Ch. 3: Invitation to the Slums, and Unease
The next morning…-
I kept thinking about what Edmond had said about the slums and couldn't sleep much…
It felt like something was lodged in my chest and I couldn't get it out, so I had gone to stretch my legs in the courtyard and maybe clear my head.
The beautiful flowers were in full bloom, and I could hear voices in the courtyard.
Huh? This voice…is it Edmond?
I suddenly stopped and strained my ears.
Minister: "Prince Edmond, your decision."
Edmond: "It's not something I can decide on so quickly. I'd like to discuss it in more detail with Father."
As I thought. And the other person, is it the minister from yesterday?
I suddenly lost my nerve as I was eavesdropping and went to leave when…
Minister: "My Lord! The slums are a blemish on this country."
At his loud voice, I reflexively stiffened.
Minister: "Parliament has already decided we should tear it down at once. Besides, surely you haven't forgotten what you suffered through, yes?"
Edmond: "That's…"
Edmond closed his eyes as if in pain.
Minister: "Prince Edmond."
Edmond: "…I understand Minister. However, let me make one inspection."
This seems like a really important discussion. I shouldn't listen anymore.
Thinking that, I took one step towards walking away when…-
Edmond: "Who's there!?"
Edmond must have heard me, and he called out.
[CHOICE]
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Come out (SUN)
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Run (MOON)
Edmond: "I'm pretty sure you heard us but…I'm sorry OO. I'm going to head into town today, can you entertain yourself? Let's enjoy ourselves together tomorrow."
OO: "I'm fine by myself. But…"
Edmond: "What's wrong?"
Edmond stood there with a kind expression as he waited for my response.
Minister: "Besides, surely you haven't forgotten what you suffered through, yes?"
Edmond: "That's…"
OO: "Um, can I go with you into town?"
I had said it before I could stop myself.
Edmond: "Eh? What are you saying!? Definitely not. I told you yesterday, remember?"
OO: "But I…"
OO: "I feel like…you really want to do something about it Edmond."
Edmond: "I do…and yet I…-"
Edmond's pained demeanor from yesterday came to mind.
I'd really like to help him.
Minister: "I think that would be fine My Lord."
OO: "Really…?"
Edmond: "What are you saying Minister? There is no way I could expose her to such danger."
Minister: "Still, it would be good for her to look around and give us her opinion since she's a member of a foreign royal family."
Edmond: "Even so, she is a princess, and I could never take her to such a dangerous place…"
Minister: "How many years have we already spent without settling on a decision for this problem? This is finally our chance."
The minister looked at Edmond, the corners of his mouth twitching up into a grin.
At his look, I felt a strange feeling of discomfort.
Edmond: "…very well. I shall do so just this once. As the minister says, it is important to get various opinions."
I'm glad he's taking me along but…
[CHOICE]
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Be concerned about the minister (SUN)
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Thank the minister (MOON)
Edmond: "However, OO. Once we're in town, do not leave my side for any reason."
OO: "Yes."
Edmond: "Alright, good girl."
Edmond gently patted my head with his large hand.
Is it really…that dangerous?
I smiled, as if to hide the pain in my chest.
I hesitated for a moment, but nervously came out.
OO: "I'm really sorry. It looked like you were having an important conversation so I thought I'd best leave but…"
Edmond: "It was you…"
Edmond confirmed it was me before smiling awkwardly.
After that, he gently beckoned me over.
Edmond: "It's alright, come here."
OO: "I-I'm sorry!"
I panicked and went to run when…-
Edmond: "…OO! Wait!"
Edmond recognized me and called out with such force that I stopped.
OO: "Um…I'm really sorry. I hadn't intended to eavesdrop but…"
Edmond: "It's alright, you don't have to be afraid."
Edmond lifted his eyebrows as if a little embarrassed, then smiled.
OO: "Um, thank you very much."
I thanked the minister for backing me up…-
Cabinet Minister: "Oh no, thank you for agreeing to such a request. Should anything happen…we will protect you."
Contrary to his words, the feel I got from the minister made me suspicious.
OO: "R-right…thank you very much."
OO: "Um, are you sure?"
I inquired, curious about the minister's response.
Edmond: "This time will be a special exception."
Edmond looked at me with gentle eyes, and his face relaxed into a smile.