Ch. 5: Budding Will (SUN)
It’s cold…
At that sensation, I slowly opened my eyes.
Where…?
Castle Soldier 1: "Oh, you awake?"
OO: "…?"
Castle Soldier 1: "Sorry about this. Can’t have you running around, King’s orders."
OO: "…!"
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."
OO: "…!"
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 2: "But, the king said…!"
Kotohogi: "Silence! I’ll take full responsibility for this."
Castle Soldier 1: "…"
Under Kotohogi’s menacing gaze, the soldiers left in a panic.
Kotohogi: "OO…!"
Kotohogi rushed over and undid the ropes holding me.
He gently rubbed my wrists where the ropes had left marks.
Kotohogi: "…I’m sorry for this. If I’d just stood up to Father…"
Kotohogi was trembling.
Kotohogi: "…I was hollow. As this country’s prince, I was instructed to act and became my father’s puppet. But your words made me realize…there’s something I want to do."
While gazing at Kotohogi, I smiled sweetly.
OO: "Will you tell me? I’ll help you, no matter what."
Kotohogi: "Thanks…"
Saying so, we locked eyes.
I saw a strong volition hidden in the depths of Kotohogi’s eyes.