Ch. 4: A Sorrowful Past
After we'd returned to the palace from the village…-.
Sefir sat quietly on the sofa, then started to speak softly.
Sefir: "I don't know how I can express my gratitude for you doing that for me. And to think that I let you see me so miserable."
OO: "Oh no, it's not…"
I searched for the words to lift Sefir's spirit.
OO: "You seem to be very loved by your people Sefir."
I smiled as I spoke, but Sefir's expression darkened.
Sefir: "…what they love is my mask."
OO: "Eh?"
Sefir: "It's the way I have to conduct myself as successor to the throne, as I have been judged for it ever since I was little. But I…am a sinner. The more I behave as I ought to as a member of the royal family, the more I feel that I am deceiving everyone."
Deceiving them…?
[CHOICE]
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What do you mean? (SUN)
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Take his hand (MOON)
Sefir: "I believe you know of the relation between the Sky Country and the Earth Country."
OO: "Yes…you've been at odds since long ago, and never had proper diplomatic relations."
Sefir: "…it's a story from when I was young. When the relations between our countries didn't exist, I happened to meet the prince from the Earth Country. It was when we were both running away from home, and we became friends without understanding our positions. Without knowing our social standings, we had our first argument… there has been no time that I was as happy as I was then. Perhaps because I was brought back to the castle, I forgot about him. Then six months later, we were able to meet again. It was a little like it is now…at an event to create the nonexistent diplomatic relations. We ran up to each other…not realizing our positions as princes of opposing nations. His foster brother tried to stop it, and was killed for having insulted our royal family…"
OO: "Killed…? Why…"
My mouth grew dry.
Sefir: "Because he was a retainer trying to stop the actions of a royal. Though we were supposed to be declaring diplomatic relations, the reality is that we entered into a cold war then. Within all that, I wondered what would have happened if we princes had united and taken each other's hand. That child back then would have known… And because of that, relations between Sky and Earth continued to deteriorate… There hasn't been a renewal of diplomatic relations for 14 years until now. This situation…the reason the war between Sky and Earth has gone on for so long…is because of me!"
OO: "That can't be…!"
Sefir: "I feel so guilty when I'm in front of the people…I try to hide it, and continue to perform as a perfect prince in their eyes. Even my asking you to the dance. I said that if you, a member of the Dream Royal Family, were to dance at the celebration, it would impress upon everyone the peace between Sky and Earth. The truth is…I want to restore the relationship with the Earth Country as soon as possible. I want the country to be at peace. And I want to be able to forgive myself…that is what I want, with my whole heart…"
OO: "…"
Sefir: "I spoke kind words, and ended up causing you to injure your foot… Do you not despise me?"
That's not true at all…!
[CHOICE]
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I don't (SUN)
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Look into his eyes (MOON)
OO: "I'll go…to the dance party."
Sefir looked as if he wanted to disappear, and I gently took his hand.
Then, his expression softened slightly.
OO: "What…do you mean?"
I asked without thinking, and Sefir closed his eyes.
I looked straight into his eyes, which seemed a little unfocused.
His long eyelashes hid them, and that made my heart ache.
OO: "I don't."
I gently held Sefir's hand, white as snow, and he opened his eyes wide in surprise.