Ch. 1: The Unfettered Prince
Land of Onsen, Kaiten, Month of Air…-.
Buildings lined the walkway, full of atmosphere and people waiting to get in the onsen.
(There are so many bath houses… it kind of makes me think of the world I came from.)
This was the fabled onsen village, famous for its many onsen that could cure any disease, illness, or injury…
(I should hurry.)
I had come to this country on the request that I awaken a prince who had been trapped in a ring…-.
…
……
A servant showed me inside where a ring sat on a massive cushion covered in golden embroidery.
The servants all looked at the ring, humbled in its presence…
(Are the servants… all women?)
All of the servants, dressed in gorgeous kimono, were women…
(It kind of gives the whole thing an air of mystery…)
OO: “…let’s begin.”
Pulling myself together, I clasped my hands in front of my chest…
Servant: “Princess, if I may be so bold, before you begin…-.”
One of the servants shyly held out a piece of cloth to me.
Servant: “Please forgive us, but would you be willing to wear a blindfold?”
OO: “Huh?”
The servants all bowed their heads as if begging me as I stood there confused.
Servant: “Please…”
OO: “A-alright.”
Even as I tilted my head in puzzlement, I tied the cloth around my eyes as I was asked.
Unable to see, I held my hands together and prayed…
??: “Nn…”
Servant: “Oh! The prince…!!”
??: “…! I’m… back to normal?”
I heard a man’s voice amidst the joy of the servants.
Servant: “Prince Nayuta! How wonderful…!”
??: “Uwa! Hold on a sec, at any minute…-.”
OO: “…?”
(I wonder what’s going on…?)
The man’s voice rose in panic, then after a moment…-.
Nayuta: “Huh? Oh, sorry! Hey, hurry and get that blindfold off her.”
The blindfold was removed for me, and a man with a mischievous smile was sitting cross legged on the cushion in front of me.
Nayuta: “I’m Nayuta. The prince and head manager of the onsen village here in Kaiten.”
My eyes immediately went to the two tails that swayed back and forth behind him.
OO: “Nice to meet you. I’m…-.”
Nayuta: “…fwaa.”
He gave a mighty yawn before I’d finished.
OO: “Um… ah…-.”
Nayuta: “Ah! Sorry, I couldn’t help it.”
He directed a friendly smile at me, and I couldn’t say anything more.
Ch. 2: The Smell of the Sun
I was captivated by Nayuta’s friendly smile…-.
Nayuta: “So, what’s your name?”
OO: “Ah…”
Nayuta grinned, still sitting cross-legged on the cushion.
OO: “I’m OO.”
Nayuta: “I see. Thanks OO.”
Servant: “…Prince… thank goodness.”
Nayuta: “Sorry for the trouble everyone.”
Nayuta stood and looked at each of the servants in turn.
(Anyway… there really are only women servants here.)
Once more, I looked around the room filled with women…
Nayuta: “There aren’t many men in my family.”
OO: “Eh…”
Nayuta: “The people in my family have long lifespans, but it’s rare for a male to be born. So, they’re treated very preciously. Speaking of, come on now, don’t cry in front of the guest. Sorry about that OO.”
Nayuta soothed the servants who were on the verge of tears while giving me a troubled smile.
(His smile is so mysterious… I just couldn’t look away.)
As I absentmindedly watched him, his face abruptly came closer.
OO: “…!”
Nayuta: “Oh, you smell nice. It’s like the smell of the sun.”
OO: “U-um…-.”
I reflexively froze as he sniffed near my neck.
Nayuta: “You have my thanks. I’ll show you around my country, so come with me.”
Not even waiting for my response, Nayuta casually strolled to the exit.
The distinctive scent of the onsen drifted on the air, and for some reason my chest grew warm.
(He’s such a mysterious person…)
Possibly because his tails seemed to twitch in delight, Nayuta made me think of a carefree cat…-.
…
……
Nayuta and I finally arrived in the village.
Nayuta: “Here.”
Without any preamble, he held out his hand…-.
I took the hand he offered, and Nayuta’s eyes softened as he looked at me.
Nayuta: “Your hand is warm.”
I didn’t know what I should do, so I stood there without taking his hand and…
Nayuta: “Come on, you don’t want me to leave you behind, right?”
He tightly gripped my hand.
My heart jumped unexpectedly.
Nayuta: “Aah, the sun really is the best. Makes me want to take a nap. Even though I just slept a bunch.”
Looking up, Nayuta stretched himself towards the sun as if it felt good.
(He really is like a cat.)
Nayuta: “What’s up?”
OO: “…! Oh, nothing.”
Nayuta: “But you were smiling?”
As he said it, I quickly straightened out my expression.
OO: “This really is a wonderful town.”
Nayuta: “That’s because it’s the phantom onsen village. Not just anyone can come here.”
I tilted my head, and Nayuta explained after clearing his throat.
Nayuta: “There’s an entry verification check. I review things so that only the people who really need to come here can get in. Plus, there aren’t many onsen that can cure illnesses. For generations, the Nekomata Family has managed and protected this place.”
(Nekomata… two-tailed cat creatures…)
Nayuta was nonchalant as I watched his long tails sway back and forth.
OO: “Ah… so that’s why you have two tails.”
Nayuta: “Haha. So that’s what was on your mind.”
OO: “Eh?”
Nayuta: “Aren’t my ears normal? Or maybe, why just the tails? Or, do I have a cat form? Or any other number of questions. You really are an interesting person.”
His tails swished as if he were enjoying himself.
OO: “Then, does that mean… you have a cat form too Nayuta?”
Nayuta: “Hmm? It’d be embarrassing for you to see my cat form. It’s the power of the nekomata that I even have a human form! Or something. But since it’s useful, I leave my tails intact!”
OO: “Ah, then when I had to wear the blindfold…”
Nayuta nodded awkwardly.
Nayuta: “…I can’t let guests see my cat form.”
At that moment, I felt something tickle my knee.
OO: “…!”
Nayuta’s tails were brushing my knee, and I jumped…
Nayuta: “Haha, so cute~.”
That teasing smile made its way all the way to my heart.
As that pleasant sensation spread, I felt my cheeks heat up.
Ch. 3: Lovesick
The faint scent of sulfur tickled my nose…-.
My cheeks heated up as Nayuta brushed my leg with his tails.
Nayuta: “Oh, are you angry?”
He looked at me with concern…
OO: “I was… just a little surprised.”
Nayuta: “Sorry! I just went and did what I always do.”
(Always…?)
OO: “No, it’s alright.”
Nayuta: “But you’re bright red? Though I do like how that reaction of yours is more honest than the others.”
(…others? Does he mean the servants?)
Nayuta’s shout erased those doubts from my mind.
Nayuta: “Let’s go! I have a lot of onsen to show you!”
…
……
After that, we arrived at a place a short distance from the town.
The rushing sound of water grew louder as we came to a small river running through the forest.
Nayuta: “That’s an onsen too.”
OO: “What…!? I thought it was a river.”
As if satisfied with my reaction, Nayuta excitedly went on to explain.
Nayuta: “There are thousands of springs flowing in Kaiten, or so it’s said. Which means there are lots of different onsen. That one right there can help you recover from an illness! Or at least that’s what it’s famous for.”
OO: “Does it work on anything?”
Nayuta: “That’s right. …or at least that’s what I’d like to say. There are some things that can’t be cured. That fact wears me down a little more each time.”
Even though Nayuta was smiling, I felt a pain in my chest as I watched him in profile.
Nayuta: “But, you know… I have to accept that kind of thing too. Since I’m the prince.”
OO: “Nayuta…”
Nayuta slowly turned to look at me.
There was a cold light shining in his eyes.
Nayuta: “There are many people who need the onsen in this country. I properly manage and protect this place, so that even a few of those people can leave feeling better.”
(So, he can make an expression like that too…)
My heart throbbed in my chest at suddenly seeing him looking serious.
Then he was grinning at me again…
Nayuta: “Now then. Let’s head to the next.”
In a completely casual and natural way, he took my hand in his, and it was warm.
Nayuta: “I’ll show you an onsen you’re definitely going to like!”
OO: “…alright.”
As his expressions kept cycling and changing, I couldn’t take my eyes off him…-.
…
……
The next thing we came to was a natural enclosed open-air bath.
Nayuta: “There! We made it.”
The bath was wrapped in steam, giving everything a hazy, white look.
Slowly, I tested the water with my hand and…
OO: “…that feels nice.”
It felt amazing as the mellow warmth of the water touched my fingertips.
Nayuta: “You like it?”
OO: “Yes! Very much.”
As the warmth spread through my fingers, I found myself feeling completely refreshed.
Nayuta: “This onsen works on love sickness.”
OO: “…love?”
Nayuta: “Yeah, that’s right. It’s the most popular one with the girls.”
(Then he means…-.)
Those words threw my heart into disarray.
Glancing beside me, I saw the light from above pouring over Nayuta.
Within that light, Nayuta slowly started to smile…
Nayuta: “Want to get in together?”
OO: “What!?”
Nayuta: “Is that a no?”
Nayuta asked his question as if it wasn’t a big deal.
Somehow, Nayuta’s smile seemed even more charming amidst the white haze of the onsen…
OO: “I-I’m sorry, but asking that all of a sudden…-.”
Nayuta: “Juuust kidding. It was a joke.”
With a carefree smile, I saw that indeed his tales were swaying in delight.
(A joke…)
OO: “……”
I had no idea how to respond to that, so I sat there in silence.
Nayuta: “Do you really dislike the idea that much? I was just joking though.”
His smile seemed like it held a tinge of regret and his tails drooped.
Nayuta: “Sorry, your reactions are just so refreshing that I just… Come on, I’ll show you the next one.”
Nayuta, who had been crouched next to me, stood up and walked off.
(A joke… …what is this feeling?)
A strange and hazy feeling pressed down on my heart as I followed after Nayuta…-.
…
……
After that, Nayuta showed me to a variety of different onsen.
Nayuta: “Which ones did you like?”
OO: “Let’s see…”
Suddenly, the onsen that could cure love sickness came to my mind.
(I wonder if it’s actually effective?)
Without thinking, I glanced at Nayuta who was walking beside me.
(What am I thinking…)
I quickly looked away and…-.
Nayuta: “OO, were you interested in the lovesick onsen?”
OO: “What…!?”
I panicked as he hit the nail on the head.
Nayuta: “Did I guess right? Women like it after all. Not just the customers, but all the people who work here too.”
(Everyone…)
The way he said it made my heart ache for some reason.
Nayuta: “…OO? Your face is red?”
He gently stroked my cheek with his fingers, and that simple gesture made my heart ache even more.
(…what is this?)
I didn’t know what to do with the sweet feelings blooming in my heart.
Ch. 4: The One I Like
Our shadows stretched out across the cobblestone path…-.
Nayuta: “…OO?”
As he looked into my face, I frantically searched for something to say.
OO: “Ah… how is it effective on lovesickness?”
Suddenly, Nayuta’s expression stiffened…
Nayuta: “…you want to know?”
(Eh…?)
Not answering my question, Nayuta strolled away.
(Nayuta?)
I hurriedly caught up to him, but he didn’t look back at me…
Nayuta: “That’s something to discuss over a nice, quality meal.”
Saying as much, he walked towards the public bathhouse.
(…when I think he’ll smile, he looks serious. When I think he wants to get closer, he casually walks away.)
The carefree Nayuta had completely stolen my heart…-.
…
……
The two of us walked as the townscape was dyed red.
Nayuta: “About earlier…”
(Does he mean the lovesickness onsen?)
The second it had come up, Nayuta’s expression turned serious.
(I wonder what’s going on…)
Nayuta: “That onsen has a temperature and ingredients that are good for your skin, so it was originally one that could improve your complexion… When you’re beautiful, you feel more confident and your love life will work out, so that’s why I say it’s good for lovesickness.”
OO: “Ah… so that’s what it is.”
(So it’s not for directly granting someone’s wish for love and marriage. It’s for becoming beautiful and gaining confidence so love will work out…)
OO: “I see now…”
Those words leaked out as I understood and…
Nayuta: “Oh?”
Nayuta looked surprised.
Nayuta: “You’re not disappointed?”
OO: “? No…-?”
Nayuta: “Heh.”
Running his hand over his face, Nayuta looked at me with great interest…
Nayuta: “That’s a fresh reaction too. Usually people are just disappointed.”
OO: “What do you mean…?”
Nayuta: “The majority of the people think that if they get in that onsen, their love will come true.”
(Though it’s true that’s what I thought at first too.)
OO: “…it’s true that I think lovesickness is something that makes you want to do something about yourself. I think it’s wonderful that there’s an onsen that can support that kind of thing.”
Nayuta: “……”
Nayuta looked at me kindly as he heard my opinion.
OO: “Um…-.”
Nayuta: “Is there someone you like OO?”
My heart sped up at his sudden question.
(…someone I like.)
I looked to Nayuta, who stood right in front of me.
And his beauty as the setting sun fell over his face took my breath away.
OO: “…no.”
I only just managed to get that answer out.
Nayuta: “Aw, really? I thought there was. How about me then?”
OO: “Eh…”
My heart thudded loudly in my chest.
OO: “Are you… teasing me again?”
I resolved myself and asked that question, and Nayuta suddenly looked serious…
Nayuta: “What do you think?”
Watching me, he smiled suggestively.
OO: “……”
(Why would he say that all of a sudden?)
Nayuta: “I’d be pretty fun, wouldn’t I?”
My heart fluttered as I watched him smile brightly.
I had no idea if he was joking or being serious, and I couldn’t get any words out.
Nayuta: “Is it because we’ve just met? But that doesn’t mean much in this sort of thing, right?”
Nayuta quickly closed the distance between us.
Nayuta: “……”
His face was close, only a hairs breadth away…
OO: “……”
As soon as I tightly shut my eyes, I felt Nayuta move away.
Nayuta: “Come on, let’s go get some dinner.”
In the next instant, Nayuta was already half a step away from me.
(He was… joking again. Nayuta keeps throwing me off like this…)
And yet no matter what, I couldn’t dislike him.
The feelings blossoming in my heart only grew.
Ch. 5: A Sign of Parting
As the moon hung in the night sky…-.
Nayuta escorted me to my room.
OO: “I had a lot of fun today…”
Nayuta: “Me too.”
My heart ached all over again at the innocent smile Nayuta gave me.
(I… I really…)
I turned away from that smile, and instead saw his tails swaying back and forth.
Nayuta: “Hm?”
OO: “Ah, um…”
OO: “I was just thinking that you really have such lovely tails.”
Nayuta: “Oh, you really think so?”
OO: “Yes.”
Nayuta: “I don’t think people really understand, but they’re super useful.”
OO: “I was just wishing I had tails too…”
Nayuta: “If you did, what would they be doing now?”
OO: “I think they’d be vibrating just like yours are now.”
Nayuta: “Well that’s great!”
Nayuta’s two tails started to tremble in delight.
Nayuta: “Well, see you tomorrow. I hope you’ll tell me more then.”
As he said that, his tails glided around my arm.
OO: “…!”
Nayuta simply smiled as if it weren’t a big deal when I reacted with surprise at the sudden gesture.
Nayuta: “Well, good night.”
I simply spaced out, watching him leave.
(What… what was that just now?)
A sweet tingling sensation was left where his soft tails had touched me, and it spread to my heart…-.
…
……
Crawling into the futon, I closed my eyes, but all I could think about was Nayuta.
(What should I do? I can’t sleep.)
Even with my eyes closed, my mind was filled with all of his different expressions…
(And we only spent one day together.)
————————–
Nayuta: “Is it because we’ve just met? But that doesn’t mean much in this sort of thing, right?”
————————–
(How did I get so taken with him…)
I spent a sleepless night, thinking of him…-.
…
……
The light coming through the window lit up the room…-.
As I opened my heavy eyelids, I saw it was completely bright outside.
(…I managed to fall asleep at some point.)
I got up, stifling a yawn, and something fluttered down around me.
(What’s this?)
As I picked it up, I saw it was a note from Nayuta…
‘You were sleeping so peacefully that I couldn’t wake you up. Once you’re awake, come find me.’
(Nayuta came into the room…!?)
Nayuta’s easygoing smile crossed my mind.
(He saw me… when I was sleeping.)
In an instant, I was filled with embarrassment.
I hurriedly started to get ready to leave, as if hoping that would shake off the feeling…-.
…
……
After I was done getting ready, I hurriedly went to where Nayuta would be…
??: “Really, thank you so much.”
An elderly woman with a bent back was crying and holding someone’s hand.
(Is that… Nayuta?)
The man with his back to me did indeed appear to be Nayuta.
Nayuta: “I’m so glad you can walk again. Careful on your way home!”
The elderly woman bowed her head again and again as she left.
Nayuta waved until he couldn’t see her anymore.
(Nayuta really is a kind person.)
I found myself staring at him, and when he turned, our eyes met.
Nayuta: “Ah, morning!”
OO: “Good morning. Did that woman come here to use an onsen?”
Nayuta: “Yeah.”
Nayuta turned to look back the way the woman had gone.
Nayuta: “Getting to see people off like that after they’ve gotten better is what it’s all about. It makes me a little sad, but happy.”
His expression then, just as his words suggested, seemed full of joy and but also pain…
OO: “Nayuta…”
Nayuta: “That’s why I have to make lots of memories with you, OO.”
(Eh…?)
Nayuta: “So that I can properly remember everything after we’ve parted. Since I can’t leave this country.”
Nayuta’s words went straight to my heart.
(The people that visit here… will always leave at some point.)
A slightly cool wind made his hair flutter and made him seem a little lonely.
(Even me…)
Nayuta: “And now, where would you like to go today?”
Without realizing it, Nayuta’s tails were suddenly drifting across my arm.