Ch. 1: Snow-White Angel
Kingdom of Ange in the Sky Country, Month of White…-
Snowflakes flitted down from the sky.
(The snow is pretty…)
A week had gone by since I’d been invited to attend the celebration surrounding the restoration of diplomatic relations between the Sky Country and the Earth Country, and I now arrived in the Kingdom of Ange.
(It’s like a dream.)
The snow fell softly, piling up in heaps, and it glittered all around me.
I reflexively squinted.
Sefir: “What do you think of our kingdom?”
OO: “It’s so beautiful.”
Sefir’s voice was absorbed by the still-falling snow as he showed me around.
Sefir: “I can show you an even more beautiful sight within this country.”
OO: “Something even more beautiful…?”
I turned to look back and…
Sefir: “Please excuse me, Lady OO.”
OO: “Eh-.”
Sefir gently lifted me up.
His snow-white wings flapped quietly, and then Sefir took off.
OO: “Wow…”
We slowly drew further from the fields of snow, and the beauty took my breath away.
Sefir: “Behold. There, above the clouds, is our sacred temple. And from this day on, you will be staying over there in the royal palace, atop the highest clouds.”
His voice was full of pride as he spoke. I looked up at him, and Sefir smiled at me kindly.
OO: “Does everyone in the Sky Country have wings?”
Sefir: “Indeed. The royals as well as the commoners all have wings.”
OO: “To be able to see this kind of sight anytime you wanted…it sounds so wonderful.”
Sefir’s golden eyes tapered elegantly.
(If angels were real…)
Sefir danced through the pure white sky, his eyelashes dusted with snow, and the purity I saw there stole away any words I might say.
(I’m sure this is what they’d look like.)
I remembered the images I’d seen of angels in picture books.
There within the quietly falling snow, I gently pressed my hands to my heart.
Ch. 2: Dance Lesson
The next day, the weather was beautifully fine…-
Sefir: “Come to think…”
We were in the middle of afternoon tea as Sefir remembered something and spoke.
Sefir: “The night before the celebration, there will be a dance party. Would you care to dance together?”
OO: “Eh, me, dance…”
I couldn’t find my bearings at his sudden request.
Sefir: “Could it be…you don’t have much experience with dancing?”
OO: “It’s a little embarrassing…but yes.”
Sefir: “If you like, I can instruct you.”
Sefir’s smile was so kind as he looked at me, and he set down his tea cup.
Sefir: “I am particularly skilled at dancing, and I believe I could be a good instructor. Would you like to decide on if you’ll dance at the party after seeing the results of a few lessons?”
(I don’t know how well I can dance but…)
OO: “I would appreciate you giving me some lessons.”
Sefir: “I look forward to doing just that, Lady OO.”
Sefir smiled in delight.
OO: “I don’t really think I can dance well.”
Sefir: “Just leave everything to me.”
Sefir looked deep into my eyes.
And so I began to take dance lessons.
Evening…-.
(Dancing in these thin heels…)
My lessons started immediately, and I wore a pair of beautiful high-heeled shoes that Sefir had prepared.
Sefir: “Straighten your back.”
The light of the setting sun slanted in through the window, dyeing the dance hall a warm color.
Sefir: “Please excuse me, this is the customary position.”
Sefir wrapped his arm around my back, and my heart gave a small leap.
Sefir: “Now then, let’s begin the waltz.”
The strings started playing, and as Sefir guided me with his hand, I awkwardly started to follow the steps.
Sefir: “You’re very good.”
His smile was so elegant that I naturally smiled in return when…
OO: “Ah…”
Unaccustomed to the heels, my foot came out of one and I slipped.
Sefir: “Are you uninjured?”
Sefir still held me in his arm, and his voice was quite close to my ear.
(H-he’s so close….)
Flustered, I blinked, and Sefir gently lifted me up.
Sefir: “It appears you have a blister on your foot…”
Sefir sat me down in a chair and knelt at my feet.
Sefir: “I apologize for not noticing…Lady OO.”
He removed my heels, and lightly kissed my injured foot.
OO: “…!”
(He’s…Sefir is like a prince straight out of a story book.)
Sefir treated me like a noble lady, and I felt my cheeks flush.
OO: “But…well, I wonder if it’s really okay for a beginner like me to dance. It’s such an important ceremony…”
Sefir: “…”
As I said it, I noticed Sefir’s expression stiffen slightly.
OO: “…Sefir?”
Sefir: “Ah, nothing….my apologies. This celebration of diplomatic relations is a very important event being held after 14 years…It is for that very reason that I wish for you to dance Lady OO. If you, a member of the Dream Royal Family, are to dance, it will be as a symbol of peace and everyone will be delighted.”
OO: “Doing something that important…”
Sefir: “All will be well. The dance party is technically the night before the celebration after all. I will take the lead, and you just enjoy the dance.”
OO: “…”
Sefir: “I shan’t force you, so please use your heart to decide.”
(Sefir…I wonder why.)
Though the smile he gave me was kind and elegant…
For some reason, it felt as if that expression was stuck to his face.
Ch. 3: A Pale Profile
The day following the dance lesson…-.
(I only got a little blistering but…)
Sefir had called off the dance lessons for the day, concerned about my foot. Instead, we were heading into the town near the castle so I could have a dress tailored for the party.
Shopkeeper: “I believe fabrics such as this will do well to bring out the beauty of your complexion.”
(Wow…all of the cloth is so beautiful.)
The shopkeeper showed me fabric after fabric.
But I could only blink as they flew in front of me.
Sefir: “Shopkeeper, I do believe Lady OO’s eyes are spinning.”
Sefir stood behind me as he chuckled.
Sefir: “This, and this, and…that silk, please bring them here. Very good, we’ll take all of these.”
OO: “Eh.”
Sefir: “As for the shape…I know. We’ll use something to accentuate your delicate neck…”
OO: “…”
A small noise escaped me as Sefir brushed the nape of my neck.
Sefir: “…pardon me.”
Sefir cast his eyes down, his eyelashes long and elegant, and removed his hand.
OO: “I-it’s alright!”
I accidentally shouted as I replied, and Sefir smiled happily at me.
I looked down, unable to respond, and Sefir moved slightly away from me.
Sefir: “Now then, let’s be off.”
Sefir finished his business and moved to leave the shop.
OO: “Um, I’ll pay.”
Sefir: “Please, allow me to do so, as a present.”
OO: “But, I haven’t even made my decision on if I’m going to the party…”
Sefir: “Regardless, it suits you ever so well.”
As if the purchase was only a small matter, Sefir left the shop.
(When I’m with Sefir, I feel like a princess from a story book.)
With that warm and fuzzy feeling, I followed him outside the shop…-.
Villager 1: “Prince Sefir!”
The townspeople were gathering around Sefir.
As Sefir turned to face the people, his expression was full of dignity.
Sefir: “Everyone, is something going on?”
Villager 2: “Yes! The diplomatic relations celebration is soon!”
Villager 3: “We’ve decided to make some preparations around the shops and such to stir things up!”
Sefir: “I see.”
Villager 1: “Please, you must come see the village when it’s done! We’ll even set aside some of the special cooking for you!”
(Everyone looks so happy just seeing Sefir. He really is popular.)
I gazed at him, overflowing with majesty.
At that time…-.
(Huh…?)
I noticed as I looked at Sefir’s profile that he’d become oddly pale.
OO: “Is something wrong?”
I whispered to him quietly, and Sefir looked at me in surprise.
(He looks really ill…!)
Without thinking, I gently touched his arm.
Doing so, I became aware that he was trembling slightly.
Sefir: “Look…everyone is quite anxious.”
He whispered close to my ear, then resolutely turned back to the people.
(But…)
Villager 3: “Prince Sefir, if you’re here, the country will be at peace!”
Sefir answered the villagers with a smile, but his complexion was steadily worsening.
(Oh no.)
OO: “…Prince Sefir! I seem to be a little tired. Would you bring me back to the castle…?”
I squeezed his hand, and Sefir turned his feeble gaze to me.
Sefir: “Lady OO… I must apologize. Let us go.”
He apologized to the people with grace, then gently lifted me up.
He flew up into the sky, and I could feel Sefir’s hands growing colder.
OO: “Sefir…”
Sefir: “I apologize. I’m just a little…”
Castle Guard: “Welcome back Prince Sefir!!”
Sefir: “Thank you. Sorry for being out so late.”
After we had returned to the palace, there seemed to be no trace of the ailment that Sefir had shown, and he conducted himself with his usual resoluteness.
However…-.
When we returned to his room, his weariness returned…-.
OO: “Are you alright? I’ll go get some water…”
I went to run off in search of water, but Sefir grabbed my hand.
Sefir: “I appreciate it. However…would you stay with me instead?”
The frailty in his voice squeezed at my heart.
Ch. 4: A Sorrowful Past
After we’d returned to the palace from the village…-.
Sefir sat quietly on the sofa, then started to speak softly.
Sefir: “I don’t know how I can express my gratitude for you doing that for me. And to think that I let you see me so miserable.”
OO: “Oh no, it’s not…”
I searched for the words to lift Sefir’s spirit.
OO: “You seem to be very loved by your people Sefir.”
I smiled as I spoke, but Sefir’s expression darkened.
Sefir: “…what they love is my mask.”
OO: “Eh?”
Sefir: “It’s the way I have to conduct myself as successor to the throne, as I have been judged for it ever since I was little. But I…am a sinner. The more I behave as I ought to as a member of the royal family, the more I feel that I am deceiving everyone.”
(Deceiving them…?)
OO: “What…do you mean?”
I asked without thinking, and Sefir closed his eyes.
Sefir looked as if he wanted to disappear, and I gently took his hand.
Then, his expression softened slightly.
Sefir: “I believe you know of the relation between the Sky Country and the Earth Country.”
OO: “Yes…you’ve been at odds since long ago, and never had proper diplomatic relations.”
Sefir: “…it’s a story from when I was young. When the relations between our countries didn’t exist, I happened to meet the prince from the Earth Country. It was when we were both running away from home, and we became friends without understanding our positions. Without knowing our social standings, we had our first argument… there has been no time that I was as happy as I was then. Perhaps because I was brought back to the castle, I forgot about him. Then six months later, we were able to meet again. It was a little like it is now…at an event to create the nonexistent diplomatic relations. We ran up to each other…not realizing our positions as princes of opposing nations. His foster brother tried to stop it, and was killed for having insulted our royal family…”
OO: “Killed…? Why…”
My mouth grew dry.
Sefir: “Because he was a retainer trying to stop the actions of a royal. Though we were supposed to be declaring diplomatic relations, the reality is that we entered into a cold war then. Within all that, I wondered what would have happened if we princes had united and taken each other’s hand. That child back then would have known… And because of that, relations between Sky and Earth continued to deteriorate… There hasn’t been a renewal of diplomatic relations for 14 years until now. This situation…the reason the war between Sky and Earth has gone on for so long…is because of me!”
OO: “That can’t be…!”
Sefir: “I feel so guilty when I’m in front of the people…I try to hide it, and continue to perform as a perfect prince in their eyes. Even my asking you to the dance. I said that if you, a member of the Dream Royal Family, were to dance at the celebration, it would impress upon everyone the peace between Sky and Earth. The truth is…I want to restore the relationship with the Earth Country as soon as possible. I want the country to be at peace. And I want to be able to forgive myself…that is what I want, with my whole heart…”
OO: “…”
Sefir: “I spoke kind words, and ended up causing you to injure your foot… Do you not despise me?”
(That’s not true at all…!)
OO: “I don’t.”
I gently held Sefir’s hand, white as snow, and he opened his eyes wide in surprise.
I looked straight into his eyes, which seemed a little unfocussed.
His long eyelashes hid his eyes, and that made my heart ache.
OO: “I’ll go…to the dance party.”
Ch. 5: A Dance in the Sky
The next evening…-.
The stars shone down on the empty party hall.
(I have to try my best.)
Alone, I practiced the waltz Sefir had taught me.
(Ow…)
Since the previous day, I had been using the time when everyone was sleeping to practice. My heels were red with blistering from the shoes.
(But I want to help Sefir and everyone else.)
A quiet waltz spilled from the gramophone styled like a lily.
My footsteps echoed through the hall in time to the music.
(Such a pretty song…I think I heard it was composed for Sefir’s mother.)
At that moment, the heavy doors to the dance hall opened.
Sefir: “I came after hearing from a maid that…”
OO: “Sefir…”
Sefir spoke in surprise upon seeing me.
Sefir: “You’re practicing…so late into the night?”
OO: “Yes. I was thinking of how I want to dance my best at the party.”
Sefir came closer and smiled kindly in understanding.
Sefir: “…thank you so very much.”
He gently put his hand around my back and started to lead me in the dance.
OO: “…”
I reflexively grimaced at the pain in my feet and…
Sefir: “Is something the matter?”
Sefir picked up on it right away.
Sefir: “…please don’t push yourself so hard.”
His eyes fell to my feet, and he moved to lift me up.
OO: “Please, let me do it. I want to be useful. No matter what…”
As he was moving to lift me, Sefir stopped in surprise.
OO: “I’m not pushing myself too hard…I’m alright.”
Sefir, who had been trying to lift me up, gently placed his hand on my cheek.
Sefir: “You really are a kind person.”
Then Sefir’s whole face lit up in a smile, and it took my breath away.
(That open, defenseless smile…)
His smile was so incredibly gentle that I naturally smiled in return.
Sefir: “Only thinking about others…”
Before I knew it, I was floating through the open air, held in Sefir’s arm.
After that, the two of us quietly set our feet to the steps of the dance.
(My feet don’t hurt… Oh Sefir, he’s always thinking about me.)
The stars shone on Sefir’s smile, and the quiet waltz filled the room.
(Just like a real angel.)
My heart beat loudly seeing him smile.
Ch. 6: Sweet Confession
Finally, the day of the dance party arrived…-.
(I wonder if I look weird…)
I stood in front of a mirror wearing the dress Sefir had gifted me.
(It really is a pretty dress.)
The dress was pure white, reflecting the brilliance of the sun.
I squinted at its beauty, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.
Sefir: “May I enter?”
OO: “Y-yes…”
For a short while, Sefir stood in front of the door and stared at me.
Sefir: “…beautiful. No…radiant.”
I felt my cheeks flush at his words.
(Again…)
Sefir reverently held his hand out to me as I tried to quiet my heart.
Taking his hand, I concealed the pounding in my chest and we walked out.
We set foot into the party hall, and it was full of people chatting, dressed in luxurious outfits.
Everyone’s attention was on the tall doorway where we entered, and our presence was announced.
Doorman: “Announcing Prince Sefir, and Princess OO of the Traumere Royal Family.”
Many people gave us their greeting, and then the sound of a waltz flowed through the hall.
(This song…)
As I heard the music, Sefir reverently bent down on one knee in front of me.
Sefir: “Would you care to dance with me? … Princess OO.”
(…!)
His unexpected actions made my heart leap, and I couldn’t find an answer.
The scene was taken directly from a storybook, and within the roar of the hall, I let out a breath.
(What is it the princess in the stories would do in this situation…? Oh, right.)
I gently placed my fingertips on Sefir’s, and he wrapped his fingers around mine.
OO: “I-it would be my pleasure…”
I was somehow able to get out a response, and Sefir gently kissed my fingers.
A sweet tingling sensation spread out from my fingertips and through my whole body.
(My chest hurts a little…)
Sefir took my waist, and I could suddenly feel his breath very close to me.
As we danced, my heart was pounding loudly.
Sefir: “Thank you. At first, I had asked this of you for the sake of my country, and for my own sake… But I am truly happy, from the bottom of my heart, dancing with you. I stand here now as someone who has started to care for you quite deeply.”
(Eh…)
Sefir: “It was not my intention to trouble you with this. Please…forget I said anything. Let us continue, just like this.”
(I’m happy too, dancing with Sefir. I wish this song would never end…)
I began to become aware of the sweet emotion stirring in my heart.