Ch. 3: What I Remember...
The day following the party…-.
I got up from the bed and put myself together, then there was a knock at the door.
Lid: "It's me. You up?"
I hurriedly finished brushing my hair, then let Lid in.
Lid: "Nice work yesterday! You tired?"
OO: "No, I'm fine...Callan was a very good dancer."
Lid: "…oh yeah?"
Lid…?
For a brief second, I thought I saw Lid's expression darken but…
Lid: "Since you're here 'n all, I'll show you around town today."
Immediately, Lid smiled at me with his usual cheerfulness.
OO: "Ok! I'd like that."
My heart leaped at his suggestion.
I got ready and we left the room…-.
Callan: "Lady OO…!"
I nearly collided with Callan who was standing outside the room.
Lid: "Whoa, sorry Bro! What's up? You need her for something?"
Callan: "No, I…"
Callan faltered.
Callan: "I-I have an inspection of the town today, and I thought I'd ask Lady OO to go with me…"
Lid: "…"
Lid seemed to be carefully considering something, but his tone was lighthearted when he finally spoke.
Lid: "…I see! Then I guess I'll leave her with you."
OO: "Eh…?
[CHOICE]
-
I'll go with Lid (SUN)
-
Alright, I'll go with Callan (MOON)
Lid: "Take your time looking around! I'll do what I can to take care of any work you got this afternoon Bro!"
Lid said as much then quickly walked away from the room…-.
And so I accompanied Callan on a tour around the town.
Stepping out of the carriage, I was immediately caught up in the comings and goings of the people.
However…-.
I wonder…what Lid's doing.
For some reason, I my thoughts turned to Lid.
Callan: "Lady OO…?"
OO: "Ah…I'm sorry!"
Oh no, I'm…being rude to Callan…
Callan: "It's alright…it's my fault for asking you out so suddenly. I should thank Lid…he'll take over while I'm on business. He always helps me out from behind the scenes. He doesn't show any interest in the throne…and he's always only concerned about me and other people."
OO: "…I kind of got that impression from him."
Lid…
After that, we went around the town and eventually returned the castle…-.
That night…-.
After saying my farewells to Callan, I headed back to my own room and happened to pass by the courtyard…
Lid…?
Lid was looking up at the sky, standing in the courtyard with the moonlight shining down.
Lid: "Hey, what's up?"
I didn't know why, but I felt relieved when I heard his cheerful voice.
Lid: "How was it? He was a perfect guide right?"
OO: "Yeah, but it was a little tense. That's not how I feel when I'm with you Lid."
I said it without thinking, and after Lid finished looking surprised, he awkwardly scratched his head.
Lid: "That's…where'd you go?"
OO: "The library, the city hall, the opera hall…"
Lid: "Haha! That's my bro for ya. Well, I guess if it'd been me, I'd have taken you to shops with good food, and the best places for taking a nap. Probably just stuff like that…I was right to leave it to him!"
Lid's smile was full of mischief, and it made my heart pound.
OO: "Haha…but I think I'd like that better. I'd like to go to town with you next time Lid."
Lid: "OO…"
Suddenly, Lid reached his hand out to my face.
Lid…?
[CHOICE]
-
Turn away (SUN)
-
Look into his eyes (MOON)
His hand was about to touch my cheek, and I felt my heart speed up, and then…-.
Callan: "Lid, Lady OO."
Callan, who seemed to have just been passing by, approached us.
Lid: "Bro…"
Lid stealthily lowered his hand that had been extended towards me.
Callan: "What are you two talking about?"
Lid: "…"
Lid looked between me and Callan, then…
Lid: "…I was askin' how the trip into town with you went."
He answered with a grin.
Lid: "Welp, I'm heading back to my room. She's all yours Bro."
OO: "Eh…"
Turning his back on me, Lid walked back into the castle.
Callan: "Lady OO…"
OO: "…please excuse me, I'll be going too…!"
I apologized to Callan and chased after Lid.
OO: "But Lid, I was…"
Lid: "Alright Bro, she's all yours!"
I tried talking, but Lid purposefully interrupted me.
OO: "…then, I'll go with Callan."
Lid: "Good, have fun."
Lid said as much, but wouldn't look me in the eye.
OO: "…"
I couldn't turn away and my eyes locked with Lid's.
Lid: "…"
His beautiful green eyes shimmered.
OO: "…"
I reflexively turned away in embarrassment and…
Lid: "…look here."
His voice was quiet, and I nervously looked back at him.