Ch. 6: A Voice That Calls to the Birds (MOON)
I felt the evening light on the back of my eyelids, as if it was melting…
I was lost in Raith’s music as he played with his eyes closed, when suddenly the music stopped.
OO: "…?"
I opened my eyes, and he was looking at me kindly.
Raith: "You seemed quite happy as you listened."
OO: "Yeah…"
Now I’m kind of embarrassed…
Raith: "You like music?"
OO: "Yes…somehow, it makes me feel happy."
I answered, embarrassed, and Raith smiled in delight.
Realizing the concert was over, the birds took to the sky…
Raith: "…"
Raith took a deep breath.
Raith: "I think I’m going to leave this place."
OO: "Eh!?"
Raith: "I don’t like conflict. But if I stay here, even as the last in the line of succession, I’ll get dragged into their fighting."
OO: "…"
Raith: "I think I’ll leave the castle…and live a life where I can perform music and create art."
Raith looked at the birds as they disappeared into the distance.
Raith: "Because making people smile with the music I play, or the art I create, is the thing I want to see most."
Raith…
I was reminded of the look of pure bliss on his face as he had played the violin.
Raith looked so happy.
I hadn’t thought of it before…but he really is more suited for the wide open world than the inside of a castle.
Raith: "It’s selfish of me. Even though I was born a prince."
Raith looked into my eyes.
At that time…
Butler: "Lord Raith-!"
We heard a butler’s voice, searching for Raith.
Eh…!
Raith suddenly hugged me and hid behind the trunk of a tree.
I noticed that his arm that was holding me was shaking slightly.
OO: "…I love your music Raith."
I spoke slowly.
OO: "And your paintings…because you showed me how beautiful the world can be. I believe your art can bring people happiness."
Saying so, Raith’s grip on me tightened.
Raith: "Then…will you come with me?"
OO: "Eh!?"
Raith: "We’ll travel the world together, seeing beautiful things, and making beautiful things for all kinds of people so they can be happy… Doesn’t that sound fun?"
OO: "But…"
Raith: "It’ll be alright. OO, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll protect you."
Saying so, Raith looked into my eyes and I saw that his were sparkling.
His eyes are beautiful…
I felt as if I was being drawn into those eyes, and the sounds of the servants calling out faded away…
Raith: "…you’ll come, right?"
I could only grasp his hand.
I can’t answer…
Opposite the high castle walls…the birds were singing.
That sound seemed as if it was calling to Raith.
END