Ch. 8: His Heart, and a Swirling Conspiracy (MOON)
Edmond sank into silence as the boy clung to him.
His face was serious, as if he was considering something.
Boy: "Prince Edmond…please…*oo hick* …it's not just my mom, there's a lot of other people who are sick too. Everyone's hurting…so please. Don't destroy our home…please… *uu*"
The boy had grit his teeth, but he couldn't bear it anymore and fell into a fit of crying.
OO: "Edmond, this is a request from me as well. Don't tear this place down. Surely you can do something to stop this, can't you?
Edmond: "It's not possible. How many times do I have to tell you? It's already been decided."
OO: "But is that really what you want Edmond…? You really want to save this place, and come here again…-"
Edmond: "I've already agreed to it. Like I said, there's nothing to be done."
I looked at him, pleading, but he abruptly turned his gaze away and gave a small, sad smile.
OO: "Edmond…?"
Edmond: "Guess I can't help it…"
OO: "Then…!"
My eyes lit up as he said it.
But he shook his head.
Edmond: "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not going to stop the slums from being torn down."
OO: "Eh…?"
Edmond: "But I don't want you to look at me like that. OO. That sorrowful look doesn't suit you."
He gently caressed my cheek.
The palm of his hand…it was cool, unlike the warmth I usually felt.
Why does he feel so cold? Edmond's such a kind person, and yet…
Edmond turned to face the boy.
Edmond: "Go home. I'll send the medicine later."
Boy: "Really!?"
Edmond: "Yeah…as thanks to your mother for before."
OO: "Eh…"
Edmond: "The woman with the illness. …Long ago, when I would come here to play, she was one of the people I would pester."
OO: "Edmond…"
But Edmond's expression was still rigid.
Edmond: "…do you…do you like living here like this…?"
Edmond murmured to the boy, but it was like he was actually speaking to himself.
Boy: "Huh?"
Edmond: "Never mind…hurry home. Go see your mother."
Boy: "OK! Thanks Prince Edmond!!"
The boy ran back down the path he had come from, his steps light.
OO: "Edmond…"
Edmond: "Geez…I didn't think you'd be this stubborn in your request. I'm not always kind. I have a strict side too."
OO: "That's…"
Edmond: "Smile for me OO."
OO: "Eh…?"
Edmond: "I want to see you smile like you always do."
I could see a deep sadness there as he made the request of me.
However…
OO: "…right."
I gave a short reply, then I made myself smile, just like he'd asked…-
…
……
Without knowing Edmond's true intentions, I spent my time stressing about what his real feelings could be.
Edmond…what is he thinking?
I walked through the courtyard, burdened by those heavy feelings when…
Huh? Is that…the minister?
The minister and an unfamiliar man of average height were talking in a corner of the courtyard.
Minister: "…ha…for crying out loud."
??: "Hehe, it's just as you said, Minister."
Minister: "Hmph, if they'd hurry and tear that place down, there would be new riches at hand. How long are they going to cling to it…"
??: "Well then, we shall continue to support you…for the agreed upon price."
What does that mean…?
I took a step backwards to retreat when my back hit something.
OO: "…!?"
As I stumbled, someone wrapped their arm around me, grabbing me.
Minister: "W-who's there!?"
??: "Minister, you should be more careful of your surroundings. Someone might overhear."
A man with the large build, the one who had grabbed me, took me out to meet the minister.
Minister: "You're…Lady OO."
OO: "What's going on? What payment…?"
Minister: "It's just want you heard. After the slums are torn down, we'll build a large market in their place."
OO: "Does…does Edmond know about that?"
As I asked, the minister let out a troubled sigh.
Minister: "The prince is far too sincere…if word of this got to him, he's likely to stop the demolition."
But…! Then that means these people are destroying the slums for their own gain…!?
Minister: "Hey, take care of her."
OO: "Wai…nn!"
I went to chase after the minister as he left, but the man's hand firmly clamped over my mouth.
Man: "Quiet."
I struggled desperately, but I was no real threat to this man's strength, and I was taken away from the castle.