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shivalriesChapter 6: Throne of Conceit
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[Leo Palace – Bedroom]
Merc: An idol… at Yumenosaki Academy…? So you’re a student, Leo-san~?
Um, Leo-san? Are you not feeling well? You’ve been looking down for a while now.
Leo: Hmm? Ah, nah, it’s not a big deal.
I just thought the throne looked kinda lonely, you know~? Even though it looks so grand and colorful on the outside.
It’s like some huge bluff. Don’t you think so, my bride?
Merc: You know, playfulness may be one of my best points, but I’m not your bride, Leo-san~!
Leo: Wahaha☆ Of course I know that♪
It’s a throne just for show, nothing truthful about it. It’s a good fit for a king like me♪
So, I’ll sing♪ It’ll be a tribute to the Naked King who built this Kingdom of Conceit.♪
♪~♪~♪
Mnnn, I can’t get a good melody going. What’s been happening to me since I came here~?
Anyway, you’re Merc, right…? Sorry, I didn’t intend for you to get caught up in this.
Merc: I was shocked because it all happened so suddenly. But it’s not something you have to apologize for, Leo-san.
But really, are the soldiers here serious about this? I’m gonna end up being married off to you!
Leo: Hmm~? I guess you will…?
Merc: Myuuu?! I never thought I’d find my life partner through some weird development like this!
Leo: Wahaha! I’m just messing with you.
I won’t let that happen. Don’t look so sad, okay?
Come on☆ Your pretty face will go to waste~♪
Merc: Myufufu. You’re a really bright and energetic person, Leo-san.
I can see how you can do idol work at that Yumenosaki Academy place.
Leo: Hmm…? I’m glad to hear it, but I’m not the kind of person you think I am, Merc.
Once you’re at rock bottom, you have no choice but to claw yourself out.
Merc: Oh, is that so…? I can’t imagine you like that, Leo-san.
Leo: Well, you wouldn’t have known, Merc. A long time ago, I made a mistake that I could never take back.
I had this huge misunderstanding in my head, and kept just running around, doing as I pleased. I fought until I was soaked in blood, and lost so many things.
After hurting everyone around me, I just ran away because I couldn’t bear it.
Wahaha☆ It’s pathetic, isn’t it?
That’s why so much time passed before I could bring myself to return to Yumenosaki.
You know, when I came to this town, all those pawn soldiers were celebrating the “grand return of the king”.
But really it’s not like that. I lost the war, but I just continued living on, some shameless “naked king” who walked back in like nothing happened.
Hey, you saw it happening too, right? Even though those soldier guys call me their king, they don’t listen to a word I say~
They probably know it, too, that I have no right to be called a king♪
Merc: It’s true that they were a bit forceful, but they seemed to be protecting you, Leo-san.
Leo: Hmm. So that’s what it looked like to you, huh.
I also had this weapon, and I was proud of it. It was the only thing that other people acknowledged.
That was composing. When it came to thinking up ideas, I had confidence I could lose to no one.
But I can’t sing right now. Inspiration isn’t coming to me.
I’m a robin that was shot down, my desperate chirping unanswered. I’ve completely regressed to when I fought with that blockhead emperor♪
What happened? Did I resign my imagination, leaving it all to the picture book?
Merc: Blockhead…? W-What’s this about a picture book?
Leo: Wahaha, sorry! Wow, what am I saying to someone I just met?
Hey, Merc. You live in that little jar, right?
Merc: That’s right, I say! But, what about it?
Leo: Can I have a look? I have a feeling I might hit on something good☆
Merc: Uhh, well, I guess it’s okay, but staring too much makes me feel shy.
Leo: Mm, I figured! So just let me look for a tiny little bit♪
Pretty please?
Merc: O-Okay, fine. After hearing your story, I want to cheer you on, Leo-san.
Leo: You’re so nice~! I love you, wahahaha☆
Merc: Myu, Leo-san…?! If you’re doing idol work, you shouldn’t be saying stuff like that so easily!
Leo: Mm~? Hm, hm, mmm?
Ah, nope, nothing! Sorry about that, okay, I’m done!
Merc: That was quick?! It’s embarrassing to be stared at, but it also kinda hurts if you react like that~!
[Leo Kingdom – Town]
Arashi: Hey, Yuu-chan. Ousama and Merc-chan are somewhere in this palace, right?
Yuu: Yeah, most likely. But I don’t know exactly where.
Arashi: Hmm. I’d called it Operation Seize the Bride, but I guess we have no choice but to go checking every room for them.
Tsukasa: Please wait for me, Leader♪ This Tsukasa Suou will come steal your bride☆
Arashi: Oh my, Tsukasa-chan. When did you get so cool…♪
Tsukasa: Fufu, I am also a member of Knights. I must not act unbefitting of one.
Oh, by the way, Narukami-senpai…? Sena-senpai and Ritsu-senpai do not appear to be with you.
Arashi: Ritsu-chan wouldn’t wake up, you see. We didn’t feel safe leaving him alone in the bar, so Izumi-chan decided to stay with him.
Tsukasa: I see, alright. Then we have no choice but to rescue Merc-san ourselves.
Yuu: Speaking of which, what were you planning to do? Security’s probably gonna be pretty tight in the palace.
Arashi: Well, it’s not like we can fly over there. I don’t think we have a choice other than knocking right on the front door.
Yuu: Mnn…? Oh, speaking of which, can the two of you fight? I’m a Soother, so I’m not very useful on the front lines.
Tsukasa: Hm? Um, Yuu-san…?
Is there a need to fight in the first place? I was sure we could talk this out.
Yuu: Well, when I tried to stop them, they didn’t even stop to listen to me. I don’t think they’ll give Merc back to me just like that.
Arashi: Don’t worry, Tsukasa-chan’s part of the archery club. And I’ll cheer everyone on from afar♪ Look, this microphone sparkles when I wave it around☆
Tsukasa: W-What?! But, Narukami-senpai, aren’t you the strongest one here?
Arashi: Ufufu♪ Tsukasa-chan, how could you ask that of a maiden in love?☆
Tsukasa: Khh, I have not yet prepared myself either! I-It is true that I have a bow right now, but it is difficult to hit a moving target in the first place!
Yuu: Hey, come on… We’re trying to sneak into the castle right now. If you make so much noise, they’ll notice us, you know?
Tsukasa: Hm, true, you are quite right. Please excuse us. We will be more careful.
Bishop: Kakkon? Kakkon kakkon!
Tsukasa: Hmm? That thing over there appears to be looking at us…?
Yuu: The monsters are all gathering together?! And they’re looking hostile!!
Pawn(x3): Koto koto koton! Koto koto koto koton!
[Leo Kingdom – Bar]
Ritsu: Mmmm, yaaawn♪ Huu… mnn… huh…?
Where am I? I feel like I’ve seen this bar somewhere before.
Oh well♪ This blanket smells like Secchan♪
???: He was just by your side a moment ago. However, he left, appearing to remember something.
Ritsu: Ah, long time no see~♪ I don’t smell any blood from you as usual, Ecchan.
Harriet: Is “Ecchan” from picture book author? Or is it from Harriet? [1]
Ritsu: Either way works☆ But thinking about it, you both act like emperors, huh~? The Ecchan that’s Eichi Tenshouin, and the Ecchan that’s Harriet.
Harriet: I see. So Ecchan is from Harriet then.
Ritsu: Fufu. I never thought I’d see you in a place like this~
Ahh, oh yeah♪ I think I’m starting to remember~ Wasn’t this place in Ecchan’s picture book?
Harriet: You’re not necessarily wrong. Nonetheless, that picture book is a reflection of a certain person’s heart. Strictly speaking, it’s the scenery inside of your “king”.
Ritsu: Ousama? Hmm, you’re saying some weird things right now.
But still, Ecchan. I think I get what you’re saying. Maybe that’s why the parade music sounded so nice to me♪
Fufu♪ So, what’re you doing here, Ecchan?
Harriet: I am simply observing. I am curious which path you will all take.
I had no intention of involving you all in this. So, I don’t mind lending a hand here and there. It’s not something I should decide on my own, after all.
Ritsu: Ohh, is that so? Fufu, I have no clue what you’re talking about.
Ecchan, you seem to know something about all this. Can you tell me where Ousama is?
Harriet: Is he not in the castle? He’s a “king” after all.
Ahh, one more thing. Speaking of the castle, your friends seem to be headed there as well.
Ritsu: Now that the sun’s gone down and I feel better, maybe I’ll go see Ousama too~♪
Hey♪ Wanna come with, Ecchan? It’d be boring just sitting here, right?
Harriet: I don’t think anything of it. I have no heart, for I am a creature of the night. However, if you wish, I shall accompany you.
Ritsu: Okay then♪ But how are we gonna get there? Rowing that gondola looks like a pain.
Harriet: Hold onto my hand. I will carry you to the palace.
Ritsu: Fufu, are you kidding~? There’s no way your little hand can carry me♪
Harriet: No need for concern. The girl you see now is my outer shell. The thing on my back will carry you.
Ritsu: Ohh, I see. You have some sorta giant hand♪
Those are pretty fingers. They’re all smooth and nice~♪
Harriet: Fufu. It is a bit ticklish. Could I ask you not to pet them so much?
Ritsu: Ahh, sorry♪ I didn’t mean to stop you. Let’s head out to that castle, then♪
[Leo Kingdom – Town]
Ritsu: The night wind’s a little chilly, huh. You okay, Ecchan?
Harriet: Yes, I am fine, do not worry. I am a different sort of creature from the rest of you.
Ritsu: Hmm…? By the way, Ecchan, why did you become a picture book author?
Harriet: I wanted to know more… about the thing that filled the hollow in my heartless chest. The true form of the brilliance that person gave to me.
So I am observing the changes of people’s hearts by capturing them in picture books.
Ritsu: Mm? I think I kinda understand.
Fufu. Maybe you’re kinda like me?
At least with the part where Ma~kun, Knights, and everyone who stayed with me filled me up.
Thanks to them, I’m different now. I could burn up into ashes from all the warm things they’ve given me♪
Harriet: Fufu, is that so? I pray you will never lose that light.
Ritsu: You’re exaggerating, Ecchan. No wonder you’re an author.
But a creature of the night, huh. We’re the same, I guess~?
Harriet: It appears you are weak to sunlight and lead a nocturnal lifestyle. But is that not still a different thing from a creature of the night?
Ritsu: Ahahaha☆ You pay too much attention to details, Ecchan♪
Izumi: I left Ousama to Naru-kun and Kasa-kun so we wouldn’t have to leave Kuma-kun alone, but…
What am I doing? After wandering around, I ended up at the castle.
I don’t get it…? Since long ago, I’ve always been pushed around by his nonsense.
I don’t know the details, but there’s some kind of ceremony? Does he plan to live and die in a place like this?
What is he gonna do about Knights? About this place he drenched himself in blood to protect?
Haa. He really is a handful of a king.
Yuu/Tsukasa: Eeeek?!
Pawn(x3): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Arashi: Heeey, wait up♪ Don’t go leaving me out now☆
Izumi: Uhyah?! W-What… Are they being chased…?
Though it looked like Naru-kun was the one doing the chasing. Wait, no, there’s no way that would happen.
There was someone I don’t know with them. That’s probably the guy Naru-kun was talking about.
They’re trying to get to Ousama like that? But, well, thanks to that the security loosened around the front gate…
Alright. If I go now, I can probably slip in without trouble♪
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[1] "Picture book" in Japanese is 絵本 (pronounced "ehon")
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< Chapter 5: A Lovely Bride || Merc Storia Masterlist || Chapter 7: Rondet of the King of Knights >
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[Leo Palace – Bedroom]
Merc: An idol… at Yumenosaki Academy…? So you’re a student, Leo-san~?
Um, Leo-san? Are you not feeling well? You’ve been looking down for a while now.
Leo: Hmm? Ah, nah, it’s not a big deal.
I just thought the throne looked kinda lonely, you know~? Even though it looks so grand and colorful on the outside.
It’s like some huge bluff. Don’t you think so, my bride?
Merc: You know, playfulness may be one of my best points, but I’m not your bride, Leo-san~!
Leo: Wahaha☆ Of course I know that♪
It’s a throne just for show, nothing truthful about it. It’s a good fit for a king like me♪
So, I’ll sing♪ It’ll be a tribute to the Naked King who built this Kingdom of Conceit.♪
♪~♪~♪
Mnnn, I can’t get a good melody going. What’s been happening to me since I came here~?
Anyway, you’re Merc, right…? Sorry, I didn’t intend for you to get caught up in this.
Merc: I was shocked because it all happened so suddenly. But it’s not something you have to apologize for, Leo-san.
But really, are the soldiers here serious about this? I’m gonna end up being married off to you!
Leo: Hmm~? I guess you will…?
Merc: Myuuu?! I never thought I’d find my life partner through some weird development like this!
Leo: Wahaha! I’m just messing with you.
I won’t let that happen. Don’t look so sad, okay?
Come on☆ Your pretty face will go to waste~♪
Merc: Myufufu. You’re a really bright and energetic person, Leo-san.
I can see how you can do idol work at that Yumenosaki Academy place.
Leo: Hmm…? I’m glad to hear it, but I’m not the kind of person you think I am, Merc.
Once you’re at rock bottom, you have no choice but to claw yourself out.
Merc: Oh, is that so…? I can’t imagine you like that, Leo-san.
Leo: Well, you wouldn’t have known, Merc. A long time ago, I made a mistake that I could never take back.
I had this huge misunderstanding in my head, and kept just running around, doing as I pleased. I fought until I was soaked in blood, and lost so many things.
After hurting everyone around me, I just ran away because I couldn’t bear it.
Wahaha☆ It’s pathetic, isn’t it?
That’s why so much time passed before I could bring myself to return to Yumenosaki.
You know, when I came to this town, all those pawn soldiers were celebrating the “grand return of the king”.
But really it’s not like that. I lost the war, but I just continued living on, some shameless “naked king” who walked back in like nothing happened.
Hey, you saw it happening too, right? Even though those soldier guys call me their king, they don’t listen to a word I say~
They probably know it, too, that I have no right to be called a king♪
Merc: It’s true that they were a bit forceful, but they seemed to be protecting you, Leo-san.
Leo: Hmm. So that’s what it looked like to you, huh.
I also had this weapon, and I was proud of it. It was the only thing that other people acknowledged.
That was composing. When it came to thinking up ideas, I had confidence I could lose to no one.
But I can’t sing right now. Inspiration isn’t coming to me.
I’m a robin that was shot down, my desperate chirping unanswered. I’ve completely regressed to when I fought with that blockhead emperor♪
What happened? Did I resign my imagination, leaving it all to the picture book?
Merc: Blockhead…? W-What’s this about a picture book?
Leo: Wahaha, sorry! Wow, what am I saying to someone I just met?
Hey, Merc. You live in that little jar, right?
Merc: That’s right, I say! But, what about it?
Leo: Can I have a look? I have a feeling I might hit on something good☆
Merc: Uhh, well, I guess it’s okay, but staring too much makes me feel shy.
Leo: Mm, I figured! So just let me look for a tiny little bit♪
Pretty please?
Merc: O-Okay, fine. After hearing your story, I want to cheer you on, Leo-san.
Leo: You’re so nice~! I love you, wahahaha☆
Merc: Myu, Leo-san…?! If you’re doing idol work, you shouldn’t be saying stuff like that so easily!
Leo: Mm~? Hm, hm, mmm?
Ah, nope, nothing! Sorry about that, okay, I’m done!
Merc: That was quick?! It’s embarrassing to be stared at, but it also kinda hurts if you react like that~!
[Leo Kingdom – Town]
Arashi: Hey, Yuu-chan. Ousama and Merc-chan are somewhere in this palace, right?
Yuu: Yeah, most likely. But I don’t know exactly where.
Arashi: Hmm. I’d called it Operation Seize the Bride, but I guess we have no choice but to go checking every room for them.
Tsukasa: Please wait for me, Leader♪ This Tsukasa Suou will come steal your bride☆
Arashi: Oh my, Tsukasa-chan. When did you get so cool…♪
Tsukasa: Fufu, I am also a member of Knights. I must not act unbefitting of one.
Oh, by the way, Narukami-senpai…? Sena-senpai and Ritsu-senpai do not appear to be with you.
Arashi: Ritsu-chan wouldn’t wake up, you see. We didn’t feel safe leaving him alone in the bar, so Izumi-chan decided to stay with him.
Tsukasa: I see, alright. Then we have no choice but to rescue Merc-san ourselves.
Yuu: Speaking of which, what were you planning to do? Security’s probably gonna be pretty tight in the palace.
Arashi: Well, it’s not like we can fly over there. I don’t think we have a choice other than knocking right on the front door.
Yuu: Mnn…? Oh, speaking of which, can the two of you fight? I’m a Soother, so I’m not very useful on the front lines.
Tsukasa: Hm? Um, Yuu-san…?
Is there a need to fight in the first place? I was sure we could talk this out.
Yuu: Well, when I tried to stop them, they didn’t even stop to listen to me. I don’t think they’ll give Merc back to me just like that.
Arashi: Don’t worry, Tsukasa-chan’s part of the archery club. And I’ll cheer everyone on from afar♪ Look, this microphone sparkles when I wave it around☆
Tsukasa: W-What?! But, Narukami-senpai, aren’t you the strongest one here?
Arashi: Ufufu♪ Tsukasa-chan, how could you ask that of a maiden in love?☆
Tsukasa: Khh, I have not yet prepared myself either! I-It is true that I have a bow right now, but it is difficult to hit a moving target in the first place!
Yuu: Hey, come on… We’re trying to sneak into the castle right now. If you make so much noise, they’ll notice us, you know?
Tsukasa: Hm, true, you are quite right. Please excuse us. We will be more careful.
Bishop: Kakkon? Kakkon kakkon!
Tsukasa: Hmm? That thing over there appears to be looking at us…?
Yuu: The monsters are all gathering together?! And they’re looking hostile!!
Pawn(x3): Koto koto koton! Koto koto koto koton!
[Leo Kingdom – Bar]
Ritsu: Mmmm, yaaawn♪ Huu… mnn… huh…?
Where am I? I feel like I’ve seen this bar somewhere before.
Oh well♪ This blanket smells like Secchan♪
???: He was just by your side a moment ago. However, he left, appearing to remember something.
Ritsu: Ah, long time no see~♪ I don’t smell any blood from you as usual, Ecchan.
Harriet: Is “Ecchan” from picture book author? Or is it from Harriet? [1]
Ritsu: Either way works☆ But thinking about it, you both act like emperors, huh~? The Ecchan that’s Eichi Tenshouin, and the Ecchan that’s Harriet.
Harriet: I see. So Ecchan is from Harriet then.
Ritsu: Fufu. I never thought I’d see you in a place like this~
Ahh, oh yeah♪ I think I’m starting to remember~ Wasn’t this place in Ecchan’s picture book?
Harriet: You’re not necessarily wrong. Nonetheless, that picture book is a reflection of a certain person’s heart. Strictly speaking, it’s the scenery inside of your “king”.
Ritsu: Ousama? Hmm, you’re saying some weird things right now.
But still, Ecchan. I think I get what you’re saying. Maybe that’s why the parade music sounded so nice to me♪
Fufu♪ So, what’re you doing here, Ecchan?
Harriet: I am simply observing. I am curious which path you will all take.
I had no intention of involving you all in this. So, I don’t mind lending a hand here and there. It’s not something I should decide on my own, after all.
Ritsu: Ohh, is that so? Fufu, I have no clue what you’re talking about.
Ecchan, you seem to know something about all this. Can you tell me where Ousama is?
Harriet: Is he not in the castle? He’s a “king” after all.
Ahh, one more thing. Speaking of the castle, your friends seem to be headed there as well.
Ritsu: Now that the sun’s gone down and I feel better, maybe I’ll go see Ousama too~♪
Hey♪ Wanna come with, Ecchan? It’d be boring just sitting here, right?
Harriet: I don’t think anything of it. I have no heart, for I am a creature of the night. However, if you wish, I shall accompany you.
Ritsu: Okay then♪ But how are we gonna get there? Rowing that gondola looks like a pain.
Harriet: Hold onto my hand. I will carry you to the palace.
Ritsu: Fufu, are you kidding~? There’s no way your little hand can carry me♪
Harriet: No need for concern. The girl you see now is my outer shell. The thing on my back will carry you.
Ritsu: Ohh, I see. You have some sorta giant hand♪
Those are pretty fingers. They’re all smooth and nice~♪
Harriet: Fufu. It is a bit ticklish. Could I ask you not to pet them so much?
Ritsu: Ahh, sorry♪ I didn’t mean to stop you. Let’s head out to that castle, then♪
[Leo Kingdom – Town]
Ritsu: The night wind’s a little chilly, huh. You okay, Ecchan?
Harriet: Yes, I am fine, do not worry. I am a different sort of creature from the rest of you.
Ritsu: Hmm…? By the way, Ecchan, why did you become a picture book author?
Harriet: I wanted to know more… about the thing that filled the hollow in my heartless chest. The true form of the brilliance that person gave to me.
So I am observing the changes of people’s hearts by capturing them in picture books.
Ritsu: Mm? I think I kinda understand.
Fufu. Maybe you’re kinda like me?
At least with the part where Ma~kun, Knights, and everyone who stayed with me filled me up.
Thanks to them, I’m different now. I could burn up into ashes from all the warm things they’ve given me♪
Harriet: Fufu, is that so? I pray you will never lose that light.
Ritsu: You’re exaggerating, Ecchan. No wonder you’re an author.
But a creature of the night, huh. We’re the same, I guess~?
Harriet: It appears you are weak to sunlight and lead a nocturnal lifestyle. But is that not still a different thing from a creature of the night?
Ritsu: Ahahaha☆ You pay too much attention to details, Ecchan♪
Izumi: I left Ousama to Naru-kun and Kasa-kun so we wouldn’t have to leave Kuma-kun alone, but…
What am I doing? After wandering around, I ended up at the castle.
I don’t get it…? Since long ago, I’ve always been pushed around by his nonsense.
I don’t know the details, but there’s some kind of ceremony? Does he plan to live and die in a place like this?
What is he gonna do about Knights? About this place he drenched himself in blood to protect?
Haa. He really is a handful of a king.
Yuu/Tsukasa: Eeeek?!
Pawn(x3): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Arashi: Heeey, wait up♪ Don’t go leaving me out now☆
Izumi: Uhyah?! W-What… Are they being chased…?
Though it looked like Naru-kun was the one doing the chasing. Wait, no, there’s no way that would happen.
There was someone I don’t know with them. That’s probably the guy Naru-kun was talking about.
They’re trying to get to Ousama like that? But, well, thanks to that the security loosened around the front gate…
Alright. If I go now, I can probably slip in without trouble♪
---
[1] "Picture book" in Japanese is 絵本 (pronounced "ehon")
---
< Chapter 5: A Lovely Bride || Merc Storia Masterlist || Chapter 7: Rondet of the King of Knights >
