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Ch. 4: And What You Want Is?

 

Hinata: "I already told you. Even something like a family…there's nothing I can't get. And…you're the thing I want most now."

 

I couldn't get his words out of my head.

 

I can't sleep…maybe the night air will help.

 

The castle's courtyard was wrapped in the pale moonlight.

 

And what that light fell upon was…

 

OO: "Your Majesty…?"

 

Queen: "Lady OO…what is the matter, coming here so late at night."

 

OO: "…I couldn't sleep."

Hinata: "My family got sick and everyone died. But when I said I wanted one, a replacement family came right away."

I wonder if I can ask about what he said.

[CHOICE]

  • Don't ask (SUN)

  • Ask (MOON)

 

 

Queen: "Hinata's real family died when he was little during an epidemic…Hinata was all alone, and every day…he'd cry about how he wanted to see his family. They all took such pity on him, the retainers and his relatives, so they called on me, one of his distant relatives, to step in as his mother."

 

So…that's what happened.

 

Queen: "Even if it was only a little, I tried to be like his mother. I acted like a queen, and so as not to disappoint Hinata, I would buy him anything he said he wanted."

 

The queen stopped there and took a breath.

 

Queen: "The stuffed animal that he's always carrying with him…that was a present from his real mother."

 

OO: "Then, the repairs to it…"

 

Queen: "Yes. Long ago, his real mother did it…but I don't think he remembers. When I would see that boy …I would feel almost as if he was missing some important emotion…but I think after he met you, Hinata has started to change a little. This is a selfish request…but please look after him."

 

I felt a pressure on my heart as I heard of Hinata's past from the queen…-.

 

The next day…-.

 

Hinata took me once again into the village.

 

Hinata: "Hey OO-chan, what kind of clothes do you like? What about food? What kind of house do you want to live in? If you tell me, I'll get it and give it to you!"

 

Hinata…

 

Hinata: "If you don't know, I'll buy you something in a store!"

 

Hinata took me in shop after shop until my eyes were spinning.

 

Hinata: "Hey hey, let's go over there!"

 

Hinata…looks like he's having fun.

 

I found myself smiling as Hinata pulled me after him.

 

Hinata: "Why are you smiling?"

 

OO: "Oh, it's nothing."

 

When Hinata smiles, I feel happy too.

 

Hinata: "Hmmm? Well, whatever!"

 

Then after we'd spent some time going around the town…-.

 

The two of us were taking a break on Hinata's favorite hill.

 

Below the evening sky, the lights in the town started to come on one by one.

 

OO: "This breeze feels nice."

 

Hinata: "Hey…why didn't you want anything?"

 

OO: "Eh?"

 

Hinata asked me that all of a sudden, and his voice was a little pouty.

 

Hinata: "Before you said there wasn't anything you wanted, and even when I said I'd buy you something in a shop, you said you didn't want anything. I wouldn't mind giving you the whole village, but you won't tell me what you want. Why!? Why isn't there anything you want?"

 

Hinata's tone got more forceful.

 

Hinata: "If I give you something…then OO-chan will become mine right!?"

 

Hinata?

 

I couldn't say anything as Hinata spoke so vehemently.

 

Hinata: "Geee~~z! This is so irritating!! You're not anything like what I expected…! This is the first time!"

 

OO: "I…I'm sorry."

 

Hinata: "Why are you apologizing? Am…I being a bother?"

 

OO: "Th-that's not…"

 

Hinata: "But you won't tell me what you want. That means, you don't need me!"

 

Hinata angrily shook off my hand, then ran down the hill.

 

OO: "Hinata!"

 

What do I do, I hurt his feelings.

 

The wind blew across the tranquil hillside.

 

I stood there dumbfounded, and all I could do was watch as Hinata got further and further away.

But…I don't know the circumstances, and it might be rude.

 

I kept silent, and the queen spoke gently as if she knew what was on my mind.

 

Queen: "…it's about Hinata I assume."

OO: "Um, about Hinata's real family…"

 

Queen: "So he told you."

 

The queen started to speak, her voice full of sadness.

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