Ch. 1: He Who is Like a Beast
Kuyou, Land of the Calendar…-.
Rows of street stalls mixed with the verdant grass as it swayed, and cheerful voices filled the bustling road.
Having received an invitation from the King of the Tiger Family, I visited the domain of the Tiger Family.
(It’s such a wonderful, lively town.)
As I looked around, I started to walk towards the castle when…-.
Village Man: “Eek!”
Small wooden boxes were kicked out from a nearby alley, followed by a man falling into the street.
??: “Bastard! If I catch you doing this shit again, you won’t get off so easy!”
An angry voice, like that of a wild beast, echoed from the alley, and I reflexively stepped back.
(Wh-what!?)
??: “Move it, you’re in my way.”
A shadow loomed over me from behind, and I nervously looked up…-.
OO: “Subaru…?”
There stood Subaru, Prince of the Tiger Family.
His sharp eyes seemed to burn as they looked at me with recognition, and he seemed to relax slightly.
Subaru: “Hn? I’m pretty sure you’re…”
OO: “Ah… I’m OO.”
Subaru: “Yeah, I know. What are you doing here?”
His voice was so intimidating that I just stared at him and forgot to answer, then…-.
Village Man: “You violent Prince!”
The man who had tumbled out of the alley earlier spat out those words before running off.
Subaru: “Hah? You’re the one who got scared and decided to fall over all on your own!”
Subaru yelled at the man as he fled, annoyance plain in his tone.
Subaru: “…tch, who the hell would use their fists on a bastard like that.”
His grumbling sounded like the growl of a beast, and I didn’t realize my body was trembling.
Left alone with Subaru, my mind spun as I tried to think of something to say.
Ch. 2: A Sharp Gaze
Subaru’s angry voice had echoed around the vicinity, and the voices of the bustling town faded…-.
Subaru: “…bastard’s only good for running away.”
Subaru still wore a severe expression as he grumbled to himself and started to fix the fallen boxes.
As he did, I noticed a cut from something on the palm of his hand.
OO: “Ah, Subaru…”
Noticing the blood dripping down his forearm, I rushed over, but…
Subaru: “Don’t come any closer.”
OO: “!”
His steely gaze pinned me down and I stopped.
Subaru: “Traumere Princess… what are you doing in a place like this?”
OO: “Ah… I received an invitation from the king.”
I answered awkwardly, and Subaru’s brow wrinkled in a frown.
Subaru: “…my old man, huh. Damn, what was he thinking?”
(Am I being a nuisance by having come?)
I looked up, hoping for an answer, but Subaru’s gaze was as hard as ever…
Subaru: “This area isn’t the place for a princess like you to be carelessly loitering about. Got it?”
OO: “S-sorry.”
I apologized without thinking, and Subaru’s frown deepened.
Hoping to gloss over the matter, I frantically searched for something to say…
OO: “Um, did something happen?”
Subaru: “It has nothing to do with you.”
OO: “Um, your hand is hurt…”
Subaru: “Hah? This is nothing. Don’t worry about me.”
It felt as if the gap between us had grown even more, and my heart was filled with regret.
Subaru: “…tch, hurry up and get wherever you’re going.”
Seeing me frozen there, Subaru disappeared back down the alley.
(He left.)
I looked at where he’d disappeared in shock, then a woman from the village worriedly came up to me.
Village Woman: “Are you alright?”
OO: “Ah…yes.”
Village Woman: “Goodness, he has no manners with that way of speaking. There are always quarrels when he comes into town. What are we to do with our prince?”
OO: “Prince Subaru comes into town often…?”
Village Woman: “Yes, he walks aimlessly around the town and gets into trouble like that. Even though recently there’s been an increase in bandits, we wish he’d get a handle on that.”
OO: “Bandits?”
The words didn’t seem to fit the bustling and energetic town, and I tilted my head in confusion.
Village Woman: “That’s right. You be careful now.”
With those parting words, the woman returned to a shop that sold candy.
(Does he just get into fights…?)
————————
Subaru: “…tch, who the hell would use their fists on a bastard like that.”
————————
(It didn’t seem that way to me though…)
I still couldn’t shake the wildness I’d seen in Subaru as it was burned into my memory.
I looked down the alley he’d left by, and the darkness, deathly silent, seemed to peer back at me.
Ch. 3: The State of the Tiger Family
Bamboo rose up in thin stalks towards the night sky…-.
I finally reached the castle, and I walked down a hallway guided by a servant.
??: “Subaru, I heard you caused another uproar.”
(Subaru?)
I unconsciously stopped upon hearing the name I recognized, and a nearby sliding door opened violently.
Subaru: “If that’s all you’re calling me here for, I’ve got nothing more to say.”
Subaru, who had opened the door, looked back at the man still in the room, and I remained unnoticed.
King: “Stop right there. I’m telling you to stop being irresponsible and have more awareness of your position as a prince.”
Subaru: “…hah? And I’ve told YOU already. I’m not prince material, and I don’t intend to inherit the throne.”
His mumbled words sounded self-deprecating, his tone laced with pain.
(Why is he saying it like that…?)
I hadn’t moved, and as Subaru made to leave, he finally noticed me.
Subaru: “! So, you were out here.”
OO: “Y-yes. I was just being shown around…”
Subaru: “Tch…”
He seemed displeased, averting his eyes as he walked by with hurried steps.
OO: “Ah…”
Without even a moment to continue talking, Subaru’s footsteps grew distant.
As if taking his place, the strict-looking man from inside the room stepped out.
King: “Ah, Princess of Traumere. I apologize for making you witness such an unsightly display when you’ve only just arrived.”
OO: “Oh, no, it’s fine.”
King: “My son has a bad mouth, but he isn’t a bad person at heart. Please do not think badly of him.”
OO: “…alright.”
As I answered, I looked back in the direction Subaru had gone.
Though I should have thought him scary, his words from earlier seemed so lonely…-.
(Now I’m curious about what’s going on.)
OO: “Um… if possible, may I go and have a talk with him?”
The king just blinked at me, clearly surprised at my proposal.
…
……
The leaves floating on the surface of the pond rocked back and forth, flowing by without any destination.
I stepped out of the hallway into the courtyard and saw Subaru standing in one area of the garden.
Subaru: “…”
His gaze was fixed on a stone monument with something carved into the surface.
His eyes as he looked at it were incredibly serious, and I hesitated to even speak to him…-.
(I’ll try calling out to him.)
OO: “Um… Subaru.”
Those golden eyes, staring so intently at the stone monument, looked straight at me.
Subaru: “Huh? Oh, it’s you.”
(But I hope I’m not getting in the way…)
Subaru: “…hey, how long do you plan on just standing there?”
Those golden eyes, staring so intently at the stone monument, turned to look straight at me.
Subaru: “…you need something?”
Contrary to his cutting words, his gaze said he was simply waiting for my answer.
OO: “Well, I wanted to talk to you a little.”
Subaru: “Talk, with me?”
He frowned, but I felt he was more taken aback rather than uncomfortable.
Subaru: “…I see.”
Saying only that much, his gaze returned to the stone monument.
(He didn’t tell me to leave so… I wonder if that means it’s alright if I stay.)
Taking it to mean just that, I stepped up beside him and looked at the words carved into the stone.
OO: “ ‘Swing your fist for the weak. Live as the strong and noble tiger.’ …?”
I spoke the words aloud as I read them.
Wanting to know what they meant, I looked at Subaru questioningly.
Subaru: “…words that have been handed down through my family.”
After a short pause, Subaru seemed to resign himself to answering.
(So, it’s saying… royalty must use their strength to protect the people.)
OO: “It’s a wonderful saying.”
Subaru: “…yeah it is.”
His gaze seemed so soft as he stared at the stone, and I could tell he was attached to it.
OO: “It must be something very important to you Subaru.”
Subaru: “…I don’t know about that.”
He quietly looked at the stone as a faint breeze blew around us, making his hair flutter slightly.
Subaru: “Our family has always been instructed to live by these words.”
(So that’s why, back then…)
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Subaru: “…tch, who the hell would use their fists on a bastard like that.”
————————
(I still don’t fully understand the situation at that point but… at the very least, I know Subaru was carrying out the intent of those words carved in stone.)
I felt happy at having learned a little more about him and…-.
Subaru: “…it has nothing to do with me.”
OO: “Huh?”
Subaru glared at the stone as he spat out those words.
As if representing what truly dwelled in his heart, the gentle breeze suddenly swept up into a furious gale.
Ch. 4: A Fist Grasped Tightly
Subaru: “Our family has always been instructed to live by these words.”
Subaru: “…it has nothing to do with me.”
(Even though Subaru is the Prince of the Tiger Family…?)
It seemed like Subaru’s words held a sense of anguish.
At a strong gust of wind, the tall bamboo stalks rattled desolately.
OO: “You say that but… I don’t think that’s true at all.”
Subaru: “Ha, you sound like you know everything.”
OO: “That isn’t what I…”
OO: “Nothing to do with you… did something happen to make you think that?”
Subaru: “… you’re surprisingly forward.”
He didn’t hold back his words, but Subaru didn’t seem angry…
He squinted his eyes, as if he were remembering something from long ago.
Subaru: “…a while ago, I tried to be worthy of these words. But… my fists can only hurt people.”
He grasped his fist tightly, then looked at it in annoyance.
Perhaps because he was clenching it so tightly, his fist started to shake…
(Could it be that he’s hurt people?)
It was like I could feel Subaru’s pain from that fist.
Subaru: “Guys like me can’t stand above others and act for the sake of the territory.”
(So that’s why he said it has nothing to do with him. He doesn’t think he’s worthy. But that’s not true… he thinks about the people who live in this territory.)
Thinking that, I felt I understood Subaru a little bit more as he stood there next to me.
(Subaru thinks of others and is a kind person.)
Subaru: “…what?”
Subaru was looking at me suspiciously, and I looked straight back at him.
OO: “…I misunderstood you Subaru.”
Subaru: “Misunderstood? I don’t get what you’re talking about, but if you know now, don’t come any closer to me.”
OO: “No, I can’t do that.”
OO: “I’m… happy that I could learn more about you Subaru.”
Subaru: “Hah? Did you… hear what I just said?”
OO: “Yes, of course I did.”
Though his steely gaze was directed at me, I didn’t startle or shrink back.
OO: “Subaru…you don’t want to hurt the people that live here, or anyone else.”
Subaru: “…”
(When I think about it, even when we first met… I’m sure he had some reason for doing what he did. Because now, I don’t think Subaru is the type of person to hurt anyone.)
OO: “You’re a kind person Subaru.”
I spoke from the bottom of my heart as I looked at Subaru, who was holding his tongue…
As if he’d finally been beaten, the corners of Subaru’s mouth twitched up a little.
(…he smiled.)
Subaru: “…ha. You’re the first one to say something like that to me.”
The color of his eyes now revealed a kindness and gentleness, completely different from before…
His relaxed smile made a sweet sensation stir in my heart.
Ch. 5: An Awkward Stroll Around Town
Branches reached towards the clear sky, and birds sang as they flitted about…-.
It was another day, and I left the room I was staying in to go look around town.
(The weather is nice, so I might take a leisurely stroll.)
I walked down the corridor with that hope in mind when I saw a muscled back in front of me.
OO: “Subaru?”
I called out, and the hair bound down his back swung as he turned to look at me.
Subaru: “You huh.”
His brow was wrinkled, but I didn’t shy away and gave him a smile instead.
OO: “Good day.”
Subaru: “…going somewhere?”
OO: “I thought I’d go take another look around the town.”
Subaru: “…”
I felt uneasy as he stood there in silence, as if something was on his mind…
OO: “Would you like to come with me?”
Subaru: “Hah?”
(Ah… as expected, that was too sudden.)
OO: “That is… if you have the time.”
Subaru: “S’not like I’m doing anything…”
OO: “I’m sorry for asking so suddenly. It’s nothing.”
Subaru: “It’s not nothing. I heard you.”
Subaru’s gaze drifted off into space as he pondered something, then he let out a small sigh.
Subaru: “…I got no choice; I’ll go with you.”
OO: “Are you sure?”
Subaru: “I can’t exactly let you wander around in a strange place at a time like this.”
(Could it be that he’s worried about me?)
Subaru: “Let’s go.”
Sensing his awkwardness, I chased after him as he turned and walked away…-.
…
……
The town was crowded again, just like when I’d first arrived, and just walking around lifted my spirits.
I followed Subaru as he weaved his way through the people coming and going when some bamboo work outside a shop caught my eye.
OO: “There are so many shops that deal with the manufacture of bamboo products in the Tiger Territory.”
Subaru: “…we’re out in the boonies, so there’s lots of bamboo groves around here.”
A refreshing breeze caressed my cheek as he spoke, carrying with it the scent of the plants.
OO: “…so that’s why the whole town smells so nice.”
I took a deep breath without thinking about it and heard a quiet huff of laughter from beside me.
Subaru: “I’d never even noticed something like that.”
(Just now… was he smiling at me again?)
Thinking that, I stealthily looked at Subaru, but…
Perhaps because of the incessant sunlight raining down, I couldn’t get a good peek at his expression.
OO: “Um, are there any shops you would recommend Subaru?”
Subaru: “…I don’t really know what girls like.”
OO: “Then, please stop by any shops that pique your interest while we walk.”
With that, I started to walk when…
Subaru: “Tch, wait up.”
A large hand wrapped around my wrist, gently holding me back.
Subaru: “If you’re okay with decorations, that shop is good.”
OO: “Eh?”
Subaru: “But you have to pick stuff out for yourself.”
Grumbling with a disinterested click of his tongue, he hurriedly walked in front of me.
OO: “Sure…!”
I felt amusement deep in my heart at his rough and awkward kindness.
Ch. 6: Touch of the Palm
The sun continued to descend as we looked around town, casting long shadows over the ground…-.
Holding the hair ornament I’d bought up to the sunlight, I could clearly see the beauty of the weaving that looked like waves.
OO: “I get why you suggested that shop Subaru. All of their ornaments were so exquisite.”
Subaru: “…that so.”
Though his response was blunt, I was certain that the faint trace of happiness I saw in his expression wasn’t my imagination…
(He knows a lot about the town, and he really cares for his territory. But…)
No matter which shop we went to, the people near Subaru were fearful, and that kept tugging at my heart.
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Village Woman: “There are always quarrels when he comes into town. What are we to do with our prince?”
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(He’s such a kind person, yet I wonder why the people think of him that way…)
I could only think that the reaction from the people was sad, given that they only knew one side of Subaru.
Subaru: “Hey, anywhere else you wanna go?”
OO: “Ah, um…”
Before I’d realized, the distance between us had grown, and I frantically moved to rush over to him when…-.
Village Man: “Move it!”
OO: “!”
A man burdened with packages was hurriedly coming at me head-on, and I immediately braced myself.
Then suddenly, a strong hand pulled on my shoulder.
Subaru: “…”
I ended up pressing myself against Subaru’s burly chest, and a faint, refreshing scent tickled my nose.
Village Man: “It’s dangerous, ya know!”
I jumped at the man’s angry tone, but…
Subaru: “Hah?”
As if countering the man’s angry tone, I heard a menacing voice from above my head.
Village Man: “…a-anyway! Be more careful next time!”
The man carrying the packages seemed to flinch as he disappeared down an alley.
(Was Subaru… protecting me just now?)
Subaru: “Geez, don’t space out when you’re in the middle of the road.”
He slowly let me go, and I could feel the concern in his gaze.
OO: “Thank you so much.”
Subaru: “It wasn’t something worth thanking me for. Man, you sure are a dangerous person.”
OO: “Sorry.”
Subaru: “Don’t just apologize like that. It’s not like I’m mad.”
His sigh seemed exasperated as he grumbled, then Subaru turned his gaze back to the man who’d just left.
Subaru: “Still, that guy…”
I thought he squinted his eyes as he murmured to himself, and his expression became more serious.
OO: “Do you know that man?”
Subaru: “…nah, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
Even as he said it, Subaru’s gaze remained fixed on the alley…
(I wonder what’s going on…)
His focused golden eyes gleamed sharp and keen like a beast, the same as when I’d first met him.