Ch. 9: A Kiss, and a Decision (SUN)
I turned pale as I heard the private discussion between the minister and a man I couldn't see, but who sounded like a merchant.
What do I do…do I tell Edmond? Mmm or do I…
OO: "…!?"
I was fidgeting so much that I backed up into something and went to yell when…
??: "Quiet."
The person behind me grabbed me and covered my mouth.
My heart started pounding.
OO: "Nn…"
Edmond: "Don't say anything."
Edmond?
Possibly because I was panicking, for a moment I didn't really understand who was there and struggled.
B-but why is Edmond here…
Looking, I saw Edmond with a stern expression, his ears straining to hear the secret meeting the minister was having.
The two of us stood rooted to the spot, not even daring to breathe for a little while… then the minister left.
Edmond: "Sorry for being so rough all of a sudden."
OO: "It's fine, you helped me."
Edmond confirmed that the minister and his friend were completely gone, then slowly let me go.
Edmond: "But…I had thought the minister was acting strange. I figured if I followed him, I could figure out what was going on, but to think it was this…"
Edmond's expression became grave, and his lips became pale as he thought about the implications.
Edmond: "The royals…and their selfish desires…they shouldn't cause those people to suffer. They mustn't. This all happened because of us. I have to do something."
A vibrant light sparked in his eyes.
I saw Edmond's expression then, steady and fierce, an expression I'd never seen until now.
Edmond: "My voice may be too late."
OO: "Edmond…if…if there's anything I can do to help…anything at all, tell me. I'd be happy to help you."
Edmond: "Thanks OO. I'll do my best, just knowing you're on my side."
OO: "Edmond…"
Edmond: "It'll be alright OO. I've finally found my determination. So I won't worry about it anymore.
Edmond spoke, gently playing with my hair.
Edmond…he's so brave, and kind…
I couldn't help being attracted to the man I saw before me.
He seemed to be looking at me with that intense gaze…
Edmond: "Thank you, for being my support…"
His smile, gallant and lovely, drew closer.
Then I felt the gentle caress of his lips, light as a feather, on my cheek.
Edmond: "Things will be fine. And there are things I need to do now, as a prince."
Seeing that strength within his kindness, I thought he looked worthy of the title 'prince'.