Ch. 8: Sudden Profession of Love (SUN)
The following afternoon, on the day of the celebration for establishing diplomatic relations…-.
The ceremony concluded peacefully.
On this occasion, it seemed the Sky Country had come to a mutual agreement on establishing real, genuine diplomatic relations with the Earth Country.
Thank goodness…
I let out a sigh of relief, and we went to observe the festival behind held in the town.
We walked through the market, and many people gathered around Sefir.
Child: "Prince Sefir, here, a flower."
A little girl handed Sefir a flower.
Sefir: "It's very beautiful. Thank you."
With a glance, Sefir took the flower and smiled kindly to the girl in return.
But somehow his smile seemed stiff, and no matter what I did, the thought of that weighed on my mind.
Villager 1: "Would you like a song?"
A man called out from the plaza opposite us.
A band was performing there, and people were dancing happily.
I slowly looked up at Sefir, and I saw that while he had the smile stuck to his face, he'd grown pale again.
Sefir: "… what they love is my mask."
That's not true.
Sefir: "We're already here but…"
I promptly placed my hand on his arm as he seemed to be making his decision.
Sefir: "Lady OO…?"
OO: "I'd really like to dance with you. We've already been invited. And I'd like to dance the steps I've just memorized."
Sefir: "…very well, one song."
Sefir smiled, his face still pale.
Within the delighted townspeople, the sound of a waltz that I had been practicing for started to flow through the air.
OO: "This is a really fun version don't you think?"
The waltz arrangement was upbeat, and the rhythm got even quicker.
It's so fast…! I feel like my feet are going to cramp up.
The song finished, and everyone collapsed to the ground with smiles on their faces.
OO: "That was fun."
Sefir was beside me, on his knees on the ground smiling in delight.
Sefir: "…it was."
Saying that, his face was no longer pale, and my heart eased in relief.
Villager 1: "Prince Sefir! That was really fun!"
Villager 2: "This festival after 14 years, it's all thanks to your efforts Prince Sefir!"
Villager 3: "We love you and this country Prince Sefir!"
Sefir: "…"
OO: "…I don't think the townspeople see you as wearing a mask. If that were the case…they wouldn't all be able to smile like this. And at the very least, I like you the way you are."
Sefir: "…Lady OO."
Sefir's cheeks flushed slightly at my words.
OO: "A-ah, that is, I mean…-"
I had spoken without thinking, and blinked as I revisited what I'd said.
Sefir: "Lady OO."
Looking me straight in the eye, Sefir smiled gently.
Sefir: "I adore you. Even though the song has ended…I do not wish for this feeling to fade."
Within all the watching townspeople, Sefir knelt in front of me.
Sefir: "I would ask…that you please accept these feelings. Princess OO."
In that moment, the noise of the marketplace was very far away…
OO: "Yes…"
I replied without realizing.
Within the eyes of the watchful townspeople, Sefir held me close.
Villager 1: "How auspicious! Our Prince Sefir has fallen in love!"
The townspeople all shouted their congratulations at once, and the band began playing a beautiful melody.
Sefir: "W-wait, everyone…"
Sefir tried to say something as a champagne glass was put in his hand.
He smiled awkwardly.
Sefir is smiling…I'm glad…
In the marketplace, below the sun bathing it all in a gentle glow…
I looked at Sefir in profile, and felt happier than I had ever been.