Ch. 6: Eyes That Hide Strength (MOON)
Corail: “There’s a lot of fish swimming around in the picture from before the serum was used. But in the picture after, there’s not a single fish. So, why is that?”
Man: “W-well, that’s…”
Corail: “What? Hurry and tell me.”
The man seemed to be getting more agitated, and I subconsciously held my breath.
I-I wonder what will happen.
Feeling anxious at the tense atmosphere, I took hold of the hem of Corail’s shirt.
Then…Corail turned his head slightly towards me and gave a little nod.
[It’s alright, leave it to me.]
The gesture seemed to say as much and I felt my chest tighten.
Corail…
Man: “W-what is it!?”
Corail: “…the serum you made does look like it made the coral beautiful, but the coral’s appeal is halved if the fish living in it are gone.”
His pale eyelashes didn’t flutter in the slightest as Corail looked straight at the man…
And seeing him so calm and collected in profile, he looked even more like an adult.
Corail: “I can’t leave the care of this precious coral in the hands of someone who doesn’t understand that. So I’ll be declining your offer this time.”
Saying as much, Corail ended it all with a smile…
Corail: “Also, I might report you to my dad… and to the Prince of Ancula.”
Man: “…wha-“
The man’s face paled as soon as he heard those words.
Corail: “But if you swear to never do it again, I’ll overlook it this time.”
Man: “A-alright! I swear!!”
Corail: “It’s a promise.”
The man left us in a panic.
Thank goodness…
OO: “Corail… are you alright?”
When I spoke, Corail’s eyes remained distant even as he replied.
Corail: “Probably, but that guy… I think he was wanting to weaken the fish with that serum.”
OO: “Eh?”
Corail: “Then he could catch the weak fish and sell them in the market.”
OO: “That’s… unbelievable.”
I was left speechless.
Corail: “It happens a lot these days.”
It felt as if a shadow had fallen over Corail’s clear green eyes.
Corail: “I’m sure he talked about it with me to try and boost production. Calling it a serum to make the coral beautiful. If that serum had spread through these waters, I’m sure something terrible would happen.”
He bit his lip, frustration causing his eyes to blur, but…
Corail: “But bringing up Douglas helped.”
OO: “Douglas…?”
Corail: “Yeah, he’s the Prince of Ancula in the Land of Pirates! He protects the peace of the sea!!”
A pirate… protecting the sea.
Corail watched as I tilted my head, doubtful, then giggled.
Corail: “I’ll introduce you some day. Of course, people would come to see the coral if it were more beautiful. And I think it’d be good for the kingdom. But the coral protects the fish that live there. You understand, right OO?”
OO: “Yeah…”
I nodded slowly when…-.
Light filtered down from above the water’s surface and shone down on Corail.
Within that light, Corail held a finger to his lips and smiled mischievously.
Corail: “It’s no good to judge something just on its looks. I’ll treasure the coral and its charm even more just the way it is.”
I could feel the strong emotions hidden behind that innocent face, and I started speaking slowly.
OO: “Corail…is there anything I can do to help?”
Corail: “Thanks…but this is my kingdom’s problem, so I’ll figure something out.”
OO: “I see… alright then.”
Corail: “But it makes me really happy that you’d offer. …yeah… I just want you to come here again. However many years, or tens of years… I’ll show you that I’ll protect this place through all of it.”
He looked at me with those pale and gentle eyes that could also hide such strength.
OO: “…yeah.”
I found myself quite taken… with both that beauty and strength.