Ch. 3: Unchanging Gaze
The next morning…-
Stimma came to my room to see me after breakfast had finished.
Stimma: "Did you sleep well?"
[CHOICE]
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Yes (SUN)
-
Not really... (MOON)
Stimma smiled at me kindly.
Stimma: "Alright! Do you wanna walk around the castle some more? There's lots of places I haven't shown you yet. This castle is
pretty big!"
OO: "Sure!"
He's really good at looking after people.
OO: "Did you sleep well last night Stimma?"
I had intended to continue our conversation as I walked alongside him when…
Stimma: "I…- Ah!"
He spied one of his brothers in the middle of our conversation, and he called out.
Stimma: "This is Rufen! Are you studying like you're supposed to!?"
At Stimma's voice, Rufen enthusiastically waved to us before walking off.
Once he was certain his brother was gone, Stimma turned to me.
Stimma: "Sorry, about yesterday, I…-"
He started to speak, but again he paushed.
OO: "?"
His gaze drifted to behind me.
Stimma: "Flu! What's wrong? If something's bothering you, come by my room later!"
I turned behind me and saw Flu give a small nod before walking away.
Stimma: "Sorry 'bout that! Now, where were we? …w-what was it? Sorry! Um…"
Stimma turned to me, and in a panic tried to continue the conversation.
Seeing him like that, I smiled without thinking.
Stimma: "Why…why are you smiling?"
OO: "Sorry…I was just thinking, you're a really nice guy Stimma."
Stimma: "R-really…?"
OO: "Yes. You worry about everyone else, and just now you were worrying about me. I'm sure you'll make a very kind king."
Stimma: "…you think so?"
Stimma looked at me in surprise.
OO: "Yes!"
Stimma: "Seems like you have more confidence in it than I do."
Stimma smiled kindly at me and placed his hand on my head.
Stimma: "Thanks OO!"
He ruffled my hair.
Stimma: "It makes me really happy to hear you say that."
[CHOICE]
-
I'm glad (SUN)
-
I'm kidding (MOON)
Stimma: "…it'd be nice if I could meet those expectations…"
Suddenly, he spoke those works quietly and his smile disappeared.
Stimma?
The light in his eyes wavered, and I felt there was nothing I could do.
OO: "Yes, the bed was so soft that I fell asleep as soon as I lay down."
Stimma: "I'm glad to hear you're so pleased with it."
OO: "Actually, not really. This is room is so lovely, and I was so excited that I couldn't really sleep."
Stimma: "Really? Well I'm glad you could tell me about it."
OO: "I was kidding."
Stimma: "W-what!?"
OO: "But I'm sure this country will become really fun with you and your brothers that you're so close to."
OO: "I'm glad."
Stimma: "Yeah! I feel a lot more confident hearing you say that."
He stroked my hair, a delighted look on his face.