Ch. 2: A Sudden Banquet
Dulfer, the one charged with singing and the owner of a beautiful voice.
As we spoke, I was unconsciously being mesmerized by his lovely voice and…
Dulfer: "Aah, a song has come to me."
OO: "Eh?"
Those words echoed like a melody unto themselves.
Dulfer: "As a token of our acquaintance, may I sing a song of your praises?"
OO: "Eh…of my…?"
That could be embarrassing…
The thought of him singing made my heart beat loudly in anticipation.
OO: "…I’d like to hear it."
Dulfer: "You’re a good girl, being so honest."
Then Dulfer spread his pure white wings.
He took in a quick breath, and then a crystal clear singing voice poured out.
Dulfer: "♪～～"
The beauty of him singing was completely different from when he was talking.
It’s like…my heart is being purified.
At the last note, his wings spread out wide, then slowly folded up behind his back.
With the song over, a single feather drifted down into the palm of my hand.
OO: "That was wonderful."
Dulfer: "You liked it?"
[CHOICE]
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It was really moving (SUN)
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It brought tears to my eyes (MOON)
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself.
Then I found myself in the lingering memory of Dulfer’s singing.
…it was really beautiful. I want to hear more.
OO: "Um, do you think you could…"
At that time…
The door suddenly swung open and a crowd of women barged in.
OO: "Eh…!"
Woman 1: "Lord Dulfer~ We have alcohol and food waiting for you."
Woman 2: "You’ll eat with us right?"
Dulfer: "Oh dear."
And just like that, the women began setting up for a feast.
W-what the…?
While I stood there dumbfounded, Dulfer was surrounded by women.
Wow…
I reflexively backed into a corner and watched them as I stood alone.
Dulfer: "OO?"
Then Dulfer noticed me, and he smiled sweetly as he beckoned me forward.
Dulfer: "Sorry about overwhelming you like that. Come here."
OO: "Um…"
Dulfer: "Hurry up now."
As if enticed by his beautiful voice, I approached.
OO: "Ah…"
His hand suddenly pulled me in close, and before I knew it I was sitting on his lap.
OO: "…!"
Dulfer: "There we go ♪"
I was so close to his handsome face that my breath caught in my throat, and my heart started beating faster.
OO: "I-I’m sorry!"
In a panic, I tried to get up, but Dulfer held on to me with such strength that I couldn’t move.
Dulfer: "It’s fine. I wanted you to sit like this."
OO: "Eh…"
Woman 3: "Wo~w! Lord Dulfer, me next~"
The women around us started to pout slightly, and Dulfer just smiled and laughed.
Dulfer: "Wait your turn ♪"
He then stretched out an elegant finger and pointed to the food…
Dulfer: "Go ahead. You can eat the seedless grapes unpeeled. They’re quite juicy and sweet."
He picked up a grape between his slender fingers and gently put it to my lips.
I opened my mouth slightly, and the sweet juicy flavor of the grapes spilled over my tongue.
Dulfer: "Is it good?"
He gently caressed my head, and I turned bright red. There was nothing I could do except give a slight nod.
That feeling was almost intoxicating…and I felt like I was floating.
OO: "It was really moving."
Dulfer: "You’re cute when your eyes glisten like that."
His captivating smile made my heart pound.
OO: "It brought tears to my eyes."
Dulfer: "Oh dear. If your tears of pearls were to fall, I would surely become your captive."
As he spoke with a graceful smile, my cheeks flushed.