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Ch. 3: Tiga and Luca

 

After racing across the meadow on horseback…-

 

Guided by Tiga, we safely reached the castle.

 

I didn't know what would happen…Tiga...

 

I let out a sigh as I remembered the terrifying experience when…-

 

Tiga: "Alright! Everyone line up!"

 

Having arrived at the castle, Tiga had the attendants start to gather.

 

Tiga: "We'll be having a welcome party for my benefactor here, OO! So hurry up and start getting things ready!"

 

Eh!? A party?

 

I was surprised at the sudden turn of events, and Tiga looked at me.

 

Tiga: "You'll be the main attraction of the party."

 

OO: "Eh!?"

 

Tiga: "Well of course you are! That's why I called you here. I'll pick out a dress for you. OK?"

 

In the end, I did as Tiga said and agreed to attend the party.

 

Having been shown to a room, I stuck my arm through the sleeve of the dress Tiga had chosen.

 

The color suited my skin tone, and when I looked in the mirror it was like seeing a different person.

 

I'm feeling a little shy.

 

At that time, Tiga came to the room.

 

Tiga: "…"

 

OO: "Do I look weird…?"

 

I reflexively averted my eyes as I felt Tiga looking at me.

 

Tiga: "The dress looks good on you."

 

[CHOICE]

  • Thanks (SUN)

  • Be shy (MOON)

 

 

 

Tiga: "Of course, that's to be expected of something I picked out!"

 

Seeing him congratulate himself, I felt the tension disappear and found myself smiling as well.

 

Tiga can be a little pushy…but it's kind of fun when we're together.

 

Tiga: "Right, let's go."

 

The party hall was decorated with the same dazzling red gemstones inlaid throughout the town.

 

Wow, there are so many people.

 

The nobles wore outfits set with beautiful gems and took turns greeting me.

 

I'm getting worn out…but I can't be rude.

 

Tiga: "OO."

 

Seeing me unable to relax in the lavish atmosphere, Tiga roughly butted in.

 

Tiga: "Drink this. It's good."

 

OO: "Thanks."

 

In the moment I was going to take the glass from Tiga…-

 

OO: "Ah…"

 

I bumped into someone in the crowd of people, and the contents of the glass spilled onto Tiga's clothes.

 

OO: "I-I'm sorry."

 

Tiga: "It's no big deal. Wait here a sec. I'll go change."

 

As I panicked, Tiga flashed me a bright smile.

 

OO: "A-alright."

 

I sat on a stool near to the wall as I watched Tiga walk off. 

 

Tiga's so nice. And yet I went and did something so rude.

 

I leaned back against the wall and looked up at the ceiling when…-

 

??: "You OK?"

 

Suddenly, a man I didn't recognize was looking down at me.

 

OO: "…!"

 

Luca: "Sorry for startling you. I finally got the chance to greet you. You're OO right?"

 

OO: "Y-yes, I am."

 

Luca: "I'm Luca. You don't have to use any titles or anything."

 

OO: "Alright…"

 

Luca: "I'm from a family that has a long-standing close relationship with Tiga and the royal family…I've been friends with Tiga since we were little."

 

It seemed like Luca lowered his voice for that last bit.

 

Luca: "You don't look so good. You can use my shoulder if you want."

 

OO: "Eh?"

 

I was at a loss for words, but Luca ignored that as he pulled my head onto his shoulder.

 

Wait…wait a second.

 

Tiga: "What're you doing!?"

 

…!

 

Tiga had returned to the hall and forcefully grabbed my hand as he glared at Luca.

 

Luca: "What a way to say hello. She just seemed tired."

 

Tiga: "What did you do to OO?"

 

Luca: "I was simply lending my shoulder to a tired lady. Right?"

 

OO: "What!?"

 

Tiga: "OO, is that right?"

 

[CHOICE]

  • Yeah (SUN)

  • Be unable to answer (MOON)

 

 

 

Tiga: "Luca, I'll see to her."

 

Luca: "As you wish."

 

Luca said as much, then waved as he disappeared into the throng of guests.

 

OO: "U-um, Tiga…-"

 

Tiga: "Just come over here!"

 

Tiga cut me off then forcefully pulled on my hand, cutting straight through the crowd.

 

OO: "W-wait!"

 

Tiga kept pulling on my hand until we reached the inner parts of the hall, then he suddenly stopped.

 

Tiga: "Sit."

 

Tiga grabbed my shoulders and pushed me down into the seat.

 

There was a big commotion around us.

 

OO: "…this chair is…"

 

The place where I was sitting was the exclusive chair of the prince.

 

OO: "N-no, I can't…-!"

 

But when I tried to get up, Tiga pushed me back down.

 

Tiga: "It's fine, just be quiet and sit!"

 

OO: "But this is your…"

 

Tiga: "If you're tired, say something."

 

Tiga…

 

Tiga: "I said it's fine. So just sit."

 

OO: "…alright."

 

Tiga: "If you're here, that guy shouldn't make a move on you."

 

He seems kind of mad…do Tiga and Luca not get along?

 

Ultimately, I stayed in that chair, and the party came to an end.

 

I guess that's true but…

 

OO: "Yeah…"

 

Tiga: "…"

 

Tiga said nothing and instead let out a heavy sigh.

OO: "I-I wonder…"

 

Tiga: "What are you embarrassed for? You're the main attraction after all."

 

Tiga lowered his eyes and lightly poked me.

OO: "…thanks."

 

Tiga broke into a smile.

OO: "…"

 

Tiga: "Say something."

 

Tiga's voice sounded more irritated.

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