Ch. 1: An Enigmatic Smile
Land of Grave Keepers, Necropolia, Month of Fragrance…-.
The silver moonlight fell on the small flowers left as an offering in front of the gravestone.
At the invitation of Nox, Prince of Necropolia, I had come to this land.
(It seems like all of the graves have been very carefully attended to.)
The graveyard at night seemed to be wrapped in a sense of wonder, feeling neither strange nor frightening.
I took in my surroundings, and my eyes caught on a faint light.
OO: “! A butterfly…?”
My eyes followed the mysterious glowing butterfly.
Then, just beyond it, stood a figure holding a lantern…
Nox: “Welcome. Did you find the place alright?”
OO: “Prince Nox…! Have you come to collect me?”
The eyes that peeked out from under the hood held a gentle light.
Nox: “No need to be so formal. I just want you to use my name.”
OO: “Alright… Nox.”
Changing how I addressed him as requested, Nox nodded in satisfaction.
Nox: “I did, because the night is dangerous. And then tonight I happened to be patrolling this area.”
OO: “Oh I see.”
I was happy that he’d come to see me to safety…-.
Then the butterfly from before fluttered right beside us before moving on.
Nox: “You know, this butterfly is said to symbolize the soul.”
OO: “The… soul?”
Nox: “Yeah. They seem so free, and they’re beautiful. Though the souls that I see look slightly different.”
(Huh…?)
My heart started to pound as the moonlight fell on that ominous smile.
However, it was only for an instant…
Nox: “Let’s go. It’s dark, so watch where you step.”
OO: “Y-yeah.”
(I swear he said he could see souls, but…)
Unable to ask about what he’d been saying to himself earlier, I went along with Nox.
Ch. 2: A Grave Keeper's Duty
Our footsteps were the only things to be heard in the deep blue of the night…-
Reunited with Nox, I quietly followed after him through the graveyard.
Nox: “Sorry for bringing you along while I finish my patrols.”
OO: “It’s fine, and thank you for coming to get me.”
I smiled and shook my head, then noticed something shining, embedded in a nearby gravestone.
(Is that a jewel…?)
As I looked closer, I realized other gravestones had the same type of jewel.
(The color and shape are different, but they’re all beautiful.)
As if noticing where I was looking, Nox chuckled.
Nox: “Those are ‘Recollection Stones’.”
OO: “Recollection Stones?”
Nox: “They’re crystals that hold the most important memories and strongest emotions from a person’s life. Basically, they serve as symbols that someone lived.”
(Symbols of someone having lived…)
I looked around, sensing the mood was slightly different than it had been before.
OO: “They’re all beautiful.”
Nox: “Haha. For thinking that way, I think you might have an even more beautiful heart.”
OO: “So that’s why there are so many with different shapes and colors.”
Nox: “That’s right. There aren’t any two that are alike… I wonder what kind of brilliance yours would be?”
The long bangs that hung in front of his forehead wavered in the lantern light.
Nox: “It is the sacred duty of the grave keepers to protect these Recollection Stones.”
OO: “Protect them…?”
Nox: “Since long ago, they have been easy targets for people like grave-robbers. The crystals are uniquely beautiful, and just a portion of one can fetch a high price. This scythe too was originally used to get rid of people like that.”
OO: “So that’s what it is…”
(He’s always carrying around the scythe, but I had no idea that was the reason.)
Nox suddenly stopped and held up the lantern.
Nox: “Because we don’t often have interactions with other kingdoms, other people say this kingdom is strange and frightening, but… I love this kingdom. And I believe everyone wants a safe place to rest in quiet.”
The light fell on the Recollection Stones, and they seemed to sparkle like a myriad of stars under the night sky…
(All of these lights are signs that someone lived their life.)
OO: “I don’t really know how to say this but… I’m sure someone would be blessed to sleep in such a beautiful place.”
Nox: “I’m glad you like it. Now then, would you like to live in this kingdom forever?”
OO: “Eh?”
His voice was smooth as silk as he whispered those words, and my heart leaped.
Nox: “…kidding. I was just kidding.”
(That surprised me…)
Nox: “But it should be fine now and then, so I’m serious about wanting you to come again.”
I could sense that mysterious feeling in the gentle smile he now gave me.
Unable to discern Nox’s true intentions, I found myself looking at him as if bewitched.
Ch. 3: Signs of Restlessness
The town was wrapped in the pale light of the sun, and time passed quietly…-.
The next day, I walked through Necropolia at Nox’s invitation.
OO: “Where are we going?”
Nox: “I thought I’d show you around Necropolia. Especially because in the end, you only got to see the graves last night while I patrolled.”
Nox gave his explanation, easygoing while seeming to walk aimlessly.
(What a strange person…)
I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening and I found myself staring at his profile…-.
Nox: “Is there something on my face?”
OO: “!”
He smiled at me teasingly and I faltered as I tried to speak.
OO: “I was just thinking that you’re a strange person.”
Nox: “Strange huh? Does that mean you want to know more about me?”
OO: “No…just, thank you for showing me around.”
Nox: “Think nothing of it. I just figured since you’re here, I wanted the chance to talk to you more.”
As I thought of how to respond to that, I suddenly heard the light patter of footsteps.
I looked to see a young girl running towards us from across the road and…
Girl: “Prince Nox!”
Nox: “Hm? What is it?”
He crouched down to meet her eyes, and the girl held out a lovely flower in her hand.
Girl: “I found this pretty new flower so I’m giving it to you!”
Nox: “Me? Thank you, that makes me happy.”
He smiled kindly and took the flower, and the young girl smiled shyly.
(I guess Nox is loved by the people of his country.)
I felt warm as I watched their exchange and…
Man 1: “Is that… the prince?”
Man 2: “What? Just look at those delicate features… piece of cake…”
(Eh…?)
I looked around and through the crowd I caught the eyes of the men who had been whispering to each other.
I couldn’t catch the entirety of their conversation, but they seemed to be sizing Nox up…-.
Nox: “OO, what’s wrong?”
OO: “!”
I was startled and came back to my senses to see Nox, clearly having finished his chat with the girl and now looking at me curiously.
OO: “Nothing…”
I looked back through the crowd again, but the men had already gone…
OO: “It was probably just my imagination.”
Nox: “Really? If something’s bothering you, you can tell me anytime.”
OO: “I was just thinking about how beautiful the town is…”
Nox: “If something catches your eye, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”
As he said it, he glanced in the direction I’d been looking.
Nox: “…and with that, shall we go?”
OO: “Yeah.”
I once again started walking, accompanying a smiling Nox…-.
…
……
We headed for the forest outside of town and gradually I saw a great tree stretched up towards the sky.
OO: “It’s huge…!”
As if to take a break, Nox removed his hood and stopped beneath the great tree.
Nox: “The roots of this tree support the earth of Necropolia.”
OO: “The roots…?”
That was both unexpected and unbelievable, and I looked to the roots of the flourishing tree as they spread out across the ground.
Nox smiled as he watched me and sat on one of the roots.
Nox: “We walked quite a bit, so how about we take a break here?”
OO: “Sure.”
He casually motioned me over and I sat down next to him…-.
OO: “The sound of the wind and the smell of the greenery is calming.”
Nox: “Haha, right? Sometimes I come here to nap.”
Nox smiled at me conspiratorially, as if I now knew his secret.
In his hand, he held the flower from the little girl…
OO: “That flower is beautiful.”
I said it without really having meant to, and Nox blinked his beautiful, glass sphere-like eyes at me.
Nox: “Do you want it?”
OO: “Eh?”
Nox: “I think it would suit you if you put it in your hair.”
Without hesitation, Nox held the flower out to me and I quickly shook my head.
OO: “Oh no, that’s something you were given Nox…! And I think that little girl was happy for you to have it.”
Nox turned his eyes downward, and they almost seemed listless.
Nox: “…you think so?”
His voice was quiet and I could hear the loneliness in his voice, which made my heart ache.
Ch. 4: A Warm Touch
Nox: “…you think so?”
The lonely expression I had seen on his face since we’d first met made my heart ache.
OO: “I’m sorry… did I say something that hurt your feelings?”
Nox: “No, that’s not it.”
Nox shook his head as he gave a pained smile and looked at the flower in his hand.
Nox: “OO, you said this flower is beautiful.”
OO: “…yes.”
Nox: “You know, I know that the flower is beautiful. But even though I know that, I don’t feel it.”
His pained smile didn’t change as he spoke.
OO: “You don’t feel it… what does that mean?”
Nox: “Hmm…I wonder how I should explain it? Like when someone is laughing or crying right in front of me. I always feel like it’s something that’s happening worlds away from me.”
OO: “…”
I reflexively took in a breath and Nox looked down apologetically.
Nox: “I wonder if it’s because I’ve been touched by death too much, and I don’t know if I was always like this. But that’s why I feel like this flower would be happier given to someone who believes from the bottom of their heart that it’s beautiful.”
(That’s why he wanted to give it to me…-)
A pressure clamped around my chest as I started to realize the cause of his forlorn expression.
Before I’d realized what I was doing, I grabbed his pure white hand.
Nox: “…?”
OO: “Sorry, I just… I don’t think you can’t feel anything Nox.”
Nox looked at me and tilted his head curiously.
Nox: “Why do you think that?”
OO: “Someone who truly couldn’t feel anything wouldn’t think about the happiness of this flower.”
OO: “Even if it’s a little different from other people… I believe you have a heart that can feel properly.”
Nox: “…that’s the first time anyone has said something like that.”
OO: “That’s why I think it’s better for the flower to be with you.”
Nox: “If you’re going that far… I’ll take good care of it.”
After having expressed himself, Nox let out a chuckle.
Nox: “But still, you’re an unusual one.”
At the unexpected change in topic to me, I blinked.
OO: “Am I?”
Nox: “Haha, didn’t you know?”
OO: “That’s…”
Nox: “Of course, that’s a good thing, you know?”
After his shoulders had started to shake from laughing…
He adjusted his hand in mine and pulled it up, bringing my hand to his cheek.
OO: “!”
I started at the feel of his cool, smooth skin.
Nox stayed like that and closed his eyes, as if mulling something over.
Nox: “Your hand is warm. I see… so this is what being alive feels like.”
The gentleness of his voice was warm, almost like the feeling of snow thawing.
Ch. 5: The Distance Between Hearts
The chirping of the birds greeted the morning as it spread throughout the town…-.
Several days had passed since I’d come to stay in Necropolia, and on this morning, there was a knock at my door before it opened…
Nox: “Morning OO. Breakfast is ready, so I’ve come to get you.”
OO: “Thank you.”
(I feel like Nox has become a little more cheerful lately.)
As I thought that, Nox scooped my hand up as it to serve as my escort…
OO: “!”
Nox: “Well, let’s go.”
OO: “R-right.”
I instinctively nodded and went along with his overly familiar manner.
I felt my heart speeding up as I was pulled along by the hand…-.
…
……
On another day, the two of us were reading in the library…
OO: “Um, Nox?”
Nox: “Hm?”
OO: “You’re a little close…”
Even after having finally found the book I wanted, Nox had stayed so close to me that I couldn’t focus enough to remember what was on the pages I read.
Nox looked up at me from his position with his head on my shoulder.
Nox: “Sorry, am I heavy?”
OO: “No, it isn’t that.”
(It’s not that I don’t like this, but…)
I was fully aware that we were cuddled together in a way that would have marked us as a couple, and that thought made it impossible to calm down.
Nox smiled in relief before putting his head back.
Nox: “You’re warm and calming. It it’s alright, I’d like to say like this a little longer.”
His voice was so sweet that it was wearing me down…
OO: “It just might be a little embarrassing.”
Nox: “Your face is red. It’s cute.”
OO: “Alright, just a little longer…”
Nox: “Thanks. It just feels even better and warmer than before…”
Nox smiled, and the words I’d heard beneath the great tree ran through my mind.
———————
Nox: “Your hand is warm.”
———————
Since then, I realized Nox had quickly been closing the physical distance between us.
(I’m happy that he’s able to relax his guard around me. But…)
Nox: “You’ve been spacing out for a while. Is that book boring?”
OO: “…!”
Suddenly feeling his breath tickle at my neck, I stood up as if to run away.
Nox: “OO? What’s wrong…?”
OO: “…I’m sorry..”
I turned away from those eyes, wavering with confusion, and placed my hand on my neck where I felt the heat rising.
(Nox is just wanting to be warm but…)
For some reason, it made me incredibly sad that I was the only one reacting like this to his presence.
Ch. 6: Grim Reaper in the Moonlight
A heavy silence had fallen on the book-filled library…-.
OO: “…I’m sorry.”
I lowered my eyes and ducked my head, then I sensed Nox slowly stand up.
He started for the door, but stopped just as he passed me…
Nox: “…I’m the one who’s sorry. It seems I was a little careless. I won’t do anything you don’t like again.”
The sound of the library door closing behind me echoed in my heart…-.
…
……
A few days after that…-.
I was wrapped in anxiety as I stood there alone, taking in the beautiful moon as it peaked through the clouds.
(I think I really hurt Nox…)
After that incident, he hadn’t shown himself to me…
I had wanted to apologize, but the days continued without me seeing him.
(I can’t let this go on. First, I have to apologize to Nox, and then…)
(I want to talk to him properly.)
I decided that the next day, I would go to his room and see him.
(I’ll ask him… what exactly it is he thinks of me.)
That thought filled my heart even as I felt a glimmer of fear.
At that moment, I saw through the window as someone left the castle.
OO: “Nox…!”
As soon as I realized it was him, I flew from my room…-.
…
……
(He looked like he was coming this way…)
Guided by the moonlight, I quickly made my way to the cemetery… and I could hear a low voice from among a grouping of trees.
??: “…right, just do what we say, all nice and quiet like, and nothing bad’ll happen.”
Nox: “…”
(Is there someone else there…?)
I stopped as I sensed the threat in the air and peered out from the shadow of the trees…
A group of men armed with knives surrounded Nox.
(Eh…!?)
??: “Dead people ain’t got no need for treasure, right?”
??: “If we got the prince as hostage, no one else is gonna lay a hand on us.”
(Are these… the graverobbers Nox had mentioned before?)
Then within the group, I recognized the men I had seen a few days ago in town.
———————–
Man 1: “Is that… the prince?”
Man 2: “What? Just look at those delicate features… piece of cake…”
———————–
(They’ve been targeting Nox since then.)
Frustration and guilt settled on me for not realizing it sooner.
I watched as the men smiled cruelly, but Nox only slightly tilted his head.
Nox: “This is quite the problem. I don’t have much confidence in my own stamina.”
Graverobber 1: “Haha, that’s right. If you don’t want to get hurt…-.”
Before he’d finished talking, the blade of the knife he held broke and fell to the ground.
Graverobber 1: “Wha…”
In the next instant, the sharp scythe cut through the air and aimed for the man’s neck…-.
Nox: “…I’m tired, so my hand might just slip.”
(Nox…?)
That cold smile was like that of a grim reaper straight out of a story.
The graverobbers were seized with fear for a moment, then they seemed to come to their senses and were overcome with rage…
Graverobber: “Don’t screw with me!”
As one, the graverobbers went into a frenzy and descended on Nox.