Ch. 5: Budding Emotions (MOON)
It’s cold…
At that sensation, I slowly opened my eyes.
Where…?
I could vaguely make out a rough ceiling.
Castle Soldier 1: "Oh, you awake?"
OO: "…?"
Castle Soldier 1: "Sorry about this. Can’t have you running around, King’s orders."
That’s right, they put something over my mouth…
I tried to get up, but my legs and arms were bound with rope and I couldn’t move.
Castle Soldier 1: "Sorry, but we’ll need you to stay like that for a while longer until we get our next orders."
…!
I put all my strength into trying to break the ropes, but they only pressed tighter against my wrists.
I’m cold…
It was then when my consciousness started to fade again…
Kotohogi: "OO!!"
...Kotohogi...?
Kotohogi: "All of you…leave here at once!!"
Castle Soldier 1: "But the King said…!"
Kotohogi: "Did I stutter?"
Castle Soldier 2: "..."
The guards left in a panic under Kotohogi’s intense glare.
Kotohogi: "OO..."
Kotohogi rushed over and untied the ropes holding me.
Seeing the bruising on my wrists from ropes, he pulled me into a strong hug.
Kotohogi: "...I’m sorry for putting you through something like this."
OO: "Kotohogi..."
My cold body began to warm up from Kotohogi’s heat.
Kotohogi: "I’m my father’s puppet."
While looking at me, Kotohogi continued.
Kotohogi: "But...now, I can at least say this. I don’t want to see you wrapped up in this ridiculous conflict."
He touched my hair with a trembling hand.
I could feel Kotohogi’s tenderness in the slow caress of his fingers.