Riku Stellaworth Story

"Riku-dono! Today's funeral dance was also very splendid! We were all fascinated by how beautiful it was!"

Thank you. I answered that only in my heart, and smiled as resolutely as I could, yet gracefully.

"Thank you for your kind words. If the souls of the deceased gain eternal brilliance through my funeral dance, there is no greater joy than this."

"Seriously! The color and brilliance of this crystal… I hope my father will be happy to be mourned by Riku-dono, the next leader of [Blue]! In return, I would like to thank you first!"

I didn't dislike the spirit itself. I was able to realize that this was certainly my role on this island, and when I saw the beautiful glowing crystal, I was happy that the dead were safely found. However, I was not very good at talking with the bereaved family before and after that. I've always wanted to finish it as soon as possible, but since my position changed, I've become weaker.

"Oh yeah! I heard that you became the fiancée of [White] Olympia-dono! Well, I was surprised! You should have just chosen my daughter as your wife!"

That is it.

"... Then I'll be off soon."

"Well well! Isn't it a good thing? No, but I was really surprised, I can't believe it's the [White] Olympia-dono! Of course, I'm not saying that you two don't look good together. Both of you are excellent dancers on this island, and since we're talking about Riku-dono, your first thought was to pass on that wonderful power to your child, right?"

How noisy. I felt like cursing him, but I managed to endure it by imagining her face. That's right, don't mind such nonsense.

"!?"

For a moment, I thought it was an illusion that I had seen too longingly. She's standing at the very back of the thick circle of crowd that surrounds me… Waving with a smile.

"Riku-sama! It's been a while. I heard about you and Olympia-sama. I was sure you would choose my daughter."

That same conversation again? The newcomer interrupted her appearance and made me want to frown as hard as I could. Somehow I manage to hold it together and smile again with all the sincerity I can muster.

“No, I have no intention of objecting to your marriage with Olympia-sama. I am sure your child will be an excellent dancer.”

Human language is a strange thing. At that time, Jigen-sama was also talking about her, and I felt a certain respect and affection for us there.

But not now.

"You believed you wouldn't get married until you were thirty? By then, my daughter would be eighteen, so I thought she would be a good match."

When he says that, there are no words to reply. If it wasn't for the [white] Olympia, I would have been severely punished. I thought in my head.

Since she will be eighteen years old in nine years, isn't she still a nine-year-old young girl now?

"Oh wow…"

"Riku-sama, what's going on?"

While I'm sighing, my beloved figure is already gone. She had completely disappeared somewhere.

"Riku-dono, so about my daughter..."

“Excuse me, I have to leave now. I have some important business to attend to.”

"Oh."

"I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate to both of you, and to everyone else, that I did not choose Olympia as my partner in order to have good dancers as my children. I chose her because I believe that she is the half of my soul. Please do not misunderstand me."

A low roar spread. But this is my definite feeling for her. As the future head of [Blue], I have to say it clearly.

"Please look forward to my wedding with her."

"Are you there? I'm here! If you're here, please open the door."

After a while, the door to the hideout was opened.

“Oh, Riku, why are you so out of breath?”

With a dumbfounded look on her face, she was staring at me, who had suddenly appeared. I am relieved that she is not angry for the time being.

"What's wrong, or should I say...a little while ago, you disappeared before anyone knew it."

“Oh! I didn't want to disturb you in your important role, and I still had a delivery to make.”

"No, no... You are not in the way..."

"Because it's an important mourning occasion, right? Don’t tell me ...... and you came all the way here to ask about this?"

I was at a loss for words. Did their rude words not reach her ears? Then it was good.

I can't really read her expression, so it's not like she's deceiving me.

"I …Well, I knew it would be rude to come all of a sudden, but..."

"Don't worry about it. That's right, I found some delicious-looking rakugan in the square just now and bought a lot."

"I-Is that so? Then... I shall enter."

A soft breeze caressed my cheeks as soon as I stepped into the hideout. I stare at the blue sea that spreads beyond the window.

I think this is a good place. A lot of stringy light shines in, and when the windows are open, a refreshing sea breeze blows through them.

There was a freshness that didn't make me feel anything stagnant.

"But I was happy to be able to see your dance today. I love to see you in that form."

"... That form? Are you talking about the dance attire?"

"Eh……!"

I'm exhausted and almost fall out of my chair.

"Ah, I wonder if it was imprudent. It's something you wear to mourn. I'm sorry."

"No, no... I didn't mind that... but..."

Human words are truly amazing. I am often praised for my dancing. Didn't he say that to me today as well?

But when it comes out of her lips, my excitement and pride instantly become intense, and I can't even stand still.

"Last time I was warned by the elders that I shouldn't watch the funeral performance. I haven't forgotten. But today there was a crowd again, and I knew it was you right away... I'm sorry."

She bowed her head deeply. After all, it is a troublesome thing to do. I'm glad she's here. If she’s here, I could make a more beautiful crystal. No, that would be inappropriate for the dead.

"But... it's hard to say that I'll never peek at you again. I want to see you dancing, and if I see a crowd again, I'm afraid I'll probably watch you."

Oh, Hiruko-sama. I am sorry. I never intended to insult you, but I cannot help but be pleased when my beloved woman says this to me.

"I-I don't care if you see it. After all, we are ...... permitted to get married, and it is necessary for those who will become husband and wife to understand each other, isn't it?"

It seems logical to me. I can't honestly say that I'm happy to be praised, I'm embarrassed.

"I'll talk to the elders about it. Besides, you said so yourself. You want to watch the dance and devote yourself to it. It's for the future of the island."

“D-did I say that?”

When I found out that Akaza had given her a permit, I thought it was an abuse of power, but now I don't blame him. It's fine, since I'm going to be the head of [Blue].

“It will be alright. I'm sure that Hiruko-sama will forgive us.”

“Hehe, I hope so.”

After saying that, she hurriedly covered her mouth.

"Riku, pretend you didn't hear that."

"But don't worry, Hiruko won't punish you." was what I was about to say. For some reason, that boy came to mind.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the two of them have been talking to each other for quite some time now.

“By the way, Riku, are you staying for the night?”

"EHH……?!"

“Oh, um, I don’t mean anything weird by that! Actually, I've learned how to make hamburgers, and I want to put them on bread for you to eat.”

"Of course I'll eat it! I’ll stay! Please let me stay!"

I vigorously stood up from my chair.

"G-good! Then would you like to go shopping for the ingredients with me after our tea?"