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shivalriesChapter 7: Rondet of the King of Knights
T/N: "Rondet" is apparently a diminutive in French for a medieval round dance. I didn't think round dance sounded cool enough, so I went with rondet!!
---
[Leo Palace – Balcony]
Leo: ♪~♪~♪
Hmm, it really isn’t working, huh~? Any other time, being led to a palace and meeting Merc would’ve been the greatest spice to stir up my imagination.
Merc: It doesn’t help to worry about it so much. Maybe it’d be good to empty your mind for a moment…?
Look, Leo-san. The view out there is fantastic, like a dream~! You’d be missing out if you don’t enjoy it!
Leo: Mm, that’s true…? But you seem pretty calm, huh~?
It’s the night before the ceremony. Aren’t you nervous, Merc?
Merc: Oh, I’m sorry about earlier. I was just surprised because it was all so sudden.
All I need to do now is to wait. I know Yuu-san will come save me.
And besides, I feel that you of all people would end up doing something about this situation.
Leo: Wahahaha, you overestimate me~♪ I’m not the kind of person you’re expecting, Merc.
I told you earlier, right? I’m a naked king.
I’ve always been blessed with talent. Making songs always made everyone around me happy. I thought for sure that I was building bonds of trust with them.
But it was all my own misunderstanding. I thought I knew everything.
It’s just as Sena said. I was a complete idiot. That’s why I ended up running away.
Merc: I was wondering about that, Leo-san. Why did you come back to Yumenosaki?
Leo: Huh?
Merc: Even though such painful things happened to you, you’re still an idol at Yumenosaki. Is there some important reason for that?
Leo: Mu, mmm…? To be honest, I didn’t plan on coming back. There was just one thing I still regretted.
(It was during Judgment. I’m pretty sure I wore this Knight Killers outfit to crush Knights, my old home.)
I was thinking once I was done with my business, I would leave Yumenosaki. I had some vague idea of going on an aimless journey, or something.
(But even so, I chose to come back to school. Do I still have the same resolve as I did back then? To abandon everything I built up at Yumenosaki?)
(I don’t know. It’s possible that I don’t.)
(Have I lost my nerve? What happened between then and now…?)
Merc: Myu, I see~ So you still have things you want to do at Yumenosaki.
By the way, Leo-san, why do you compose songs? Is there someone you want to show them to?
Leo: I wonder. Of course, I want to make our audiences happy. But just being able to compose was my own happiness.
(That’s what it was supposed to be. I can’t remember what that feels like anymore.)
The music I made were always masterpieces. So I had confidence that whatever I thought was good, others would also accept.
It was only when I make a mistake that I finally realized – I was just a naked king. I was so conceited.
Even so, I came back to Yumenosaki, and rejoined the Knights that Sena had protected for me.
Merc: Um…? So, you did it for Knights?
Leo: (For Knights, huh. It’s not something I ever needed to think about.)
(The ones who once again formed a bond with this shameful little egg, fallen from the throne and shattered into pieces…)
(They’re not in this place. Not Sena, always nagging like a picky sister-in-law. Not Naru, always acting elegant, never showing his true feelings.)
(Not Rittsu, who’s flighty but clever, and not Suo~, who’s so stiff and serious.)
I wonder what they’re all doing right about now. I haven’t been in this place that long, but it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve seen their faces.
(Even though I tried to let them go once, they’ve become an irreplaceable home to me.)
They’re a bunch of troublesome brats. But I don’t think anyone else could stimulate my inspiration the way they do.
Merc: Leo-san…?
Leo: Wahaha♪ Looks like I misunderstood something again.
Merc: Myufufu. You finally smiled again, Leo-san.
Leo: Right now, I am the king ruling Knights. I can’t be some conceited little knight forever.
Harriet: As I thought, you are quite interesting. Perhaps there was no need for me to help.
Leo: Hm? Ohh, Harry~! It’s been a while, wahahaha☆
Harriet: Fufu. You all call me by such strange names.
Leo: Your picture book's been good to me. It’s thanks to that book that all these strange things are happening~!
Ritsu: Ah, there’s Ousama~♪ No way, did you become a real king here?
Leo: Rittsu, you were with Harry~?! What, you came to this place too?!
Ritsu: Yeah. There’s someone else here I don’t know. Is she a friend?
Merc: Myu?! I-I am Merc, I say~!
Ritsu: Fufu, I see♪ Heeey, anyway, so this place...? It’s all part of the picture book from Ecchan.
I wonder why we’re all here? I wanna hurry and get back to my warm futon♪
Harriet: Excuse me…? You seem sleepy right now, but don’t mistake my hand for a bed.
Oh well, no matter. You, the lonely king. You might have noticed this already…
But this isn’t your world. This is inside that picture book I gave you – the Heart-Reflecting Mirror.
Leo: Inside the picture book, hmm…? Harry~, you understand what’s going on here?
Harriet: Yes, for the most part. Of course, I am not your enemy.
The Heart-Reflecting Mirror will reflect whatever is in the heart of its owner. So in that case, this place would be the Kingdom of Leo Tsukinaga.
Merc: Leo-san…? How did it all get like this, then?
Harriet: Talking about it now will just cause confusion, so I will explain little by little.
Leo: I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but I did think this place has some sort of connection to me.
I’m connected to those pawns and bishops. I could understand everything they were thinking. Even the parade music sounded like something I would compose.
I was taken to this palace, and for some reason I’ve been waited on as their king.
Merc doesn’t understand what the pawns are saying, but she ended up the bride of me, the king. It was clear that I’m a special existence in this town.
Harriet: I am sorry. It was my error that wrapped you up in this.
There was actually a very serious problem with the Heart-Reflecting Mirror. I didn’t notice it at the time.
Leo: Hmm, okay, I dunno what you’re talking about♪ But you’re not just any old picture book author, are you?
Don’t lose heart, Harry~☆ Thanks to you, I’ve grown a bit.
But, you know~? If this is my kingdom, why don’t the pawns listen to what I’m saying? I don’t intend on having any kind of ceremony with Merc, you know?
Harriet: Oh, there’s nothing strange about that. Just as your composing cannot sustain itself, things do not often go your way here.
Leo: Wahahaha♪ That’s true, they really don’t~!
I really don’t know anything about myself. Even just now, I remembered something after talking with Merc.
Harriet: I see. Hey, more importantly, do you hear voices coming from over there?
Leo: Hmm? Ahh, now that you mention it…?
Yuu/Tsukasa: Eeeeek?!
Pawn(x3): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Arashi: Ufufufu♪ Hey, how long are you planning on running away? I’m tired already☆
Yuu: It doesn’t look that way?! Arashi, you haven’t even broken a sweat yet!
Tsukasa: Haa, haa…! I-I have come to steal your bride, Leader!
Yuu: Wait, Tsukasa?! Is this really the time to act cool…?! There are still more coming after us!
Tsukasa: W-Why not?! I spent time preparing this line, you know?!
Merc: Yuu-san! You came to save me~!
Yuu: I did, Merc! So you were here… Leo, too…!
Merc: Myufufu, I missed you~! But does it seem that you’re running from a really crazy amount of monsters right now, or is that just me?!
Arashi: Ufufu. So you’re the one called Merc-chan? What a lovely little bride you are♪
Ritsu: Nacchan, Su~chan, long time no see♪ You seem a little busy right now, are you okay~?
Tsukasa: R-Ritsu-senpai, save us~! We are being attacked by these strange things!
Ritsu: Then come over here. I don’t really know how, but~ when I wave this microphone, a coffin falls out of the air☆
Pawn(x3): Kotton…?! Koto koto kotton?!
Arashi: Oh my. Nice going, Ritsu-chan…♪ If it’s a performance, I won’t lose to you, though☆
Pawn(x3): Kotton…♪ Koto koto kotton♪
Tsukasa: Narukami-senpai?! W-What are you doing?! The enemy appears to be getting stronger?!
Leo: Wahahaha☆ You’re all as lively as ever.
Hey, Harriet. All these chess pieces are part of me, right?
Harriet: Yes, they reside within you. This is your own miniature garden, where no one can interfere.
Leo: Hmm? So in other words, I’m the one who has to put an end to this.
Merc: Leo-san? That cloak…?
Leo: Hey, you guys. I’ve decided to raise a flag of rebellion against this stupid kingdom.
This Kingdom of Conceit, built by the naked king once upon a time.
This cramped little world that I created inside of me. A comforting toybox, packed only with things I like.
This is why the inspiration won’t come to me. This place is closed off to the outside, nothing to spark my ideas.
I was spoiling myself, thinking I could relax and live in a place with no pain.
I take up this sword, so that I may part with my old self, and break free from this warm little shell.
---
< Chapter 6: Throne of Conceit || Merc Storia Masterlist || Chapter 8: Moonlit Rebellion >
T/N: "Rondet" is apparently a diminutive in French for a medieval round dance. I didn't think round dance sounded cool enough, so I went with rondet!!
---
[Leo Palace – Balcony]
Leo: ♪~♪~♪
Hmm, it really isn’t working, huh~? Any other time, being led to a palace and meeting Merc would’ve been the greatest spice to stir up my imagination.
Merc: It doesn’t help to worry about it so much. Maybe it’d be good to empty your mind for a moment…?
Look, Leo-san. The view out there is fantastic, like a dream~! You’d be missing out if you don’t enjoy it!
Leo: Mm, that’s true…? But you seem pretty calm, huh~?
It’s the night before the ceremony. Aren’t you nervous, Merc?
Merc: Oh, I’m sorry about earlier. I was just surprised because it was all so sudden.
All I need to do now is to wait. I know Yuu-san will come save me.
And besides, I feel that you of all people would end up doing something about this situation.
Leo: Wahahaha, you overestimate me~♪ I’m not the kind of person you’re expecting, Merc.
I told you earlier, right? I’m a naked king.
I’ve always been blessed with talent. Making songs always made everyone around me happy. I thought for sure that I was building bonds of trust with them.
But it was all my own misunderstanding. I thought I knew everything.
It’s just as Sena said. I was a complete idiot. That’s why I ended up running away.
Merc: I was wondering about that, Leo-san. Why did you come back to Yumenosaki?
Leo: Huh?
Merc: Even though such painful things happened to you, you’re still an idol at Yumenosaki. Is there some important reason for that?
Leo: Mu, mmm…? To be honest, I didn’t plan on coming back. There was just one thing I still regretted.
(It was during Judgment. I’m pretty sure I wore this Knight Killers outfit to crush Knights, my old home.)
I was thinking once I was done with my business, I would leave Yumenosaki. I had some vague idea of going on an aimless journey, or something.
(But even so, I chose to come back to school. Do I still have the same resolve as I did back then? To abandon everything I built up at Yumenosaki?)
(I don’t know. It’s possible that I don’t.)
(Have I lost my nerve? What happened between then and now…?)
Merc: Myu, I see~ So you still have things you want to do at Yumenosaki.
By the way, Leo-san, why do you compose songs? Is there someone you want to show them to?
Leo: I wonder. Of course, I want to make our audiences happy. But just being able to compose was my own happiness.
(That’s what it was supposed to be. I can’t remember what that feels like anymore.)
The music I made were always masterpieces. So I had confidence that whatever I thought was good, others would also accept.
It was only when I make a mistake that I finally realized – I was just a naked king. I was so conceited.
Even so, I came back to Yumenosaki, and rejoined the Knights that Sena had protected for me.
Merc: Um…? So, you did it for Knights?
Leo: (For Knights, huh. It’s not something I ever needed to think about.)
(The ones who once again formed a bond with this shameful little egg, fallen from the throne and shattered into pieces…)
(They’re not in this place. Not Sena, always nagging like a picky sister-in-law. Not Naru, always acting elegant, never showing his true feelings.)
(Not Rittsu, who’s flighty but clever, and not Suo~, who’s so stiff and serious.)
I wonder what they’re all doing right about now. I haven’t been in this place that long, but it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve seen their faces.
(Even though I tried to let them go once, they’ve become an irreplaceable home to me.)
They’re a bunch of troublesome brats. But I don’t think anyone else could stimulate my inspiration the way they do.
Merc: Leo-san…?
Leo: Wahaha♪ Looks like I misunderstood something again.
Merc: Myufufu. You finally smiled again, Leo-san.
Leo: Right now, I am the king ruling Knights. I can’t be some conceited little knight forever.
Harriet: As I thought, you are quite interesting. Perhaps there was no need for me to help.
Leo: Hm? Ohh, Harry~! It’s been a while, wahahaha☆
Harriet: Fufu. You all call me by such strange names.
Leo: Your picture book's been good to me. It’s thanks to that book that all these strange things are happening~!
Ritsu: Ah, there’s Ousama~♪ No way, did you become a real king here?
Leo: Rittsu, you were with Harry~?! What, you came to this place too?!
Ritsu: Yeah. There’s someone else here I don’t know. Is she a friend?
Merc: Myu?! I-I am Merc, I say~!
Ritsu: Fufu, I see♪ Heeey, anyway, so this place...? It’s all part of the picture book from Ecchan.
I wonder why we’re all here? I wanna hurry and get back to my warm futon♪
Harriet: Excuse me…? You seem sleepy right now, but don’t mistake my hand for a bed.
Oh well, no matter. You, the lonely king. You might have noticed this already…
But this isn’t your world. This is inside that picture book I gave you – the Heart-Reflecting Mirror.
Leo: Inside the picture book, hmm…? Harry~, you understand what’s going on here?
Harriet: Yes, for the most part. Of course, I am not your enemy.
The Heart-Reflecting Mirror will reflect whatever is in the heart of its owner. So in that case, this place would be the Kingdom of Leo Tsukinaga.
Merc: Leo-san…? How did it all get like this, then?
Harriet: Talking about it now will just cause confusion, so I will explain little by little.
Leo: I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but I did think this place has some sort of connection to me.
I’m connected to those pawns and bishops. I could understand everything they were thinking. Even the parade music sounded like something I would compose.
I was taken to this palace, and for some reason I’ve been waited on as their king.
Merc doesn’t understand what the pawns are saying, but she ended up the bride of me, the king. It was clear that I’m a special existence in this town.
Harriet: I am sorry. It was my error that wrapped you up in this.
There was actually a very serious problem with the Heart-Reflecting Mirror. I didn’t notice it at the time.
Leo: Hmm, okay, I dunno what you’re talking about♪ But you’re not just any old picture book author, are you?
Don’t lose heart, Harry~☆ Thanks to you, I’ve grown a bit.
But, you know~? If this is my kingdom, why don’t the pawns listen to what I’m saying? I don’t intend on having any kind of ceremony with Merc, you know?
Harriet: Oh, there’s nothing strange about that. Just as your composing cannot sustain itself, things do not often go your way here.
Leo: Wahahaha♪ That’s true, they really don’t~!
I really don’t know anything about myself. Even just now, I remembered something after talking with Merc.
Harriet: I see. Hey, more importantly, do you hear voices coming from over there?
Leo: Hmm? Ahh, now that you mention it…?
Yuu/Tsukasa: Eeeeek?!
Pawn(x3): Koto koto koto koto koto koto! Koto koto koto koto koto koto!
Arashi: Ufufufu♪ Hey, how long are you planning on running away? I’m tired already☆
Yuu: It doesn’t look that way?! Arashi, you haven’t even broken a sweat yet!
Tsukasa: Haa, haa…! I-I have come to steal your bride, Leader!
Yuu: Wait, Tsukasa?! Is this really the time to act cool…?! There are still more coming after us!
Tsukasa: W-Why not?! I spent time preparing this line, you know?!
Merc: Yuu-san! You came to save me~!
Yuu: I did, Merc! So you were here… Leo, too…!
Merc: Myufufu, I missed you~! But does it seem that you’re running from a really crazy amount of monsters right now, or is that just me?!
Arashi: Ufufu. So you’re the one called Merc-chan? What a lovely little bride you are♪
Ritsu: Nacchan, Su~chan, long time no see♪ You seem a little busy right now, are you okay~?
Tsukasa: R-Ritsu-senpai, save us~! We are being attacked by these strange things!
Ritsu: Then come over here. I don’t really know how, but~ when I wave this microphone, a coffin falls out of the air☆
Pawn(x3): Kotton…?! Koto koto kotton?!
Arashi: Oh my. Nice going, Ritsu-chan…♪ If it’s a performance, I won’t lose to you, though☆
Pawn(x3): Kotton…♪ Koto koto kotton♪
Tsukasa: Narukami-senpai?! W-What are you doing?! The enemy appears to be getting stronger?!
Leo: Wahahaha☆ You’re all as lively as ever.
Hey, Harriet. All these chess pieces are part of me, right?
Harriet: Yes, they reside within you. This is your own miniature garden, where no one can interfere.
Leo: Hmm? So in other words, I’m the one who has to put an end to this.
Merc: Leo-san? That cloak…?
Leo: Hey, you guys. I’ve decided to raise a flag of rebellion against this stupid kingdom.
This Kingdom of Conceit, built by the naked king once upon a time.
This cramped little world that I created inside of me. A comforting toybox, packed only with things I like.
This is why the inspiration won’t come to me. This place is closed off to the outside, nothing to spark my ideas.
I was spoiling myself, thinking I could relax and live in a place with no pain.
I take up this sword, so that I may part with my old self, and break free from this warm little shell.
---
< Chapter 6: Throne of Conceit || Merc Storia Masterlist || Chapter 8: Moonlit Rebellion >
