Beneath a perfectly clear sky, the garden smelled of
grass…-.
In the Soga Country, the Plum Calling Ceremony was to be
held, and princes Apollo, Juri, and Byakuyo looked fondly up at the trees of
blossoming plum flowers.
Apollo: “These buds are fairly charming.”
Byakuyo: “I bet they’re beautiful once they’re in full
bloom.”
Azuma: “Indeed. I’ll invite you again when the time comes.
It will truly be a splendid sight.”
Juri: “Hey, how do you play this?”
Near the garden was set some kind of game, and Juri picked
up one of the pieces.
Azuma: “That’s called a racket, and it’s used to toss back
and forth the birdie, that ball there with feathers on it.”
Juri: “Ah, okay, that sounds mega fun!”
Juri flourished the racket and turned a carefree smile
towards Apollo.
Juri: “Alright Apollo! You and me, let’s go!”
Apollo: “No. Why would I partner with you…?”
Juri: “Right on, I’m starting!”
Apollo: “Hey! I didn’t say…”
Azuma: “In that case, we’ll be your opponents. Byakuyo and
myself will form a pair.”
Byakuyo: “Just leave it to me. I’m actually pretty confident
in my skills at this kind of game.”
Apollo: “…if it’s a contest, I won’t lose.”
Byakuyo: “Oh my. Then let’s settle the matter shall we?”
Apollo: “Exactly what I was thinking.”
Juri: “Hey you two, this is supposed to be a game.”
Apollo: “You can call it a game, but I still won’t lose. It
is unforgivable for a Prince of Flaerouge to lose. Juri, cover me.”
Readying his racket, Apollo turned his piercing gaze to
Byakuyo and Azuma.
Azuma: “There aren’t any particular rules to this game. Just
hit the birdie back and forth, and whoever drops it is the loser.”
Juri: “Piece of cake! I’m raring to go!”
Apollo: “Enough chatter Juri. We can’t show any weakness.”
Byakuyo: “I’ll start with the serve, alright? Here I go!”
Though it was the
first serve, Byakuyo spiked the birdie hard.
Juri swung and missed, the birdie hitting the ground.
Juri: “Whoops…! Dang, they got us.”
Apollo: “…”
Azuma: “Byakuyo, the first serve should be one that your
opponent can return.”
Byakuyo: “Oh? Didn’t you say there were no rules?”
Azuma: “The one rule would be that everyone has to have a
good time playing.”
Apollo picked up the birdie and turned his eyes on Juri. In
the next instant…
His body shook.
Juri: “Hey now! Is that the look you should give a
teammate!?”
Apollo: “It is because of your disappointing miss. I call
for a time-out. First, we need to discuss strategy in private…”
Juri: “You’re fighting spirit is a little much…”
Byakuyo: “Then shall we also have a strategy meeting?”
Azuma: “I don’t really have a preference though.”
…
……
At the resumption of the shuttlecock showdown, Apollo and
Byakuyo began their offense in the front while Juri and Azuma covered the back.
During the fierce battle, a crowd of people formed around
the four without them realizing.
Byakuyo: “We’re at a draw… but the match is far from over!”
Apollo: “Juri, brace yourself. He’s going to spike it.”
Juri: “Roger!”
Apollo smiled very slightly at Juri’s cheerful response.
In the garden of the castle, the lively voices of the princes
echoed endlessly.
END