Ch. 6: Bewitched by an Unpainted Face (MOON)
Clown: "I’m glad you were my 100th…farewell."
I had kept Clown’s beautiful smile close to my heart after he’d left.
I want to see him again…
One afternoon…
Messenger from Carnical: "You’re OO, Princess of Traumere, yes? Clown, Prince of Carnival, has requested that I accompany you. But before that, please come this way."
OO: "Clown…!?"
The messenger handed me a letter, and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I read it.
The letter was a written invitation to the castle from Clown.
I can see him again…!
My heartbeat sped up.
At that, I started to become aware of a certain feeling…
A few days later…
Accompanied by the messenger, I arrived at the castle where Clown was waiting.
More time passed than I realized and it’s already night but…
I was led into a room where I waited quietly for Clown.
It’s been a while, so I’m kind of nervous…
I was trying to firmly reign in the beating of my heart and the crushing pain in my chest when I heard the sound of a door opening.
Clown: "I’m glad you could make it OO!"
OO: "Clown…"
I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.
It was…
This is…Clown’s true face…
The man standing before me bowed respectively, and his face that had been painted like a clown was free of any makeup.
He was gallant, and his expression was kind.
His entire appearance was the perfect image of a prince.
Clown: "Ever since I left, I haven’t been able to forget about you…I wanted to see you again…"
OO: "Me too…Clown, your real face is quite wonderful."
Clown: "Haha, even I’ll get embarrassed if a beautiful princess like you says that."
Without prompting, Clown smiled kindly and held out his hand.
Clown: "I plan on being a prince from now on. One who lives for bringing smiles to the people. If possible, I’d like you to stay by my side and smile with me. Because your smile is the best in the whole world…"
OO: "Clown…"
Clown: "Won’t you please take my hand?"
His hand was held out directly in front of me.
His smile was so kind and gently.
I always…wanted to see him again…
OO: "…of course I will."
I took his hand, and Clown smiled, brimming with joy.
Clown: "Thank you! As long as your smile is beside me, I can smile no matter what."
OO: "Ah…"
In the next moment, Clown pulled me into an embrace.
I was enveloped in the embrace as he held me tightly.
He smells nice…but it’s different from the smell of makeup before.
My heart was beating fast as I looked into his eyes.
Clown: "I had no idea… not just your smile, but also your eyes are so beautiful. They’re so clear, it’s as if I’m being drawn in."
At his words, my cheeks flushed.
OO: "Y-you’re exaggerating…"
Clown: "Haha, your smile is wonderful, but that embarrassed look is adorable. It’s so profound, I can’t help falling in love with you."
OO: "Clown…"
Clown: "And now OO, allow me to escort you to the best place in my country for observing the beauty of the moon."
OO: "I look forward to it…!"
Caught up in Clown’s arms, I was taken out to the spire of the castle.
The stars twinkled above, and I was sure the night sky was studded with jewels.
Thinking that, my heart danced in anticipation just as it had the first time we’d met.