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Ch. 4: Dark Intentions

Finishing up the tour of the castle, we were on our way back to Lady Kazuki's room as the setting sun streamed in through the window.

Kazuki: "Lord Byakuyo…thank you very much."

 

Lady Kazuki gave a polite bow of her head and went into her room.

 

Byakuyo let out a sigh and turned to look at me.

 

Byakuyo: "Thanks for that."

 

OO: "It's fine…"

 

Byakuyo: "What is it? You sound so dejected. That's not like you at all."

 

He chuckled and spoke cheerfully.

 

While the three of us had gone around the castle, Byakuyo had shown that same concern for me a few times.

 

However each time, I noticed Lady Kazuki's arms tightening around herself as if she were in pain.

 

This really is a terrible thing to do to Lady Kazuki.

 

[CHOICE]

  • Say something (SUN)

  • Say nothing (MOON)

 

Byakuyo: "I let you push yourself too hard didn't I… Go rest up."

 

His voice was calm and gentle.

 

OO: "…"

 

I couldn't bring myself to say anything as he smiled at me so kindly, then Byakuyo quietly headed for his room.

 

The lingering scent of plums hung in the air, and for some reason I got a lump in my throat.

 

And with that my duty is finished…but…why do I now feel so lonely?

 

At that time…-.

 

Kazuki: "Excuse me…Lady OO."

 

A delicate voice called out to me from outside the room, as if waiting for Byakuyo to have left.

 

OO: "Lady Kazuki!? Is something the matter?"

 

Kazuki: "If it's not too much trouble, would you join me for a walk in the garden?"

 

The way she spoke was so refined and modest.

 

OO: "With me?"

 

Kazuki: "Yes. Lord Byakuyo's lover…is someone I feel is very important."

 

OO: "Lady Kazuki…"

 

I could not refuse her request.

 

OO: "Yes, I'll come with you."

 

Lady Kazuki and I headed for the garden.

 

As we stepped out into it, the moonlight faintly outlined our shadows.

 

Kazuki: "I am envious of you. Lord Byakuyo thinks so much of you."

 

Those words pricked my heart.

 

Kazuki: "I…"

 

Lady Kazuki's voice wavered, and a tear ran down her cheek.

 

OO: "Lady Kazuki…"

 

Kazuki: "Please forgive me, but I just can bear it no longer."

 

The tears fell from her eyes one after the other, and they sparkled like precious jewels.

 

Kazuki: "Even though I'm so unfit for Lord Byakuyo…"

 

Lady Kazuki covered her face with her hands, and the pain in my heart wouldn't go away.

 

I can't keep quiet about this anymore.

 

OO: "Lady Kazuki, actually…-"

 

As I held my hand out to Lady Kazuki…-.

 

OO: "Eh…?"

 

All around us were men brandishing swords, surrounding us.

 

Kazuki: "You are in the way."

 

A dark, cold voice rang out right beside me.

 

OO: "Lady Kazuki!?"

 

She removed her hand from her face, and she glared at me with eyes now seething with rage.

 

Kazuki: "Now disappear for me."

 

In the same instant Lady Kazuki quietly spoke those words…-.

 

The men surrounding us aimed their swords at me in unison.

OO: "Byakuyo, I really…"

I was unable to finish what I was going to say, and Byakuyo put his hand to my forehead with a look of anxiety.

Byakuyo: "You alright? Do you feel sick?"

OO: "I'm alright."

 

I said as much, and Byakuyo gently hugged my shoulder.

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