Ch. 1: Lurking Poison
Kingdom of Avetel in the Land of Poison, Month of Calm…-
I headed to Apis’ castle, walking down a road crowded with a wide variety of beautiful flowers.
It smells nice…
A gentle breeze carried the scent, tickling my nose.
Then, the wind suddenly picked up and the flower petals flew up as one into the sky.
Is someone there?
Among the multitude of flower petals, there stood a man with golden hair tossed about by the wind.
Apis: "I’ve been waiting for you, Princess."
OO: "Apis! You came to get me?"
Apis: "Of course, as you travelled so far."
He bowed gracefully, and he spoke beautifully.
Apis: "The castle is just over there. Shall we?"
Apis was captivating, speaking and behaving like a perfect prince.
Apis: "Our kingdom has many beautiful flowers in bloom, but there are also many insects. Some of them are poisonous, so please do be careful."
At that time, a single bee approached Apis.
Oh no!
OO: "Apis…"
Telling him, I reflexively reached out my hand to take his arm and…
Apis: "…!"
Apis vigorously shook off my hand.
Apis: "Don’t touch me…!"
What…
For just an instant, I saw his manner change…
Apis: "…pardon me. It’s alright, this bee isn’t poisonous."
He again gave a refined smile.
What was that just now…?
Apis: "Now, let us be off."
Then Apis again began to walk down the flower path.
Still a little confused, I chased after him.