Ch. 2: Intersecting Gazes
Lid: "I gotta do somethin' to thank you. Oh yeah…let's hold a welcome party tonight!"
That evening…-.
I had changed into the dress the chamberlain had brought for me, and now waited for Lid.
…I wonder if I look strange.
The dress was long and graceful, dyed a pale emerald green, and I wore a choker around my neck adorned with the same colored gemstones.
Lid: "I'm comin' in OO."
There was a knock on the door and Lid poked his head in.
Lid: "…"
Lid stared at me, not saying a word.
OO: "Do…do I look weird?"
Lid: "…you look beautiful."
OO: "Eh…?"
Lid: "N-nothing! Come on, let's go!"
I chased after Lid as he walked off at a brisk pace, and we headed towards the event hall.
Arriving at the hall, it was already crowded with people.
After showing me to my seat, Lid stepped away and started hurriedly giving orders to the servants.
I wonder if Lid manages the staff all on his own.
Afterwards, many people came up to greet me, and the time passed as I did nothing but offer greetings in return.
…
……
S-so tired…
Since the party had started, I hadn't been able to talk to Lid.
I haven't even been able to thank him properly for the dress…I'll go look for him.
Standing up, I walked into the crowd of people. Then I found Lid standing along in a corner of the hall.
OO: "Lid."
Lid: "What's the guest of honor doin' here?"
OO: "What about you? You're a prince and…"
Lid: "I'm fine. My bro's set up as the face of the country anyway."
Lid's brother…during the party, Callan had been surrounded by people and politely greeting them all.
He's amazing…I got tired from it right away.
Lid: "So what's up? Why'd you come over here?"
OO: "Ah…thank you, for the dress."
Lid: "Oh, no prob…"
Lid's face turned slightly red.
Lid: "…you look pretty."
OO: "Eh? I didn't catch that."
Lid: "...I mean, so I guess you can make yourself look pretty huh!"
[CHOICE]
-
That's mean! (SUN)
-
I guess you're right (MOON)
As we laughed together, a delicate melody started to fill the hall.
Lid:" Guess it's time for the dance. You go back and have fun."
OO: "But…"
I feel the most relaxed when I'm with Lid…
OO: "I can't really dance…"
Lid: "…"
Lid thought for a moment then…
Lid: "…Bro!"
His gazed shifted off of me as he called out.
Callan: "Lid, Lady OO…"
Callan had finally finished greeting all of the guests and looked towards us.
Callan: "I do apologize. I haven't been able to come and greet you properly…"
Lid: "Bro, nice timing! Take care of her. Seems she's bad at dancing!"
Callan: "Lid! That's rude…"
OO: "L-Lid…"
Lid: "My bro's a great dancer. Just leave it to him and you'll be fine."
I was completely bewildered as Lid quietly whispered to me.
Lid: "See ya, good luck."
Saying as much, he patted me on the head and walked away.
Lid…
Lid walked further away, and for some reason I felt overcome with loneliness.
Callan: "Lady OO…"
OO: "Y-yes…!"
I turned around, and Callan was looking straight at me.
Callan: "Would you…care to dance with me?"
Callan tentatively held his hand out to me.
I took his hand, unable to turn him away, but…
Even as I danced with Callan, I found myself subconsciously searching for Lid.
OO: "Yeah I guess you're right…"
Lid: "…hey, don't get down! I'm obviously joking!"
I couldn't help smiling seeing Lid panic like that…
Lid: "What…weirdo."
Lid smiled back at me.
OO: "Geez, that's mean!"
I pouted slightly but…
Lid: "What, it's a compliment."
Lid's face was practically bursting with a smile, and I smiled too.