Ch. 2: The Angel's Halo
The next day…
Geez…it’s already afternoon.
I looked up at the clock in the room to check the time.
I’m sure yesterday he said he’d come before noon but…
Fed up with waiting, I left my room to find Raith.
Did I misunderstand when we’d meet?
I ran over to talk to a man walking in front of me.
OO: "Excuse me…"
??: "Princess, is something the matter?"
OO: "I’m sorry to bother you, but have you seen Prince Raith?"
??: "Did my younger brother break an appointment with you? For crying out loud…"
Brother? Then, this is the older brother!
Now that I look closer, their eyes are similar…
Raith’s older brother immediately led me to a nearby door.
Raith's Brother: "Raith!"
He slammed open the door and…
Raith was sleeping peacefully in bed, his breathing steady and his arm around a large pillow.
Raith's Brother: "Raith! You made the Princess wait…come on!"
Raith: "Hm…m…"
Raith’s face twisted in annoyance and gripped the pillow tighter.
After a moment, he slowly stretched out his arm, grabbing his brother.
Raith's Brother: "…! You’re still half asleep!"
As the older brother seemed as if he was about to be pulled into the bed, he forcibly removed his arm.
Raith's Brother: "What the heck are you doing!? You should be behaving more like a prince!"
Raith opened his eyes, the color of silver grass, and languidly sat up.
Raith: "Come on, it's fine. I have four magnificent older brothers who can rule over the country, regardless of me."
Raith gave a big yawn, paying no mind to his brother’s anger.
Raith's Brother: "What are you talking about!? It is the duty of the royal family to ensure the happiness and livelihood of the people, for the prosperity of the country! You’re unbelievable!"
The older brother shook with rage and his face flushed, then he left the room.
I bowed as he left, seeing him out, then quietly approached Raith.
Raith: "Aaaah, right…is it time? Sorry sorry."
He reached out and gently placed his hand on my cheek.
OO: "…"
I felt my cheeks flush at the spontaneous gesture.
Raith: "I had a lot to drink last night, despite my better judgement. Just let me get ready."
[CHOICE]
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It’s fine… (SUN)
-
Unintentionally draw back (MOON)
Bathed in sunlight, Raith looked directly into my eyes.
What should I do…?
I looked away, unsure of what to do.
Raith: "…Ah."
Again, Raith reached out and touched a strand of my hair.
OO: "Um…"
Raith: "…an angel’s halo. You have very pretty hair."
Raith held up my hair to the light and looked at me with kindness.
Letting him do that…
My heart thumped in my chest.
OO: "It’s fine…"
Raith smiled sweetly and got out of bed.
I reflexively took a step back, and as if just realizing what he was doing, Raith withdrew his hand.
Raith: "Sorry."