Ch. 6: What Kotohogi Wants To Do (SUN)
Concerned about me as I walked unsteadily, Kotohogi requested an audience with the king.
Kotohogi: "Father, there’s something I wish to speak with you about."
King: "What is it? …!"
The king was surprised at seeing me, then focused his gaze in front of me, on Kotohogi.
King: "What is the meaning of this Kotohogi?"
Kotohogi: "I ask that you stop doing things like this."
King: "…"
Kotohogi: "Forcing OO to get involved in this, and trying to outmaneuver Mei…Will this really end it?"
Kotohogi’s hand gripped my shoulder.
I gently placed my hand over his in an attempt to cheer him on.
Kotohogi: "Won’t this only add fuel to the fire? I’m so tired…of this conflict."
King: "But Kotohogi. The Kingdom of Mei continues to make our people suffer. Are you truly fine with that?"
The king’s voice was full of pain.
Kotohogi: "…of course I’m not. But settling this…don’t you and the Queen of Mei have an obligation to do that?"
The king kept silent, as if his lies were being picked apart.
Kotohogi: "Of course I’ll do anything I can. And I’ll make an effort officially to make this country wonderful."
Caught up in Kotohogi’s straight-forward gaze…
King: "…I never thought you’d say something like this."
With a deep sigh, the king continued.
King: "…I understand."
Kotohogi’s tense expression relaxed.
It worked…!
King: "However, this isn’t something that will happen overnight. The antagonism with the Kingdom of Mei runs deeper than you think."
Kotohogi: "I am aware."
This probably isn’t something I can help with but… If Kotohogi wants to save this country…
OO: "If there’s anything I can do, please let me help too."
I spoke with determination.
Kotohogi: "…OO."
The king’s eyes seemed sad as they looked at me.
King: "When I see the two of you…I’m reminded of a time long gone. When we were together, she and I had promised to make our kingdoms good…"
Kotohogi: "Father…"
King: "Princess of Träumere…I cannot apologize enough. I will accept any punishment you deem fit."
OO: "…in that case...I want you to promise that you’ll completely support Prince Kotohogi and lend him all your strength in bringing peace between Mei."
Kotohogi: "OO…"
King: "…I swear."
The two of us bowed to the king and walked towards the door.
Aaah, I can’t believe I just said that.
The weight of my words were only just now sinking in.
Kotohogi: "OO?"
OO: "I…said something pretty outrageous."
Kotohogi: "It’s fine, thank you…it made me happy."
Kotohogi laughed softly.
Kotohogi: "You don’t have to worry about it. And…I’ll definitely be fine."
OO: "...alright!"
Kotohogi stopped and looked into my eyes.
Kotohogi: "I’m sure things are going to get more complicated from now on. But still…will you stay with me? No, I want you to stay with me."
Kotohogi hugged me gently.
OO: "Kotohogi…?"
Kotohogi: "This is all thanks to you, OO."
He smiled kindly and placed his hand against my cheek.
Kotohogi: "…I’m not hollow anymore. This country…and you. Now there are so many things I want to do."
OO: "…!"
Kotohogi’s face started to draw near and I instinctively closed my eyes.
He tenderly kissed my cheek.
Kotohogi placed his forehead against mine.
Kotohogi: "…we’ll continue this in the room, alright?"
As Kotohogi smiled at me, I couldn’t think of a way to respond.
Suddenly my legs were unsteady and Kotohogi gently held me up.
OO: "Kotohogi…?"
Kotohogi: "Yes?"
We were so close as I stared into his eyes.
OO: "…"
I shyly looked away, and he chuckled.
He softly kissed my ear.
Kotohogi: "Listen carefully."
His gentle voice echoed in my ear.
As if bound by his voice, I momentarily forgot to breathe and blinked repeatedly.
Kotohogi: "I’ll be your escort, Princess."
I saw myself reflected in his emerald green eyes.
Those eyes shone more vibrantly than they had at any moment since we’d first met.
END