Ch. 1: In the Vivid Glow of Sunset
Kuyou, Land of the Calendar…-.
The sun had just started to set, casting the castle courtyard in the colors of dusk.
Having accepted an invitation from Yanagi, I visited the territory governed by the Rabbit Family.
Servant: “This way Lady OO.”
OO: “Thank you.”
I was guided to Yanagi’s office where I caught a glimpse of him through the open sliding door.
Yanagi: “…we should.”
Yanagi was having a serious discussion with a man I’d never seen, but he was still strikingly beautiful, even from this distance.
(…he really is a beautiful person.)
His hair was like coral-colored silk, and his scarlet eyes were like gleaming jewels…
I was captivated by Yanagi’s clearly polished elegance…-.
??: “You want to break it!? What do you think you’re doing!? That area was long ago established for us to inherit as members of the royal family…-.”
Yanagi: “It is a necessary action to advance the river development project.”
(…it sounds like he’s in the middle of something.)
I decided to take a step back from the dangerous tension in the air, but then Yanagi glanced towards me.
Yanagi: “…”
(‘Wait’?)
Seeing him mouth the word to me, I slightly nodded my head.
Yanagi seemed to smile very slightly, but then quickly turned his attention back to the man.
Yanagi: “It is difficult to open paths in the rocky mountain in our territory, so shouldn’t this development take priority over the pride of the royal family? Elder Brother Shizuki, this is an order from your Head Prince. I will not accept any disagreement on the matter.”
Yanagi’s gaze was cold, and his tone left no room for argument.
(Head Prince? But Yanagi just referred to that man as his older brother…-)
I watched as the man called Shizuki left quickly…
Yanagi: “OO.”
OO: “!”
At some point, Yanagi had come up beside me and was now looking directly at me.
Yanagi: “Are you offended that I didn’t come to greet you?”
OO: “No, not at all. Please don’t worry about it.”
Yanagi: “I’m relieved. There are still preparations to make for the welcome banquet. It won’t take long but do make yourself at home until then.”
As if trying to imply I had imagined his earlier cold demeanor, Yanagi’s smile was even more beautiful than the evening sun.
Ch. 2: The Rabbit's Banquet
The first course of the banquet involved five different serving trays with all kinds of extravagant, high-end dishes on beautiful lacquerware…-.
Yanagi was managing the banquet on his own, and I took in the sight of all the different, refined people.
Yanagi: “The Princess of Traumere has graced us with her presence, and tomorrow we will hold the Sword Dance Ceremony. Everyone, please enjoy to your heart’s content.”
I followed Yanagi’s motions as he lifted his red lacquered bowl into the air.
(I’ve heard… that the Sword Dance Ceremony is an event in this territory where all of the princes compete with their sword skills.)
As the banquet began, each of the princes made their way to me and offered their greetings.
I felt nervous as this was our first meeting, but I was also taken aback by just how many princes there were.
(He has so many brothers. I’m pretty sure Yanagi is the seventh prince, but…-)
I scanned the bustling banquet hall, then heard a faint laugh from beside me.
Yanagi: “You look surprised at how many brothers I have.”
Yanagi saw straight through me as he smiled, and I…
OO: “Yes, it’s a bit surprising.”
Yanagi: “You don’t have to force yourself to remember them all. If you don’t know who someone is, just ask me.”
OO: “No, I wasn’t…”
Yanagi: “You know it’s written all over your face, right? You don’t need to worry so much when you’re around me.”
Hearing the friendliness in his tone, I felt myself start to relax and the tension ease slightly.
OO: “Including you, how many brothers do you have Yanagi?”
Yanagi: “There are ten of us all together. It’s a unique trait of the Rabbit Family.”
OO: “Unique trait?”
Yanagi: “Long ago, this territory was often under attack from the neighboring territories. In order to leave behind an heir, it became part of our lineage to have large families. So, in the royal family, there are many princes, and we all compete for positions in the hierarchy. It’s customary for the highest ranked prince to then become king.”
OO: “Then, when I heard you say earlier that you were the Head Prince…”
Yanagi: “That’s right. In this land, it isn’t necessarily the case that the first-born prince will become king.”
As he nodded in agreement, Yanagi pushed some of his hair behind an ear with his long fingers.
Yanagi: “It may be presumptuous of me to say this, but at the moment, I’m the top of the hierarchy.”
Yanagi winked at me, his expression full of mischief.
(He really is beautiful…)
His bangs met with his long eyelashes, and I could feel my heart start to pound as he exuded sex appeal.
Yanagi: “Along with my position in the hierarchy comes a duty as well as influence over politics. That’s precisely why I won’t lose in the Sword Dance Ceremony tomorrow.”
His voice rang with resolution, confirming to me that he had great confidence as someone leading the country.
(Yanagi is the one who brought everyone here together.)
I watched as the large group of princes shared drinks together, and the servants refilled my cup with alcohol.
The drink was slightly cloudy, but as I picked it up…-.
Yanagi: “This drink might be a little strong for you.”
(Eh?)
Suddenly, Yanagi took the cup from my tray.
Yanagi: “Is it alright if I have something else prepared for you? As a sign of our meeting… and to bless me with victory in the match tomorrow.”
OO: “! Yes, thank you.”
At Yanagi’s indication, a new cup and decanter were immediately brought over.
The glass decanter had lovely peach-colored blossoms floating in it.
OO: “It’s pretty…”
(He’s so nice, to have been so thoughtful.)
Yanagi: “Now then, cheers.”
Yanagi and I shared a look as we held up our cups to match.
I felt my heart jump and race in time with the light sound of our glasses clinking together.
Ch. 3: In the Shadows of a Cold Night
The faint glow of the moonlight pierced the thin veil of clouds overhead…-.
As the night grew late, I attempted to sober up by leaving the crowded banquet hall behind.
(I think I might have had too much of that alcohol Yanagi recommended.)
The cool night breeze drifting through the courtyard felt good on my heated skin…
OO: “…!”
I suddenly heard a loud sound from a nearby corridor and reflexively pulled back.
(Is something happening…?)
As my heart sped up from the tension, I peered around the corner of the corridor where I’d heard the sound…-.
Yanagi: “Don’t whine and make excuses…!”
(Yanagi…?)
There was a man with his back to the wall… and right beside him, Yanagi had his foot up on the wall in a threatening gesture.
Yanagi’s expression as he looked down at the man was so intense it seemed to burn with ferocity.
Yanagi: “You mixed something strange into the alcohol that was brought for OO, didn’t you?”
I couldn’t see the man’s face in the darkness, but I could hear him breathing quickly.
I felt myself draw back even though I was hidden away; Yanagi’s presence was just that intimidating.
Yanagi: “Did you think to fool a woman from another country? There’s no way I can overlook something like this at a party I’m managing.”
Yanagi kicked the wall, and it made the same loud sound I’d heard earlier.
(They put something in my drink…?)
I wasn’t entirely sure if he was referring to what had originally been brought out for me …
I couldn’t get my thoughts in order, but I did understand now that Yanagi had actually saved me when he sat next to me.
Man: “…don’t push your luck.”
The man spat the words at Yanagi, then slid out from beside him and started to run away.
Yanagi: “Every single time… I’m getting tired of this. This is annoying, just come at me all at once.”
As the man disappeared down the hallway, Yanagi let out a frustrated sigh as he lowered his foot.
Yanagi: “It’s bad manners for a well-behaved princess to spy.”
OO: “…!”
Yanagi gave no other greeting as he started towards me, his gate easy but his mouth set in a cold smile.
OO: “U-um…”
Seeing his demeanor completely changed from how he had been earlier, I…
OO: “I’m sorry…”
Yanagi: “You’re an honest one. Though if you’re going so far as to apologize, you shouldn’t have been spying in the first place.”
OO: “I hadn’t intended to. I was just worried when I heard something.”
Yanagi: “Don’t you think you should be less careless? If something happens, you may not get to live to regret it… just like now.”
(Yanagi is frightening me…)
I slowly moved back, but Yanagi brought his face closer in a threatening way.
Yanagi: “I hadn’t wanted you to find out like this but… I guess this is a good thing. I’ve always thought it bothersome to have to force that smile.”
OO: “!”
As soon as my back hit the wall, his elbow was level with my eyes as he slammed the wall beside me.
I felt like I was physically stuck to the wall, completely unable to move.
Yanagi: “Does it feel good to have so many men in this castle wanting to make your acquaintance?”
OO: “Eh…?”
His expression was as cold as ice as he looked down at me, and I felt my heart beating painfully in my chest.
Yanagi: “Becoming friends with such an important young lady would have a big impact on the ranking of the princes here. Even more so if one was to become companion to the Princess of Traumere. …the princes of this territory are all idiots, pieces of garbage who live to flaunt their excessive greed.”
His eyes twisted in frustration as he spat the words.
OO: “How can you say something like that about your brothers…?”
Yanagi: “Because it’s the truth. You simply don’t know how corrupt and rotten this place is.”
OO: “Do you mean they’re intending to use me to move up in the hierarchy?”
Yanagi: “That’s right. All of them are so simple and pampered, you see?”
Yanagi touched my cheek with one of his long fingers, running it along the contours of my face before it fell away.
There was no trace of kindness in the cold smile he directed at me, and I immediately forgot the alcohol in my system.
Yanagi: “It was honestly exhausting having to swallow all those honeyed words.”
OO: “! …what do you mean?”
Yanagi: “When they said they want me to visit their lands, it was just lip service. The reason I left your side at the banquet was to keep the others in check.”
(I hadn’t even realized…)
Yanagi let out a huff of laughter, then brought his lips near my ear…-.
Yanagi: “My maliciously thickheaded princess. I’ve given you a properly warm welcome, so if you’re satisfied, hurry up and get out.”
His kimono fluttered out behind him as he promptly turned down the hallway and left.
I could do nothing other than watch him leave as I stood there, still frozen in place.
Ch. 4: Surging Sparks
Beneath the piercing blue sky, the violent sound of swords clashing echoed…-.
I sat alone in one of the visitors’ seats that had been prepared for the Sword Dance Ceremony as I watched Yanagi’s match.
(Wow…)
As I watched him with his paired swords as if in a dance, he moved relentlessly until his opponent was backed into a wall…
Referee: “The winner is Prince Yanagi!”
Yanagi: “…”
Yanagi wasn’t even out of breath as he knocked his opponent’s sword flying through the air, then he waved to the crowd cheering in excitement.
(He’s completely different than how he was yesterday…)
Contrary to his overwhelming and captivating strength, I recalled his utterly chilling voice from the previous night…-.
??: “Princess of Traumere. I did not have the opportunity to greet you last night, so I wanted to do so now.”
OO: “! Lord Shizuki…”
I recalled the name of the second prince from the banquet as he sat beside me.
Shizuki: “Lady OO. If I claim victory at the Sword Dance Ceremony, could I have a moment of your time? There’s a place in the imperial villa where lovely flowers bloom, and I would very much like if the two of us…-.”
Shizuki rudely picked up my hand and pulled me towards him.
(He’s being a bit forceful…)
I nonchalantly removed my hand from his grip, then moved myself further down the bench to put some distance between us.
Shizuki: “That’s a bit cold. But the more difficult it is to obtain a flower, the more a person is drawn to it…”
This time Shizuki had to bend forward, but he still attempted to reach out to touch my hair.
In the next instant…
OO: “!”
Suddenly, a sword came flying out of nowhere, going in front of his face and embedding itself deeply into the pillar behind him.
Yanagi: “Elder Brother, next is your match with me. Are you ready?”
I turned and found Yanagi standing in the entrance to the visitor seating area…-.
(Yanagi…?)
Yanagi: “Princess of Traumere. I apologize for my elder brother’s rude behavior.”
OO: “That surprised me…”
Yanagi: “I do apologize for that. Are you unhurt, Princess?”
His manner and way of speaking was gentle, in direct contrast with his eyes that felt as sharp as a blade.
Shizuki: “Yanagi, throwing a sword at your older brother like that…”
Yanagi: “Though you, of all people, should have been able to sense my presence, right?”
Yanagi moved with an air of composure as he grabbed the sword embedded in the pillar and pulled it out in one swift movement before turning a cold gaze at his brother.
Yanagi: “Or perhaps… you’re so out of practice that you had all of your focus on something trifling compared to the tournament?”
Shizuki: “…!”
Shizuki didn’t say anything in return and instead turned to leave with a shamed expression on his face.
OO: “Thanks for helping me. I was worried since he was being a little overbearing…”
Yanagi: “It’s because you’re sitting there completely defenseless. You don’t seem like you’d refuse someone no matter how overbearing they were.”
OO: “What are you doing here in the middle of your match…?”
Yanagi: “Like I said, I simply came to get my opponent. The fact that I also helped you was just a coincidence.”
Yanagi spared me a harsh glance.
Yanagi: “You should understand now. Your very existence causes strife in our hierarchy. You are very tempting for us, and in the end, you’ll just be food for the slower rabbits.”
He moved beautifully, like flowing water, as he sheathed his blade and left the seating area.
He had spoken words meant to cut and hurt without hesitation.
But for some reason, behind those stinging words and harsh demeanor, I felt like there was a sense of fear or anxiety…
(…I have to be careful so I don’t cause problems for Yanagi.)
Deep in my heart, a strange emotion that I couldn’t yet put into words was beginning to take root.
Ch. 5: The Darkness that Surrounds Him
The Sword Dance Ceremony came to a close with Yanagi’s victory, and a few days later…-.
The people of the castle had gathered in one area, showing signs of unease.
(It must be that rumor again…)
I had stopped without thinking when I’d heard the two people whispering to each other as I walked down the hall.
Servant 1: “Before the Sword Dance Ceremony… did you hear that Prince Yanagi attacked Prince Shizuki out of the blue and injured him?”
Lady-in-Waiting: “I did, everyone in the castle has heard about it.”
Servant 2: “If he won using such underhanded tricks, Prince Yanagi’s position in the hierarchy will be in jeopardy…-.”
(But that’s not true…)
I clamped down on my sudden desire to say as much, and instead took a deep breath.
(I imagine Yanagi’s already handling the situation… I might just cause more trouble if I step in. But still…)
Since the incident had something to do with me, I knew I could serve to discredit the rumor.
And besides, I had yet to properly thank Yanagi for saving me not once, but twice.
(I should go find Yanagi.)
I changed direction and walked quickly away from the rumors that continued to be whispered behind my back…-.
…
……
The moon was a bright circle where it was reflected in the pond of the courtyard…-.
I found myself staring at the moon where it seemed suspended between the night sky and the ground.
(I wonder if it was too much to think I could meet with Yanagi today.)
After I had looked all over the areas of the castle I was permitted to go, I had become lost and found myself at the pond in the courtyard.
In the reflective surface of the pond, I noticed a shadow moving on the roof of the main shrine.
(…what’s that?)
As soon as I looked up, the shadow lightly jumped down from the roof.
OO: “Yanagi!?”
He performed a magnificent landing right in front of me, the heels of his feet planting firmly on the ground.
Yanagi: “Walking around this late at night without an escort… did you decide the warning I gave you at the Sword Dance Ceremony was just me needlessly worrying?”
Yanagi glared at me, his expression creased in displeasure.
(He’s right. I was so caught up in my own thoughts…)
I felt more apologetic than hurt by the sting of his words as I nervously began speaking.
OO: “I was looking for you…”
Yanagi: “You had such important business with me that it couldn’t wait till tomorrow? You do realize you’re a woman, right?”
OO: “I’m sorry. I wanted to talk to you.”
Yanagi: “It doesn’t matter how much you apologize if your actions don’t match up.”
(I can’t really respond to that…)
I could only bow my head, and Yanagi let out a resigned sigh.
Yanagi: “So, what did you need?”
OO: “…I’ve been worried about the rumor spreading about the Sword Dance Ceremony.”
Yanagi: “…that’s not something you need to worry about.”
Yanagi crossed his arms, his words disinterested as he drew the line.
Yanagi: “There are always rumors. They’ll vanish quickly if you just leave them alone.”
OO: “What do you mean…?”
Yanagi: “When their reputation in the hierarchy falls, my brothers will eagerly use any bit of information they can get. Before long, rumors spread, all at the hands of someone pulling the strings.”
(That’s horrible… they’re all brothers.)
Yanagi spoke as if this were natural, but I felt my heart waver with uncertainty.
Yanagi: “They don’t want to do anything themselves. They’re all just idiots coasting on the name of the king to use people.”
The bright light from the moon clearly lit up the sneer on his face.
His beauty was even more apparent with the contrast of light and shadow, but…
(Yanagi stands in a place where even his own family are seen as enemies.)
As I imagined the environment he continued to live in, I felt a sharp pain in my heart.
Ch. 6: A Heart Illuminated By the Moon
A gentle night breeze blew the thin clouds across the sky, covering the moon in a veil…-.
The moonlight gave Yanagi a gentler appearance as it wrapped around him.
(In a castle where everyone is an enemy, Yanagi has been fighting his whole life.)
————————–
Yanagi: “Every single time… I’m getting tired of this. This is annoying, just come at me all at once.”
————————–
(I think I finally understand what he meant back then.)
Even though he had to fight with his brothers, Yanagi was still aiming to become the king and rule the territory…-.
OO: “Can I ask you something?”
Yanagi: “…what?”
He was still casually glaring at me, but at some point, that fear I had felt on the eve of the banquet had disappeared.
I straightened up, secretly wanting to know more about Yanagi.
OO: “Why do you want to become king?”
Yanagi: “…do you just have a habit of sticking your nose in other people’s business? You sure have an interesting hobby, Princess.”
His words were as sharp as usual, but he didn’t sound like he was going to refuse to answer.
Yanagi: “It’s because I love this land.”
After a short pause, Yanagi’s fine lips began to weave his answer.
Yanagi: “It’s natural for a prince like myself to want to support the country he was raised in. I want to improve the livelihood of the people who live in this territory and enrich it. That’s all.”
Yanagi’s explanation was resolute, then he abruptly looked away from me.
(Yanagi’s been fighting all this time on his own for that…)
His words and actions were rough, yet I knew he cared about his country more than anyone else.
This was the first time I felt like he was telling me his true feelings, and I felt flustered…-.
OO: “…I’ll be your ally Yanagi.”
Before I could think about it anymore, my hopes came spilling out.
Yanagi: “Hah, what’s that mean? Don’t tell me you’re feeling a sense of obligation after everything that’s happened? It’s a bit problematic if you’re going that far though.”
OO: “I just wanted to thank you for saving me…-.”
My embarrassment increased as I spoke, my voice growing weaker.
OO: “Please don’t laugh at me…”
Yanagi: “It’s because you said something so strange. Aah, that’s the most I’ve laughed in a long time.”
OO: “…I’m being serious.”
Yanagi: “Do you think I’m so weak that you have to worry about me? Haha, thanks for the sentiment at least.”
The night wind whisked away the clouds, and the bright, brilliant light of the moon returned.
Yanagi’s smile shone in the moonlight, increasing his appeal here in the dead of night.
(Of all the times I’ve seen it, this is the most natural smile I’ve seen on him…-.)
As the expression he directed at me stole my heart, my pulse sped up.
Before I knew it, I realized I was actually enjoying spending time with him.
(…I’m sure Yanagi sees me as a burden, and a source of trouble, but… I don’t want to abandon Yanagi as he faces all this adversity alone.)
OO: “Once again… I want to thank you for everything you’ve done to look out for me. Please, tell me if there’s anything I can do to help you.”
Yanagi: “…you shouldn’t use the word ‘anything’ so easily with a problematic guy like me.”
He brushed back his silken hair as he smiled slightly, his expression a complicated mix of emotion.
His hair rustled in the night, the moonlight appearing to reflect off its surface and break into multiple shards of twinkling light.