “Eh? …well, um, I felt like the vivid autumn colors really complimented the black of the buildings…”
Then…-.
Kaede: “Huh…”
Kaede, who had been smiling calmly until that point, suddenly took on an arrogant glint in his eye.
Kaede: “You have better sense than I thought.”
(Eh…?)
The corners of his lips pulled up into a smirk
Kaede: “…? What’s wrong? I’m giving you a compliment; shouldn’t you look happier?”
As he looked down at me, Kaede’s smile was malicious.
(What the… he’s completely different than he was a minute ago…)
OO: “Um…”
Kaede: “…you should speak up clearly if there’s something you want to say.”
OO: “Eh…”
Kaede: “Haha, now then, how long will you prove entertaining for me I wonder…?”
Kaede peered into my eyes with fascination, like a cat playing with a mouse.
Ch. 2: The Beauty of Autumn
Having arrived in Hourai where Kaede governed, I couldn’t hide my agitation at his behavior at our second meeting.
In the quiet reception room with just the two of us, the only sound was that of the trees rustling in the garden.
(This silence… is kind of tense…)
Kaede watched me, observing me, and smiled gently.
Kaede: “Now, what did you think of the ambiance of the town?
OO: “The town’s… ambiance?”
Kaede: “Well, what do you say? Princess of Traumere. Don’t disillusion me with some cliched response.”
With a calm smile, his question seemed to be a test and I hesitated to speak.
(I can’t say anything imprudent… what do I do?)
I…-.
OO: “To me… seeing the town with its harmonious blend of nature and man-made objects creates a sense of grace.”
Kaede: “Rather than fretting, you gave a pretty dignified answer.”
OO: “…yes.”
Kaede: “But it’s a very interesting impression.”
OO: “It’s like a work of art, and its beauty captivated me…”
Kaede: “I see… I suppose you’re not just some naïve and sheltered princess then. I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
(I wonder if I… lived up to his expectations.)
Kaede: “You’re answer… really did meet my expectations; you’re a very special person.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Kaede: “What? What’s with that vacant expression? I said I’ve taking a liking to you?”
OO: “Eh… right!”
I hadn’t known what the right answer would be, so I answered without thinking and for an instant, Kaede frowned but continued talking.
Kaede: “Anyway, it’s beauty is deserved. I’ve been the one to handle everything about this town’s planning.”
OO: “You planned everything…!?”
(The prince planned it himself… wow…)
Forgetting the previous conversation, I was honestly impressed.
OO: “You really have incredible talent Kaede…”
Kaede: “Thanks. Your admiration makes me happy.”
Kaede gave me a surprisingly upfront response.
Kaede: “I chose the furnishings inside the castle, and produced the decorations. Take a look around if you have time during your stay.”
OO: “I will, I look forward to it.”
Kaede: “I suppose we’ll see whether or not your words are empty compliments, when I ask your impressions after we return then?”
For a second, I thought he was showing me an honest side, but that malicious smile returned.
OO: “It wasn’t empty… the castle town really is wonderful… I’d like to hurry and see the works of art you produced for the town Kaede.”
Kaede chuckled and his smile deepened.
Kaede: “…well in that case, I hope I can live up to your expectations. The works in the town and the castle were all designed around the theme of autumn. Because there is so much beauty in the season that is autumn…”
OO: “The theme of autumn…”
Kaede: “The moon in the sky, the colors of the garden, the plentiful crops…”
Indeed, there was much beauty to be found in the scene set in an autumnal climate.
Kaede: “Wanting to bring that beauty to realization naturally led to an overflowing of inspiration.”
Kaede’s expression was no longer malicious as it had been before, but rather overflowing with affection for the beautiful scenery he so loved.
(He really is obsessed with creating things of beauty…)
I became aware of Kaede’s attitude in regards to the act of creation, and I felt a sense of respect for him as an artist.
Ch. 3: Kaede's Paintings on Sliding Doors
Since arriving in Hourai, I became aware of the two sides of Kaede: the prince and the artist.
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Kaede: “The works in the town and the castle were all designed around the theme of autumn. Because there is so much beauty in the season that is autumn… Wanting to bring that beauty to realization naturally led to an overflowing of inspiration.”
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I looked up at him with a sense of admiration, and he chuckled as he looked at me.
Kaede: “I don’t mind you looking at me like that but… don’t you think that expression is a bit too open?”
OO: “Eh? What do you mean…?”
Kaede: “So you weren’t aware…”
Kaede let out a sigh as if exasperated.
Kaede: “As the family that governs autumn, even in the country of Hourai, we have many people who excel in the cultural aspects.”
OO: “…what does that have to do with it?”
Kaede: “How careless. Setting aside the female artists, even male artists are not people of lofty virtues.”
(Does he mean…?)
Kaede: “Do you finally understand? That’s right. Your expression is that of a woman tempting a man.”
OO: “That’s not what I…!”
I was so surprised that I cut off what Kaede was saying.
OO: “…”
But even after that, Kaede did not continue, and I sunk into silence.
Kaede: “Oh, were you really not aware of it? Sorry about that. But be more careful, okay?”
As he said that, I…-.
OO: “Kaede, you’re the only one who would see it that way…”
Kaede: “Haha, I see… So, you weren’t seducing me then?”
OO: “…that was not my intention.”
OO: “Kaede, you’re cruel…”
Kaede: “Don’t you think you’re getting the wrong impression?”
Kaede took a quick breath, then looked at me again with that malicious gaze.
Kaede: “Since I don’t want you running off after too much teasing, I’ll leave it at that today. Come on, you don’t need to be so guarded.”
OO: “…I’m not guarded.”
Kaede: “…that so.”
Suddenly, Kaede moved closer to me.
(Eh…!)
I reflexively looked up and our eyes met from close proximity.
My eyes wavered and, seeing that, Kaede let out an amused laugh.
OO: “Th-that’s not possible…”
Kaede: “…I’m trying to be nice, but I can’t guarantee how long my mercy will last.”
OO: “…”
Kaede gently stroked my cheek.
OO: “Kaede…?”
He winked at me, then chuckled in amusement.
Kaede: “Haha, too easy. You forgot to be warry of me.”
OO: “Kaede…!”
Kaede: “Just kidding.”
He laughed for a while, then his expression changed.
Kaede: “Going back to our previous conversation, Hourai is a place thriving with music, theater, and other forms of expression.”
(Suddenly changing the topic…)
I looked up at Kaede’s expression, unsure what to say at this point, and his gentle gaze was turned towards me.
OO: “…it’s wonderful that there are so many beautiful things to do here, like music and theater.”
Kaede: “Yup.”
I was relieved that the conversation had become more normal and, with my heart at last more composed, I took another look around the room.
Then, my eyes automatically stopped in front of a painting on a sliding screen.
OO: “…”
I gasped at the luxurious brushwork combined with the delicately drawn lines which came together in a beautiful balance.
(I had my back turned so I hadn’t noticed it before but… it’s amazing…)
Kaede: “You have a discerning eye… I painted that.”
OO: “You did…”
(He’s a little mean, but Kaede really is an amazing person…)
Kaede: “What are your impressions of this one?”
OO: “Just the painting alone gives the room a dignified and clear atmosphere… it’s quite amazing.”
(He might make fun of me again, but still.)
I spoke assuredly, wanting to tell Kaede how the piece moved me.
Ch. 4: A Faint Sigh
The piece on the sliding door that had fascinated me had been made by Kaede.
Kaede: “You have a discerning eye… I painted that.”
OO: “Just the painting alone gives the room and dignified and clear atmosphere… it’s quite amazing.”
I spoke frankly, telling him how it had moved me, even if he was going to tease me…-.
Kaede: “People like you…”
For a second, an expression of shock crossed his face, then Kaede let out an amused sigh.
Kaede: “I see that the eyes of the Princess of Traumere view everything in a straightforward way.”
OO: “Eh…!”
Kaede: “It’s been a while since I’ve gotten such an unreserved compliment… I wonder if I still have a ways to go?”
(Kaede…?)
Kaede’s behavior up till that point had been clear, but now I was perplexed at his slightly timid attitude.
OO: “Kaede…um, are you alright?”
For a moment he looked surprised but…
Kaede: “If I said I wasn’t, I wonder if you’d dote on me in some way.”
That same unkind smile was back in place.
OO: “Kaede…”
Kaede: “I know, I promise I won’t tease you for a little while.”
Saying as much, he turned his eyes down and let out a faint sigh.
Kaede: “…I’m actually a little worried. I wonder if the things I make are worth anything… I wonder if they’re actually all just garbage.”
I stared at his face as he said those surprisingly devastating words.
OO: “…I really think the things you make are wonderful Kaede. Like that painting.”
Kaede: “Well… that piece is one that I’m proud of. …it’s just the things I’ve made recently. This sure is a miserable conversation… but right now, I can’t really make the things I want to…”
Kaede shrugged and let out another sigh.
That sorrowful expression was still beautiful, like a work of art.
Kaede: “I have to make something to go in the upcoming art exhibition that’s held throughout all of Hourai…”
OO: “How long until that…?”
Kaede: “…ten more days. But I haven’t even come up with a rough idea yet.”
OO: “Ten days…”
Kaede gave me a feeble smile.
Kaede: “I won’t make it you know. I never even considered that I’d be in this kind of predicament. It’s hopeless with my talent only being able to go this far.”
Just hearing how self-deprecating he was made my chest ache…-.
OO: “But that’s…”
OO: “Please don’t say that. I don’t know much about the arts… but still. You made that beautiful painting… so I’m sure it’ll work out if it’s you Kaede.”
Kaede: “Haha… your encouragement is baseless, but I want to believe in it.”
OO: “…please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
(He might say he doesn’t need it, but still…)
Kaede: “…I don’t really like asking others for help. Well, if it’s someone good-natured like you, I doubt you’d be patronizing about it.”
As usual, his words were mixed with a sense of bitterness, but unlike before, the expression in his eyes held some kindness.
Ch. 5: Agony of a Genius
Kaede: “I wonder if the things I make are worth anything… I wonder if they’re actually all just garbage. This sure is a miserable conversation… but right now, I can’t really make the things I want to…”
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Seeing Kaede’s weak smile, my desire to help him grew stronger.
Kaede: “Sorry for whining and showing you that pathetic side of me… but I can’t break down now.”
OO: “Kaede…”
Kaede: “Plus I feel a little bit better talking to you.”
OO: “Eh…”
Kaede’s elegant gaze washed over me.
Kaede: “When I see your simple-minded… no, your straightforwardness, I feel like an idiot for agonizing like this.”
OO: “…that’s mean.”
Kaede: “I’m giving you a compliment, but you go and respond all cheeky like that.”
OO: “Simple-minded…”
Kaede: “Huh? That’s as a compliment you know.”
Kaede placed both hands on the tatami mat and moved closer.
(Ah…)
His russet hair was sleek as it flowed over his cheek.
(So pretty…)
Kaede: “You really are wide open.”
OO: “…!”
I realized he was approaching and frantically scooted myself back.
Kaede: “Don’t run… I’ll want to chase you.”
OO: “Then, then I won’t run… but please move back a little…”
I countered, my face red, and Kaede looked even more delighted.
Kaede: “I’ll never get bored of this with you. I’m glad you’ll be staying as long as possible… And now that you’re finally here, I was thinking that I really wanted you to see the art exhibition. It’s something you can only see in Hourai, and there are plenty of beautiful pieces from each of the seasons. It’ll definitely be fun.”
Kaede’s eyes were absolutely serene as he spoke, and I could tell he truly did love the arts from the bottom of his heart.
Kaede: “That’s why I’d like you to stay a while here at this castle. No… if I spend time with you, I think I might get a new revelation.”
Kaede gave a little smile, as if he was speaking to convince himself.
Yet that smile seemed filled with sorrow…
(At first, I thought he was a terrible, frightening person, but…)
I had a strong desire to support him…-.
…
……
After that, the days continued with me staying by Kaede’s side and watching as he produced his pieces.
Then one day…-.
Dealers who would be handling Kaede’s work visited him as a sign of support for his hard work.
Dealer 1: “Oh my, as expected Lord Kaede’s work is truly wonderful.”
Dealer 2: “Indeed. I look forward to its completion.”
Kaede: “…thank you.”
(Good…)
I was relieved by their words and left the room so as not to get in the way. Nevertheless, that evening…-.
(That’s…)
Walking down the hallway, I noticed the dealers who had come to call on Kaede.
I figured I should greet them and went to call out from behind them when…-.
Dealer 1: “Prince Kaede seems to have dried up.”
(Eh…)
Dealer 2: “Then we need to hurry and take steps to make him aware of it so he’ll retire.”
Dealer 1: “It’s not a pretty thing for an artist whose talents have dried up to resist the inevitable.”
I was speechless, unable to believe the conversation I was hearing.
(How can they say such cruel things…)
I bit my lip in frustration as I stood their watching the dealers walk off.