Ch. 4: A Peaceful Smile
The twilight colors deepened in the courtyard as Al and I walked towards the castle.
After a little while, Al suddenly stopped walking.
OO: “Al?”
Aldebaran: “Hmmm. I wonder if the butler actually asked about what we talked about.”
Ever smiling, Al’s voice had a tinge of concern to it.
OO: “…what do you mean?”
Aldebaran: “The talk of the party earlier. I tried to explain it as best I could, but I wonder if my seriousness didn’t actually get through…”
OO: “…”
I mulled over Al’s behavior since we met, and how his face was always lit up with a smile.
Al really does take everything on with a smile….
OO: “Al, since you’re always smiling…”
Aldebaran: “Ah, you think so too? I’ve always been told I look calm and relaxed. I wonder if it’d be better if I made a more….sca~ry face?”
But that’s one of the things that’s so great about him…
Wanting to tell him the feelings in my heart, I opened my mouth.
OO: “I think the people who should understand your feelings do understand completely…That’s why…I think you’re fine the way you are.”
Aldebaran: “OO…hearing you say that makes me really happy.”
Al smiled at me with a kindness I had never seen before, and that expression caused my heart to race.
The hazy moon started to show its face, shining on his eyes as they looked at me with a gentle light.
Ch. 5: Al's Smile
Going back to the castle with Al, we were greeted by the butler.
Butler: “Welcome back my lord. Dinner is ready.”
Aldebaran: “Thanks.”
Al took a deep breath and opened his mouth.
(…Al?)
Aldebaran: “Hey, you know, about the party we talked about earlier. I really want to do it!”
Watching as Al began to speak with that innocent smile on his face, the butler lowered his brow in bewilderment.
Butler: “Lord Aldebaran, you’re still bringing that up…?”
Aldebaran: “I’m sure it’ll make Grandmother happy. She’s the kind of person who loves when things are lively!”
Seeing the butler looking so baffled, Aldebaran threw him a smile as bright as the sun.
Butler: “…”
A short silence passed before the corners of the butler’s mouth slackened.
(Well…?)
Butler: “…this takes me back.”
Aldebaran: “Eh…?”
Butler: “After working in the fields…myself and some others would keep Her Highness company…no, she would spend time with us, and let us take our meals with her. Sometimes we would drink after our work, and she would smile so brightly. Her laughter would fill the air…and it really was such a lively castle.”
Aldebaran: “…yeah, it really was.”
Butler: “Seeing you smile like that my lord, it makes me remember those times.”
Aldebaran: “I think Grandmother would also be happier if the castle was lively again.”
Al smiled, a kind and gentle smile.
Butler: “…very well. I shall start with the preparations now, and let us have a magnificent party.”
Aldebaran: “…thanks!”
Al’s smile lit up his whole face, and the butler smiled as well before leaving quickly.
OO: “I’m so glad that worked out Al.”
As Al’s face was full of delight, I watched the butler as he left.
Aldebaran: “Thanks OO!! Looks like I was actually able to get my feelings across.”
OO: “…yeah! Al, your smile really is wonderful.”
Fixated on Al’s smile, I grinned in return and…-
Aldebaran: “…”
Al turned his gentle gaze to me.
Aldebaran: “It’s all thanks to you!”
(Huh…?)
Al’s face came close, and he kissed me on the cheek.
OO: “…A-Al!?”
Aldebaran: “Did that properly get my thanks across?”
I felt my face flush as he smiled innocently.
The moonlight coming through the hallway window shone kindly on the two of us.
END