Ch. 6: The Sunlight Through the Trees Over His Shoulder (SUN)
I kept looking back over my shoulder as Rath’s brother pulled my hand.
Raith…!
As we approached the garden…
Raith: "Wait."
Raith ran up to us, out of breath and violin in hand.
Raith: "Don’t touch her."
Raith glanced down at his brother’s hand, still holding mine.
Raith: "I said don’t touch her!"
His voice was low and Raith snatched my hand away from his brother.
Raith's Brother: "Such insolence! You’re completely worthless, so infatuated with art and music. At a time like this, can’t you just cooperate for the peace of the country!?"
Raith hid me behind his back as if shielding me from his brother’s shouting.
Raith's Brother: "…what’s with those eyes?"
Raith: "I don’t care what you say about me, or how you treat me. But I won’t forgive you for dragging OO into this."
OO: "…!"
Raith: "Her eyes are for seeing beautiful things. And her ears are for hearing lovely sounds."
Raith seemed to radiate as I hid behind his back…
Raith's Brother: "What are you talking about!? Beauty? Lovely things? What use are those? She’s a princess, so more than anything she should want to see the prosperity of a country."
Raith: "I…I’m a pretty useless prince."
Remembering Raith’s words, I realized something and clenched my fist.
OO: "You say prosperity…"
Raith's Brother: "Eh?"
OO: "You talk about prosperity, but what exactly does that mean?"
Raith: "Wait just a minute. Everyone is enjoying it so much, I’ll just do one more song."
Raith: "If you sprawl out in the evening sun, the light through the trees is even more beautiful."
OO: "I saw people truly enjoying Raith’s music. And he showed me for the first time how beautiful the sunlight through the trees can be."
Raith's Brother: "What are you talking about…"
OO: "I think diplomacy and military affairs are important for the prosperity of a country. But… Raith’s music and his art make people smile. No matter who they are. And isn’t the happiness of the people part of that prosperity?"
I finished speaking, and a heavy silence descended on us.
Raith: "OO…"
Raith's Brother: "…excuse me."
After a moment, Raith’s brother let out a long sigh and left.
Raith gently placed his hand on my shoulder.
I…!
I suddenly felt embarrassed and turned my back to him, however…
Huh…?
I noticed Raith was shaking.
OO: "Raith…?"
Raith: "…"
Raith turned his back to me and gripped his shoulder.
With him standing there like that, my arm naturally reached out to bring him closer.
Raith: "…thanks. You really think art can make people prosper?"
He asked with a shaking voice.
OO: "Yes…I’m sure of it."
At my answer, Raith slowly turned toward me and smiled sweetly.
Raith: "I was filled with courage, thanks to you. Even though I’m not very good at politics and military affairs. You saying that…I’ll do what I can. I couldn’t stand you being taken away for such a ridiculous reason."
OO: "Raith…"
A gentle breeze ruffled Raith’s hair.
Raith: "OO…"
He traced his thumb across my lips…
Raith: "I hope these beautiful lips…will continue to speak beautiful words. I want to keep filling you with lovely things."
As I closed my eyes…
He gently brushed my lips, like the wind.
OO: "…"
Raith held me tightly.
Raith: "OO…"
Over his shoulder, the light coming through the trees sparkled and shined.
I closed my eyes, as if I could lock up that beautiful scene.
END