Ch. 4: Coral Serum
The next day, I was invited to see the coral reef with Corail and we left the castle together.
OO: “Wow…it’s beautiful.”
Corail: “Yup!”
The coral reef spread across the entire sea floor, and the light above filtered down to bathe it in such a way that made it all seem like something from a fairy tale.
It really is amazing…
[CHOICE]
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Let out a breath (SUN)
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Reach out (MOON)
As we spoke, a deep, loud voice called out from behind and startled us.
??: “Well well, if it isn’t Lord Corail!”
Turning to look, there stood a middle-aged man behind us.
Corail: “…hello. Have we met before?”
Man: “Oh no, this is the first time.”
The man spoke with a snide smile, rubbing his hands together.
Man: “My apologies, but I’m developing a beautification serum for coral. I was just wondering how this remarkable coral reef was doing.”
As the man spoke, Corail’s clear eyes grew wide in delight.
Corail: “That’s great!”
I-is it…?
I didn’t know why, but I felt uneasy. I tried to hide my discomfort, but the man paid no attention to me as he continued talking.
Man: “I can explain it to you, if you’d like.”
Corail: “Yes! I’d really like that!”
Standing before the coral reef, the man began to explain about the serum.
The man took out two photographs and held them up for comparison.
Man: “This is the coral before it’s been given the serum. And this one is after it’s been used.”
OO: “…they do look completely different.”
What I was looking at was an image of plain colored coral that had been changed to a vibrant color.
Man: “If you use this serum, more people will come to see the coral!”
Corail: “Yeah yeah, that’s some great stuff!”
Corail was smiling and open as he spoke, but then his expression turned serious.
Corail: “I…want to protect this beautiful coral. And I want more people to know how wonderful it is.”
Corail…
Corail spoke with conviction and nodded…
Man: “Very well then…”
The man’s smile grew and held an undefinable boldness.
The beauty took my breath away.
Corail: “Do you like it?”
OO: “Yes, very much.”
Corail: “Good…I’m glad I brought you.”
At the beauty, I found myself reflexively reaching out to touch the coral.
Corail: “Wait.”
Corail gently placed his hand over mine.
Corail: “The coral can be really brittle. So you shouldn’t touch it.”
OO: “I see. I’m sorry.”
Corail: “You don’t have to apologize. I’m just really happy that you like it.”