Ch. 4: Luke's Challenge

And so I continued with Luke’s strange practice…

Luke: “OO, thank you very much.”

He bowed low to me.

OO: “W-was that enough?”

Luke: “To be honest, I don’t know…however I think I should go to Avi and Medi and put my practice to the test. What will you do?”

OO: “Ah…I think I’ll keep walking in the forest for a little while.”

Luke: “Very well. Then let us meet again.”

Luke gave a small smile and started to walk back to Alstoria’s castle.

(I wonder if he’ll be alright. It’d be good if he can get through this.)

While thinking of Luke, I dozed off under the warm rays of the sun…

……

Luke: “OO.”

I slowly opened my eyes and saw Luke’s gentle eyes.

OO: “Luke…Ah, how did it go!?”

Luke shook his head.

Luke: “…it wasn’t really any different than usual. Actually, I think I worried Avi.”

OO: “I-I see.”

(What on earth did he say?)

Although I was curious about the kind of conversation he’d had, I couldn’t bring myself to ask.

Ch. 5: Luke's Determination

Before I knew it, the sky started to turn red.

Luke: “I’m very sorry for asking you to do something so strange.”

OO: “No, it’s alright.”

Luke: “As I thought…as a prince, my abilities are not sufficient.”

Luke smiled sadly.

OO: “Luke?”

Luke: “…I’m travelling in search of confidence. My father is strict…and for as long as I can remember I’ve been stifled, always compared to my father. I ran away from there…and if I can find my own self confidence, then I will return to my country.”

OO: “…so that’s why.”

Luke: “But no matter how long I’ve been away, I’m unable to return. I’m such a pitiful person.”

Luke pulled down the brim of his hat to hide his face.

OO: “You’re not…”

Luke: “It’s alright. I’m thankful that someone like me is able to accompany the Princess of Träumere…”

OO: “Luke…that’s not true.”

I looked him straight in the eye.

OO: “If…I hadn’t met you when I came to this world, I’m sure it would have been a lot worse. Avi and Medi and you…You’re all very important to me. So please don’t say such things about yourself.”

Luke: “OO…”

And then…

As I argued vehemently, Luke gently took my hand.

Luke: “Thank you. I’m also very glad to have met you. I’m sure that if I can protect you, I’ll be able to have confidence in myself, so I’d like to do so.”

Luke lowered his eyes and his face looked troubled.

OO: “You’ve already been protecting me.”

I gave him a smile and noticed Luke’s face turn red.  

Luke: “Well then, let’s return before it gets dark. Avi and the others will worry.”

Illuminated in the evening sun, our hands came together and we walked back to the castle.

END