Ch. 6: When You're Not Here (MOON)
The situation having come to light, Lady Kazuki left the country.
Byakuyo: "That woman…just as I'd thought, she had an ulterior motive, and it gets worse. I mean, there were poisonous snakes in the garden, and a bunch of armed men were loitering around…there were just too many suspicious things going on."
OO: "P-poisonous snake!?"
Byakuyo: "That's right! Just thinking about it makes me feel sick!"
I stared at Byakuyo as he shuddered…-.
Then he suddenly turned a smile to me, tinged with distress.
Byakuyo: "I'm in your debt."
OO: "No, that's ok."
Byakuyo: "I had no idea something this awful would happen, and I made you go through something scary. I'm sorry…"
Byakuyo lowered his head in apology, his voice different from his usual cheerful self.
OO: "No, really, I'm alright. You protected me Byakuyo! And I'm glad I was able to help you."
Byakuyo: "You…"
But with this my job really is finished.
That thought grated on my heart.
Byakuyo: "But you need to be more careful with that good-hearted nature of yours."
OO: "Eh?"
Byakuyo: "You pitied her and went into the garden right? All not knowing what her intentions really were. That was dangerous. Though I suppose that's another of your good points too."
OO: "I-I'll be careful from now on."
Byakuyo: "Good, you do that. Though it's different if I'm always there to protect you."
OO: "Eh…?"
Byakuyo: "Fufu, oh, nothing."
Seeing Byakuyo's cheerful smile warmed my heart.
However…
Like I thought, it doesn't change how lonely I feel.
That feeling tightly gripped my chest.
The next day, still feeling that regret, I took out my luggage.
It wasn't really for very long, but I feel like I've been here forever. How strange…
I tried to shake off the feeling, but each time Byakuyo's smile popped into my head.
At that time…-.
Byakuyo: "Hold it right there."
I heard the sound of hoof beats, and a voice called out for me to stop.
OO: "Byakuyo!"
Byakuyo: "As thanks, I'm taking you to my favorite spot. Get on!"
I firmly gripped his strong, outstretched hand, and he pulled me up onto the horse with his arms around me like an embrace.
Byakuyo went a little ways up the country's largest mountain, then the horse came to a stop.
Byakuyo: "The view you can see from this point on Koubai Mountain is my favorite."
We dismounted from the horse and looked out at the scenery together.
OO: "It's very pretty here."
Byakuyo: "Look, you can even see the entire castle."
OO: "You're right, it looks so small."
A gentle breeze blew.
Byakuyo: "I'm sorry I asked you to do a lot of weird things, put you in danger, and dragged you along. But I had a lot of fun when I was with you."
At his words, an assured happiness filled my heart.
OO: "Me too Byakuyo. Like when you helped me with my make-up and put me in the kimono. There was that situation that had me scared. But I really enjoyed…being your fiancée."
Byakuyo: "…"
But it's time to part ways.
I only thought it, yet it pained me to do so.
It's not like we won't see each other again but…
I was wrapped up in my thoughts when…-.
Suddenly, Byakuyo took my hand in his graceful one.
I noticed his hand was significantly larger than mine.
Byakuyo: "What's with that face?"
OO: "Byakuyo…?"
The light poured down on the hillside, making Byakuyo's hair flash with light.
Byakuyo: "It's no good if you don't smile! You'll spoil your cute face! Come one, smile. Show me that smile that I love so much."
As he said it, I forced a smile, but Byakuyo knit his eyebrows together in an expression of worry.
Byakuyo: "That's a weird face…geez, you can't do anything without me I see. You really are cute though. I won't be handing you over to any other guys."
Byakuyo's nice fragrance was lightly carried on the wind.
Byakuyo: "You don't have to leave. Do what you want."
OO: "What I want?"
Byakuyo: "Yes, what is it you want?"
OO: "I…want to be with you."
It suddenly spilled from my mouth, and Byakuyo smiled as if satisfied then tightly squeezed my hand.
Byakuyo: "I warmly welcome you OO. Maybe this time as a real fiancée candidate."
OO: "Eh?"
Byakuyo smiled mischievously, and caressed my cheek with his free hand.
Byakuyo: "You're so cute. But from here on out you'll become more beautiful. After all, you'll be next to me."
OO: "…right!"
He pulled on my hand, and we walked over the hillside.
In the gentle breeze, Byakuyo's hair fluttered as he walked slightly in front of me.
I wanted to go on looking at that figure before me, beautiful beyond compare, forever.
END