The setting sun shone through the windows, dying the room red…-.
Edmond had finished his inspection of Sinsea in the Land of
Splendor, and at an invitation from Million, headed for a room in the castle.
Edmond: “Thank you for showing me around today. Sinsea is
truly a land of abundance. And the people were smiling so much. They seemed
truly happy.”
Million: “I’m just thankful I could be of use to you, Prince
Edmond.”
A cat, clearly loved, coiled itself around Million as he
stroked it, and he smiled down at it.
Edmond: “You do live up to your reputation Prince Million.
You’re truly amazing. It’s quite impressive how you’ve come this far in putting
the country back together after such a painful past. It’s no minor achievement.
…I truly respect you.”
Edmond’s expression clouded slightly even as he spoke those words
of praise.
Million: “Before, I had the honor of hearing a little story.
About Prince Edmond of Darjeelburg and how he had been entrusted… with the town
slums.”
Edmond: “So you remember. That’s right. I’ve started to make
some improvements, little by little. But… I know things don’t happen overnight.
As soon as we overcome one obstacle, we’re met with another. I wanted to make
good use of this inspection to help me move forward, even if it was just a
little, but…-”
Million: “…if it’s something you’ve decided on in your
heart, you have no choice but to move forward.”
Edmond: “Eh?”
Edmond looked up. Though he was smiling, the atmosphere
around Million seemed to have changed at some point, and their eyes met…
Million: “There’s no straightforward method. Not to building
a country or restoring a slum town. …but if we truly want to change something,
no matter how rough the road is, there’s no other option but to keep moving
forward. Prince Edmond, you’ve already started down the road towards rebuilding.
Aim for the future you want to see and don’t stop walking… and the results will
come in due time.”
Edmond caught a glimpse of unwavering determination in
Million’s eyes.
Edmond: “You…-.”
Edmond looked down, as if thinking something over, and he
stopped whatever he was going to say.
Edmond: “…haha, thank you. I truly am glad I came to Sinsea.”
Million: “…no, I’ve probably said too much.”
Edmond: “Not at all. I’d actually be happy if the two of us
could be friends, Prince Million.”
Million: “…yes, I’d like that.”
As Million replied, the cat with white fur rubbed up against
his palm.
Million: “Good kitty.”
Million scratched its chin, and the cat purred in
satisfaction.
It squinted its eyes affectionately at the two, as if seeing
a not-too-distant future when they would meet again.
Time continued to pass in silence.
Edmond and Million were certain of the paths they had chosen
to follow, and their respective futures linked together.
END