Ch. 1: A Resounding Rebuke
Kuyou, Land of the Calendar…-.
As the misty moon rose, I visited Kuyou at the invitation of a prince I had awakened. The town was full of rows of beautifully tiled roofs and had a pleasantly calming atmosphere.
(The air is so clear… and the black tiles make the buildings look like they’re wearing armor. Plus, it makes the falling snow glow.)
Spellbound by the personality of the town, I heard a voice call out to me.
Kanoe: “OO, I’m glad you made it.”
Kanoe was the one who had invited me to visit, and now he stood before me with his hands behind his back.
OO: “Thank you for inviting me.”
Kanoe didn’t answer but instead turned deftly around.
Kanoe: “Let’s go.”
(Eh…!?)
Without saying where we were going, Kanoe walked off and I hurriedly ran after him…-.
…
……
Kanoe walked slightly ahead of me, keeping a brisk step with his shoulders squared.
(There are so many things I want to ask him but…)
I hurried to catch up with Kanoe’s long strides and glanced up at him.
His mouth was stretched in a tight line, giving the impression that he was not to be talked to…
(What should I do… I’m nervous.)
Even the way he walked was stiff.
Then…-.
Before I’d realized it, there were people coming out of everywhere in the town, their posturing showing their ferocity.
(Who are they…? What’s going on…!?)
Ignoring me and how scared I was, the people one after another shouted to Kanoe in loud voices.
Man 1: “Prince! Thank you for the other day. Please come again!”
Man 2: “Prince, I… had a really good time!”
Their voices gradually grew louder, like they were cheering at a festival.
Voices piled on top of each other, and I couldn’t figure out who was saying what…-.
Kanoe: “You’re all too loud. Quiet.”
The rebuke was like a slap to the face as it echoed into the blue sky.
The silence was instantaneous.
(I-is this okay…?)
I worried about the tension that had settled in the air and was about to say something to Kanoe when…-.
Man 1: “Apologies Prince. We were just so happy to see you.”
Man 2: “Ah, you have a guest.”
The men surrounding Kanoe smiled cheerfully and all apologized at once.
Some of them scratched the backs of their heads, smiling bashfully and nodding at us.
(It looks like they’re all good people. And… they clearly love and trust Kanoe very much.)
There didn’t seem to be a trace of anger in Kanoe’s deep amber eyes.
Instead, they were filled with a warm and friendly light, as if he were gazing at his closest companions.
Ch. 2: A Good Time...
As I followed Kanoe up the road to the castle, there were many people who cheerfully called out to him.
(At first, I thought Kanoe didn’t want anyone approaching him… but everyone adores him.)
As I watched Kanoe talk with the townspeople, I thought that this was his true personality behind the stiff expressions…-.
Down a corridor made of trees, the faint smell of cypress drifted in the air.
As we walked, I thought I heard the call of a nightingale.
(What a lovely sound…)
The sound put a spring in my heart and in my step as I walked when…
Kanoe: “Earlier… you must have been scared when they surrounded us all of a sudden like that. Sorry.”
Kanoe, still walking in front, suddenly turned to look at me and scratched at the back of his head as if embarrassed.
OO: “It’s alright. I actually enjoyed how lively they were… everyone seemed really nice.”
I smiled as I answered, and Kanoe’s stiff shoulders dropped slightly, his eyes wide in surprise.
My smiled was reflected in his deep amber eyes.
Kanoe: “You mean you weren’t afraid?”
OO: “No.”
Kanoe’s slightly surprised expression split into a grin.
Kanoe: “Huh… have you ever been told that you’re strange?”
(Ah… so he can smile like this.)
I was shocked at the tenderness I was seeing in his expression for the first time, and I lightly placed my hand over my chest.
Kanoe: “I see. Since you’re here, we should see the town. At any rate, you’re lucky you came to this country at this time of year.”
(Lucky…? I wonder what he means by that?)
OO: “Is something going on?”
I tilted my head in question, and Kanoe looked at me, amused.
Kanoe: “I won’t tell you just yet. You’ll know it when you see it.”
I…-.
OO: “I look forward to it.”
Kanoe: “That’s the spirit. Can you wait?”
OO: “I’m curious but… I’m sure the surprise will be worth the wait.”
Hearing my response, Kanoe’s face lit up in a smile.
OO: “I’m excited.”
I felt an anxious excitement, like the feeling before you open a present…
OO: “I think I’m even more excited for it now.”
Kanoe: “That’s a good way to think of it.”
Kanoe looked at me in delight.
Kanoe: “Tomorrow, I’ll show you around the town. Until then, I’ll just leave it to your imagination.”
OO: “Alright then.”
Kanoe: “Because waiting for something good just makes it all the better.”
OO: “I agree.”
(I hope tomorrow comes fast…)
There was a powerful light in Kanoe’s eyes.
Just seeing his expression was enough to make my heart swell with anticipation.
Ch. 3: A Prince's Duty
The next day, when Kanoe had promised to show me around Kuyou…-.
The town was once again covered by a clear sky, the sunlight making the roof tiles shine brilliantly.
As I squinted at the light, Kanoe guided me around the town.
(It looks like a lot of people are running around in a hurry…)
Kanoe: “What’s wrong?”
I was marveling at all the people when Kanoe spoke to me.
OO: “I was just thinking how it’s a lively town…”
Kanoe: “Ah, yes, that’s because it’s before the Prayer Ceremony.”
OO: “Prayer Ceremony…?”
Kanoe: “It’s something like a festival.”
OO: “…there’s going to be a festival?”
Kanoe: “Yeah. And for this year’s festival, the Monkey Family is going to the Kagura Hall* and will become the family that protects Kuyou in the coming year. Everyone is eagerly preparing for it.”
OO: “So that’s what’s going on.”
Everyone was bustling about with animated expressions and calling out in loud voices.
OO: “It’s such a busy town.”
Kanoe: “It’s a bit much, but I think that’s one of the town’s good points.”
OO: “Yes, I feel the same way.”
OO: “The town is so full of passion.”
Kanoe: “Yeah, it’s because we’re only in charge of protecting the country once every twelve years. Our family is quite passionate about hosting such a big event… no, it’s important for everyone in the country.”
As Kanoe explained it to me, I could see the fighting spirit in his eyes.
(It’s wonderful… the energy and passion here is overflowing.)
I was captivated by it all when…-.
Man: “Look out!”
Suddenly from behind, I heard an angry shout and turned around.
OO: “Ah…-.”
From what I could see, there was a person carrying a massive number of items coming up right behind me.
Kanoe: “Over here.”
Just before I thought I’d get run over, Kanoe wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me aside.
OO: “…! I-I’m sorry, for not noticing… I forgot myself.”
Even after he let me go, the heat that remained from his hand had my heart pounding.
Kanoe: “Don’t worry about it. It’s because we’re in the middle of preparing for the festival.
Kanoe said as much, then smiled as if nothing had happened.
(I think I know why everyone loves him… he’s kind, and dependable.)
The person carrying everything hurriedly disappeared around a corner.
OO: “What were all those packages for?”
Kanoe: “Those were things to prepare the dance stage. It’s being built in the center of town, and during the festival, all the people participate and show off their skills. We’ll dance on the grand stage, but there are many smaller stages being built too.”
OO: “…so that’s what it is. Ah, then, what’s that?”
Directly in front of us, I saw many people walking with lanterns and asked about it as soon as I saw it.
Kanoe: “The paper lanterns are placed on the corners to help guide people. See? They have arrows too.”
OO: “Ah, you’re right.”
After that, no matter what questions I asked, Kanoe replied immediately…
OO: “…have you memorized everything that’s going on?”
Kanoe: “Of course. I have to, since it’s the job of the prince to manage everything themselves.”
Kanoe answered as if it wasn’t a big deal, like it was the most natural thing in the world, yet my eyes went wide at the idea of a single person managing something of this scope.
Kanoe: “Is it really that strange?”
He looked at me with a curious tilt of his head…
OO: “I’m just surprised.”
Kanoe: “Hmph. Anyone can do it if they were motivated to do so, right?”
I let out a breath, impressed once again that he was able to handle something so overwhelming.
OO: “It’s such an honor.”
Kanoe: “There are… a lot of people who would say the same thing. But as a prince, it’s my duty, so it comes naturally.”
Kanoe spoke calmly, and I was filled with respect for him.
(That’s why everyone relies on him.)
As I kept the thought to myself…-.
Man: “Lord Kanoe, it’s the same today, in the same place.”
A man with the same posture as Kanoe walked up behind us and called out.
Kanoe: “Alright.”
OO: “…? Is something going on?”
Kanoe: “Not really. It isn’t that big of a deal.”
OO: “?”
Kanoe: “You’re keeping your anticipation high, right?”
Kanoe casually placed his large hand on my head.
(…I don’t know what it is, but I’m excited.)
I didn’t ask any more questions…
But I could feel my heart racing a little faster, and I let out a small sigh.
*TL Note: A kagura is a ceremonial dance that is often part of Shinto rituals in Japanese culture.
Ch. 4: Intensive Training for the Dance Performance
Several days after Kanoe had shown me around the bustling town of Kuyou…-.
(I wonder where Kanoe is.)
Though I was always able to see him when I went to the castle, this time I couldn’t find him anywhere, so I asked one of the servants in the hall.
Servant: “I believe Lord Kanoe is likely to be practicing right now.”
(…practicing?)
Seeing me tilt my head in confusion, the servant smiled gently.
Servant: “If you do go to see him, could you bring him this towel?”
OO: “Yes, I can do that.”
Servant: “Thank you very much. You’ll want to go…”
Taking the towel, I immediately headed to the place I had been instructed to go…-.
…
……
The place I ended up at was a small section of forest near Kanoe’s castle.
(Now that I think about it, I didn’t ask what he was practicing.)
I continued into the forest, slightly curious.
(According to the servant, Kanoe should be around here somewhere… Ah…!)
I looked around and immediately spotted him.
A beam of sunlight broke through the leaves overhead, making Kanoe stand out.
Kanoe: “Hah!”
Sweat gathered on his forehead as he practiced a vigorous dance routine.
Kanoe: “…yah!”
Even standing some distance away, I could tell how deadly serious he was, and my heart throbbed.
(Such amazing vigor… this doesn’t feel like a time I can just call out to him casually.)
I tightened my grip on the towel I held.
I was captivated by his powerful and agile moves, so lost in his every movement that I lost track of time.
(I want to see it closer…)
I didn’t think as I took a few steps forward, and I stepped on a branch.
Kanoe: “!”
As the loud noise echoed, Kanoe froze.
Kanoe: “OO? What are you doing here…?”
OO: “I’m sorry… for interrupting you when you were working so hard…”
I spoke nervously, but his tense expression relaxed.
Kanoe: “It’s not a big deal. I was just thinking it was time to take a break anyway. But… I’m a little embarrassed.”
OO: “It was wonderful.”
Kanoe: “It’s not finished yet.”
But I could still hear the confidence in his words.
His amber eyes sparkled, full of spirit.
OO: “It was fascinating to watch.”
Kanoe: “I’m hoping the actual performance will be even more mesmerizing.”
OO: “Kanoe, one of the servants asked me to bring you this.”
I moved in closer and handed him the towel I had brought.
Kanoe: “Thanks. I was just wishing I had a fresh one.”
He took it happily and immediately set to wiping the glistening sweat from his forehead and neck.
His bare muscles tightened with the gesture, his figure clearly toned from countless hours of rigorous work, and my heart sped up.
OO: “So this is what you were talking about yesterday in town.”
Kanoe: “The practicing is a bit frantic… but putting in hard work is something a man should do, right?”
Kanoe hid his mouth behind the towel, continuing a little shyly.
Kanoe: “Anyway, I hope you’ll come see it on the day of the performance.”
Though he spoke bluntly, I could see his cheeks were a little red.
————————–
OO: “…have you memorized everything that’s going on?”
Kanoe: “Of course. I have to, since it’s the job of the prince to manage everything themselves.”
Kanoe: “Is it really that surprising?”
————————–
(He says it all so casually… but Kanoe really is putting in a lot of effort.)
As I came to know more about Kanoe as a person, I was charmed by his masculinity and his earnestness…
My cheeks heated up as I felt my face flush.
Ch. 5: A Troubling Incident
Since seeing Kanoe’s performance practice, I visited the forest many times to watch…-.
This time it wasn’t just Kanoe, but the entire group of people who would be dancing with Kanoe practicing.
Within the usually quiet forest, the air felt heavy with all of the people and their heavy breathing.
(It’s even hotter today. It looks like there’s a lot more coordination that goes into things when there are more people…)
Kanoe: “There, you were late on the beat. After clapping to the beat, your foot moves on the offbeat.”
Man 1: “Yessir!”
Kanoe: “And you, you’re the opposite, you’re too fast. Make sure you watch everyone else.”
Man 2: “Understood.”
Kanoe’s sharp voice pierced through the practice.
(They’re so driven… and concentrating so hard.)
Kanoe: “Let’s take a break here.”
At Kanoe’s words, the group released their tension as one.
(Even I feel nervous…)
I took a short break in the shade of a tree when…
Kanoe: “Aren’t you tired of watching?”
Kanoe came up next to me, calling out as he wiped off his sweat.
OO: “No, I’m enjoying watching, just like it was the real performance… and I was thinking of how it reminds me of yosakoi*, a dance I used to watch in my old world…”
Kanoe: “Ah, so there’s a dance like this there?”
His amber eyes sparkled, as if taking an interest in what I said.
OO: “Yes. Everyone knows the choreography for it, but when everyone dances as a group, their individual characteristics come out…”
Kanoe: “I see, that is pretty similar.”
Kanoe nodded as he listened and watched me closely.
Kanoe: “Every year, the family in charge of the Prayer Ceremony changes. Each time that happens, the family for that year influences what the festival will be like. Each royal family does their own preparations around what they’re proud of.”
I listened quietly, drawn into Kanoe’s passionate explanation.
Kanoe: “But it’s not a way to show off or a competition, it’s just that every royal family gets excited for the festival and goes all out. For me, I want this to be a festival that all the people can enjoy. That’s why I’ll make sure it’s a success.”
Even I felt a swell of emotion at Kanoe’s bracing declaration.
Kanoe: “…sorry. I got a little too excited.”
Kanoe stopped talking and shook his head with the sudden realization.
OO: “I can tell you really care about it.”
Kanoe: “I’m kind of embarrassed about it.”
OO: “…I think you being honest about it is wonderful.”
I felt my cheeks heat up slightly after I said it.
OO: “I’d like to hear more.”
Kanoe: “You have some strange interests.”
Kanoe turned away as he spoke, but I could see he was being shy.
Kanoe: “Anyway, it’s about time we got back to it.”
As the break was coming to an end, Kanoe started to go back.
Man 1: “Hey, you keep bumping into me. Do you even know what you’re doing?”
Man 2: “What’d you say? Aren’t you the one bumping into me!?”
I felt my heart jump at the sudden shouts of anger.
Kanoe: “What’s going on!? Both of you, stop!”
Kanoe immediately rushed over, forcing his way through as the two men glared at each other.
There was apparently a disagreement over the formation, but neither side was willing to budge.
(Will they be alright…?)
I watched on, feeling uneasy, then their anger suddenly turned to Kanoe.
Man 2: “If you think about it, it was actually the prince’s faulty commands, right? He’s the one that picked this formation!”
Kanoe: “…!”
(Oh no…)
Somehow, the rehearsal had just barely begun, but already the atmosphere had grown volatile and was spreading without any signs of stopping.
Even as dance leader, Kanoe’s words fell on deaf ears.
Kanoe: “…”
The sudden crack that had formed in the group was a heavy issue, and after that, the rehearsal failed to progress, and the others continued to be dissatisfied with Kanoe…-.
Yet the time of the festival was drawing nearer and nearer.
(What’s going to happen now…?)
I found myself frustrated that I could only watch on as I worried, and that powerlessness weighed heavy on my heart.