Disease, political intrigue, and hot men~ LP: Koezaru wa Akai Hana

I'd like to see the route to the end. Reading fiction that does not conform to 20th/21st century mores doesn't bother me, especially when the setting is supposed to be equivalent to medieval, dark ages, or ancient era earth. I'm not even trying to justify what Suren did, but I also don't think the writer's intention was "this is great; this is how people should treat each other."

To me, this is just an interesting story, and I want to see where it goes, even if I don't like all the people involved. Hell, I've read worse. *side-eye to Wheel of Time series*

Sorry if I came off as snappish, it's just......................3AM..................... e_e I'm not totally coherent. I just don't want to fight an uphill battle, if that makes sense? As the person translating this--especially since he's my favorite--I have more of an attachment to it. And if multiple people do see Suren as completely irredeemable because of this scene, then it's a bit silly for me to continually be like NO YOU'RE WRONG IT GETS BETTER because I don't want to impose my own opinions/thoughts on this on people, either. if that makes any sense at all sdklfjslkgjfslkdfj I am tired.

Uhhhhhhhhhhh......................... There's one more, but it's not like this. It's after Naala starts being more sympathetic towards him and she ends up dominating him by the end of it. That's about as non-spoilery as I can put it.

And there actually is a very good reason why Suren has to do this (and continue doing it), and why he absolutely couldn't fake it like Tooya and Noll did. Trust me, the alternative to this would be far worse for Naala and Suren is keenly aware of that. He just can't tell her his real reasons because he's stupid and can't communicate.

I'm not saying that the rest of the route will justify what he did, but it will make it more clear why he felt he had to. And the game doesn't simply leave it at that, either, he changes and becomes a better person. Like keth says, I don't think the writers' intentions were that these scenes with Suren be ~romantic~ and good. They're supposed to be unpleasant, but that's because they will be built upon. If he came across as smug or "sullen because she wasn't doing what he wanted" in this scene, it's only because I failed at conveying his emotions properly during that scene, that's all. He was very concerned for her well-being and wanted to do his best to be gentle so that her experience wouldn't be a bad one. Unfortunately, he is hot-tempered and so he was provoked and I find that very unfortunate, but that's why Naala continues being wary of him for quite some time--this isn't just magically waved away and I actually appreciate that the game took it in the direction that it did instead of doing the usual in R-18 fare where the heroine is all "omg that sex felt so good, I must love him, after all!"

If you still don't like Suren by the end of his route, then that's fine and I'll understand. I just ask for some patience until we get there because like I said, this is the low point of the route. sdlfkjsldfj it's immature of me to be so attached to him, I'm sorry. When I think back on it, I was just as disturbed by him/this scene as all of you when I was at this particular part playing for the first time, this is just my hindsight and now deep attachment speaking. e_e

I'm interested in how the rest of Suren's route unfolds, and how he develops as the story goes on. It doesn't seem like the writer just added this scene in for the game to be a typical R18+ game, it was probably done for a reason. This reason isn't necessarily to make the audience like him, since he did choose to present himself in such a way, and I'd like to believe that the writers wanted the experience to be shocking and horrifying. Not everyone can be moral and get away with it in a setting such as this :'D.

That being said, this is not a justification for Suren's actions whatsoever, and it should not be, ever. I just think the writers have what could be an interesting story, and while the start is rocky, I'd like to see the outcome of it.

Thank you for translating this, Chamomile. I'm sure it was just as hard for you to sit through that and translate it (even if you did know all the facts) as much as it was hard for us in the audience to read it C:

Yeah that ending was really disturbing to me. almost as much as Suren's Broken Bird ending. I think Ruji's bad end scared me even worse since I was trying to get his good ending at the time, haha.

But I don't know, he's not a full-out yandere, but I think he's got a bit deep inside. (I just don't trust super nice characters so maybe that's why I get some yan vibes) Though it's like microscopic in comparison to say, Tooya :p

For me, I'm alright with this. I used to these Tsundere characters who often make me really pissed off at the start of the stories/games!! XD
And they always made me fall for them hard later =w= These guys need some time for development and to prove themselves.

I really appreciate your detailed summaries, Chamomile. I know how sleepy can we get when It's 3AM GAWDZ.
I will always cheer you on <3

/comes out from the shadows (or something)

I'm still interested! The game itself is interesting to me; each route seems to give a different view of the setting and its culture/laws/government/whatever else, so I'm curious about what'll happen here. Especially since you seem so attached to Suren, haha. (I understand what it's like to be so attached to a character... I get really weird about certain characters and I've resigned myself to basically never talking about them because when people misinterpret their personalities/lives it really bothers me. (/glances warily at avatar))

Anyway, I appreciate you taking your time to do this; as long as you're willing to continue I will be here reading!

(designated Sharu protection society speaks up again)

The only reason she was forced into this situation at all was because she was FORCIBLY KIDNAPPED BY A NATION THAT REPEATEDLY STEALS WOMEN AND COERCES THEM INTO GETTING 'MARRIED'.

I'm fine with the game, I want to keep reading, I can enjoy a good dark fantasy, I can separate my moral judgment on people's actions from my entertainment by the plot. But it still bugs me to see blame pinned on a victim who is doing an entirely sensible thing - trying to escape!

Sharu did not make this happen. Put the blame where it belongs - on the people who kidnap women by force and invent laws to punish them with. (Which means Suren didn't exactly make this happen either, he didn't make the rules and isn't in the best position to fight them. From what I can see at this point, while he may not be being a great guy at this point, he doesn't seem to be actually evil either, just operating by entirely different information than Naala is, and I'm sure it'll make more sense later.)

I definitely want to see the rest of the story, I just may grumble at times! (And all we have to react to at the moment is what we've seen so far. :) )

Awww, Chamomile <3 I can see how tired you are from your posts, I know it's not much but.. -hugs-

Okay, I could make a long-post about my take on all of this as I've played Suren's route as well, but I think it'd be best to make a whole Koezaru discussion post after the LP so everyone can talk about it in a civilized manner. I really liked the Diabolik Lovers discussion, so I hope if we do one for this game as well, we'll be able to share ideas/opinions and learn something from it all.

I've only gotten 3 hours of sleep so I'm not very coherent at the moment, but I really would like to see the rest of Suren's route LPed if you're still up for it Chamomile. But I understand that it's difficult working so hard on sharing something you enjoyed and feel a great deal for, only to have everything you're trying to put across not reach the other party.

I also understand everyone who feels extremely wary towards Suren at the moment, and your feelings are whole-heatedly warranted. I hated his guts at this point of his route when I played, and if there are some people who don't feel like they can continue on reading the LP that is also an understandable response and no one should fault you on that. Though, I hope that if Chamomile continues you all can also continue on reading because it does get better, and it will all come together at the end - trust me.

That's about all I can manage to come up with right now in my sleep-deprived state, so sorry for any spelling mistakes or confusion!

My two cents.

1. It's a different world. Life is very harsh for women in that society and it is wrong. No two ways about it.

2. Life is, in it's own way, difficult for men. They have strict rules that they must live by or there will be repercussions. It is in no way as bad as it is for women but it does effect them and those under their protection. This does not excuse that society, it is the reality in that society.

3. I'm not liking what happened in the scene above, it bugs me a lot but I do want to see what will happen. I trust what Chamomile has said and I want to see where the story goes.

The story is set up in a messed up world and messed up stuff will happen. It's like reading a book, if it bothers you don't read it. I put books down all the time just for that reason.

Again, I'm not excusing what happened or saying it's okay ( it's so very not okay), I'm saying it is a story and I can choose to read it or set it aside as I see fit.

One more thing.

Chamomile, you are doing a wonderful job with this LP and I'm really enjoying it and appreciating all of the work that you have been putting into it. I look forward to seeing where this current route goes as well as reading the bonus material on Suren and I can't wait until the discussion thread starts up!

Oh lkdfjsldkjf wow that's a lot of replies. Thank you guys so, so much, that means a whole lot. ;___; It's not like I do this LP for attention/nice comments, but it IS easier to get myself going, especially through these difficult scenes, knowing I have your support. As Taeniura guessed, that scene was terribly difficult for me to translate. I wanted to be sure to include the important details, but I didn't want to include too much and every few lines I would lay my head down on the desk and go "noooooo why did this have to happen". That's why you'll notice the big difference in timestamps between the posts of that scene. 9_9 It's painful for me, too.

Rereading everything, I don't know why I chose to take the criticism towards the story so personally, haha... I think it's because I stayed up until past 3AM translating that scene, so to hear all that when I was so tired was kind of hard on me. Now that I've slept and had some food, I feel kind of silly for responding in that way. XD; I do want to make sure I LP this in a way that doesn't cause you all discomfort, though... This story does get pretty heavy at times and it's not always happy moe times.

dklsdjfkldsjkfjsdf sorry if I sounded like I was trying to pin all of the blame on her. I really wasn't. I think I did mention that I felt this entire horrible situation was a product of the warped era and society that they live in and I feel that Sharu's actions fall under that, as well. As Naala pointed out, they weren't told of this trio substitute punishment thing beforehand and she thinks (probably correctly) that Sharu wouldn't have tried to escape if she'd known Naala/Sarana might have been punished for it.

That said, there is "trying to escape" and then there is "seducing a rich man for the sake of stealing from him so that you can escape". No doubt Sharu did what she felt she had to (and ARGH I'm almost frustrated that I don't get to LP Ruji's route because that's the one where Sharu gets the most character development and it's really wonderful) but of course there were going to be repercussions. The fact that she chose such a high-profile man almost guaranteed she was going to be caught—that's why Suren already figured what she was going to do and could prepare for it and catch her. So while it was a bit selfish of her to do that on her own, I do feel that she only did so because she was forced into a corner, so it's not entirely her fault, either.

If anything, I think the person most at fault for EVERYTHING is Tooya's late father. :| Actually, I think we can reasonably blame everything on him except maybe for Noll's past.

Anyway! I have to go to work today so I won't be around until later tonight, but seeing as nobody (who's spoken up, anyway) is disturbed enough to not want to continue, I will go on with his route. We've got some light and fluffy times with Naran and even Suren ahead, so no worries. ;_;

No don't quit I'm still interested!

But uh, would it be okay to maybe go back and add a trigger warning before the rape scene? :C

it's just I was expecting another fakeout and then suddenly it wasn't happening and awoienf;aoweingo9hblik.,lxcjiunw

I think that's kinda what got me, too, I was REALLY expecting a fakeout and BAM RAPE SCENE. x_x

I'm tired and so, to avoid conflict shall only say that I wish for Chamomile to continue this route but yes, trigger warnings beforehand. I was also expecting a fake out...this scene was just unpleasant, let's move on.

Chamo, I really enjoy reading this LP, and I hope to see this to the end ^_^

Stopped lurking and joined this site just to support Chamo in her noble pursuit of LP ing this game! You've done a fantastic job so far so, Ganbatte!! I look forward to seeing how Suren will grow past all of this and I am ready for anything! I read all of this thread in the past couple of days and while I would love to hear more graphic descriptions of sex, just sayin I have loved your witty and hilarious commentary and great summarizing! I was hardly surprised by Suren's taking Naala by force and had actually been surprised at the previous paths in wriggling around it. This turn of events is much more believable in respects to the world this game has built, albeit unsavory and clearly unjust. But that's what growth in story and characters is about! Plus I also had to see this coming because the writers were trying to write to cater to the players that would choose Suren, the man that aggressed and threatened Naala from the get go. I know that Suren is still not nearly as bad as some of the men in this story are but he is part of this world none the less so I can accept his actions because it is a story of immense growth. also I can't wait to see Naala dominate Suren!

tl;dr version: Chamo is beyond fantasic and this story is fearless! I can't wait to see more!

Thanks again for the support, I really do appreciate it a whole lot. ;___; I went ahead and added a trigger warning to the scene a few days ago and yeah.

It turns out I forgot to save, so I'll have to go through all that again (yay e_e) but I'll be continuing the route after that. Need to figure out exactly where I left off...

oh dear have you seen my summaries of the heavy make-out sessions and whatnot? even those are awkward as hell slejrlksdjfklsjdf trust me you don't want to see me write about smut.

Please..... I am delurking for the first time (I have been here far too long, laughing hysterically, arguing in my head, and generally learning new words like tsundere, regardless of the fact that I am a grown ass woman and I really shouldn't play or follow otome games since they squirm oddly in my soul. (Shut up, critics and logical thought! Fiction is okay!!) Please don't stop the LP. Regardless of the insane content, I want to know what happens, and I think by the time I learn the language, well, the world may end by AI computer, and I don't think an old lady will be one of the 5 left. I want to know what happens!!! Help a language challenged sister, Chamomile!

A welcome to the intriguingly high-nippled Hitsuji and the...disturbingly bunnied groundedsidhe! SENOR .

Ok so Naala was feeling that she wasn't quite emotionally prepared to be a "dutiful wife" just yet so she was pretending to be asleep, thinking Suren was coming in. But she didn't recognize the voice and finally decided to open her eyes, scaring the crap out of poor Naran.



Well, they pretty much scare the crap out of each other.



Naran: "I-if you're awake, then you should say so! You really surprised me!"
Naala: "I-I'm sorry......?"

She trails off, realizing that she's just apologized on instinct. Naran calms immediately, seeming to accept her apology. The tense, surprised atmosphere fades and he clears his throat before speaking.

Naran: Ahh *cough*. ......for starters, I should introduce myself, huh?"
Naran: "I'm Naran. Suren-sama's 子分."

子分 is a weird word that means "henchman" or "follower". Or...lackey? Haha use whichever word you prefer.

Naala recognizes him from when he came to get Suren in the marketplace all those weeks ago. And now that she thinks about it, she remembers that last night Suren had issued instructions to another subordinate, too. She feels a little spooked thinking about men being outside the room, their presence hard to detect. However, the boy in front of her now----

There's a choice between I get a contrasting impression (from him) or Rather than creepy, I get the impression that he's overly familiar. The first one is correct because it's a lot nicer and more moderate. All Naran's really done is introduce himself... Calling him overly familiar is a bit much. (and would be going along with the ALL NASURAN MEN ARE BAD!! mindset the game tends to want to get Naala away from)

Naala thinks that he feels "lively" and perhaps he wouldn't like it, but there's a child-like atmosphere to him. He doesn't seem at all like the subordinate of a military commander. At the same time, he doesn't feel like just a servant, either. She wonders exactly what position he's in.

(I don't remember if Naran's backstory is expanded upon on Suren's route... I think it is to a small degree, but I'll talk about it in our later discussions if it never comes up.)



Naala: "......I am Naala."

As she answers with a bit of wariness in her voice, Naran's eyes widen. However, it quickly turns into a grin and Naala gets the impression that he's quite young.

Naran: "......Even Nee-san's voice is pretty, huh?"

Since Naran calls Suren "Older Brother", it seems appropriate he'd call Naala "Older Sister". Though he uses a more polite way to refer to her, as is appropriate, I suppose.

Naala: "Eh?"
Naran: "You know, I always thought that the person who would become Aniki's bride would be someone really amazing and lovely."
Naran: "But Nee-san is even more...... Much more beautiful than I imagined. I'm happy as if I married you myself."
Naran: "To be able to have such a beautiful woman for his bride, after all Aniki is awesome!"
Naala: "......"

Naala stares at him, dumbfounded. There's another choice here between "S-something like beautiful......" or (This kid really loves Suren, huh......) I wasn't entirely sure why the second choice was wrong, so I clicked it to see what would happen... And basically Naala just thinks to herself for a bit and changes the subject. So I'm guessing it's not good because it's not as sociable/emotionally open. The first choice is more interactive.



Naala: "S-something like beautiful......"

It's hard to translate this properly into English, but Naala's basically trying to be modest. She's bewildered by the sudden compliment, but isn't exactly upset because she can tell from Naran's face and sparkling bright eyes that he's serious and has no ulterior motives. Somehow his words hit her right in the heart.

Naala: "And so, you......"
Naran: "Ah, you can just call me Naran."
Naala: "......Naran, why did you come here?"

When she asks, Naran claps his hands as if just remembering something. He says that Suren has called for her. Naala hesitantly asks to confirm if Suren is already awake. Smiling, Naran replies that he's been waiting to eat with her.



Naala: "Eh, eat together, you say......"

She trails off, realizing this is pretty natural for a married couple. She remembers once again that last night she married Suren and became a member of this household. After a pause, she says she understands and will go at once. She thinks to herself that she honestly doesn't want to meet Suren yet, but she's more afraid of what will happen if she doesn't go.

Naala descends from the bed to get dressed and ready for breakfast. As she does so, she realizes that she's just wearing a robe. (even though she's fully clothed in her sprite) She can't remember putting it on and wonders if Suren put it on her after she fell asleep. Remembering that he'd seen her naked last night, her face reddens with embarrassment.

As she's thinking about this, Naran picks up the small bottle of ointment from the nightstand.

Naran: "Huh? This is the salve that Ruji made. I wonder if Aniki was injured somewhere......?"
Naala: "......is that a salve?"

The word they use for salve is like... A healing salve. Like neosporin or something??

Naran: "Ahh, yeah. I don't know why, but Aniki said that before receiving a bride, this would be necessary, so I went and picked it up."
Naran: "It's specifically made to be able to be put even on sensitive skin, I think......"
Naala: "......"
Naran: "Nee-san?"
Naala: "! Ah, haha, I see......"

Last night, it had been hinted that the salve had a "different application". She had been convinced that it was some sort of aphrodisiac, basically. However, she now thinks that it was a medicine that he applied so that it wouldn't hurt as much and would prevent inflammation afterwards.

There's a choice here (this scene has SO MANY CHOICES GEEZ) between (Perhaps he's aware that I'm the Luce king's sister...) or (Because it was my first time...?) I think it's pretty obvious that the second one is correct.

Naala feels confused, her head a mess. She wonders what on earth Suren's objective could be.



Naala: (Why would he take special care with a woman that he looks down on?)

It's really a mystery, she thinks. She ends up wondering if he knows of her status anyway and is trying to use her somehow. But then Naran interrupts her thoughts and says he'll guide her to the dining room. She thanks him and then thinks that if Suren really suspects that she's the king's sister, she can't afford to give him reason to believe so. Carving this into her chest, she follows Naran with a resolution as if she's proceeding to a battlefield.

When they enter Suren's room, breakfast is already laid out on the table. It's a colorful spread with vegetables and fruits and a boiled chicken as the centerpiece--truly magnificent. Naala feels as if this is a bit too luxurious just for breakfast. An attendant bids Naala good morning and she hesitantly returns it, as it takes her a few minutes to understand that "madam" is her. The servant bows and Naala turns her attention to the table where someone is sitting with an air of superiority.



Suren: "Yo, 'wife'."

It's probably a little late for me to say this, but the Japanese "you" isn't quite the same as our "yo", but it's not quite a "hey" so... I DUNNO, he's just saying hello to his wife in a rather casual manner. Naala simmers in response, annoyed at his teasing manner of speaking.

Naala doesn't have much of an appetite this morning and hadn't expected such an extravagant breakfast.

Suren: "What's the matter? Sit down, wife."

I don't know how to translate how he keeps calling her "wife", either. It's really more of a term of endearment or something and not as terse as I make it sound... Oh well.

Naala feels more exasperated, seeing Suren in apparently good spirits. She wonders if he's the type who enjoys seeing others suffer. Since she'll probably say something really nasty if she opens her mouth, Naala decides to sit down without saying anything.



Suren: "Hey, hey. Won't you at least give your beloved husband a morning greeting?"

Too soon, my dear. _(:3」∠)_ Also tone is really important to provide context in a lot of this route... He doesn't say this in a threatening way at all. Just sort of a pretend-sulky mixed with amusement.

Naala sighs.

Naala: "......good morning, my dear husband."
Suren: "Normally, a person would say that with a smile, right?"
Naala: (How can it be possible for me to just 'smile' after such an eventful night? How much of a fool does he take me for?)
Naala: "I'm very sorry, but because I'm still exhausted from yesterday, I don't have the energy to smile."

She says this quite acidly. Suren's face makes a weird, pained expression that Naala can't read and then, to her surprise, he starts eating without pursuing the matter further.

Still, she's reminded that she doesn't have much of an appetite at all. However, she thinks that she's becoming weak if that's the case. She has no intention of starving herself to die--she has to think of her goal of returning everyone to Luce, as distant as that wish is becoming. ...despite thinking so, Naala can't seem to bring herself to swallow solid foods.

Naala: (I should at least force myself to eat something......)

She reaches for a fruit that looks easy to eat. Suddenly she feels Suren's eyes on her and she looks up to meet his gaze.



Naala: "Wh-what?"
Suren: "......nothing, really."

She momentarily wonders if the food's poisoned, but decides that that would be really stupid. She finally resolves to eat some boiled vegetables.

Naran: "Does Nee-san have a lot of foods you don't like?"
Naala: "That's not it. ......I really don't have an appetite this morning. I'm so sorry, after you went to all this trouble."
Suren: "Hey, why are you talking to him normally?"

Naala wants to retort that she and Suren don't have much of a good foundation to build a normal relationship on. She sighs and decides to ignore him.

Naala: "I think that I'll be able to eat later, so I wonder if you can set some of this aside?"
Naran: "I can't give leftovers to Nee-san. In the afternoon I'll have something better prepared... So try and eat some vegetables for the time being."
Suren: "It will be trouble if you can't give birth to a healthy child. Rather than vegetables, you should eat some meat."

This doesn't exactly help the situation. I do agree that she needs a bit of protein in her system to help her feel better, but if she doesn't feel like eating solid foods, trying to get her to eat meat right away isn't probably going to work.



Naala: "......I'll eat it eventually."
Suren: "And when is eventually?"
Naala: "Sooner or later."

She wishes he'd just leave her alone, but swallows her words. Did Suren misunderstand something? Because when she looks up, his expression is serious.



Suren: "Could it be that you have a fever?"
Naala: "......I don't."
Suren: "Then you can eat."
Naala: "......"

There's a choice here between "I already said that I don't want to, didn't I?" or Could it be that he's actually worried about me...... It's another no-brainer with the second choice.

Naala thinks that it's possible Suren's really worried about her. However, she can't be honest/obedient with him when she recalls the humiliation of her "defeat" yesterday. She doesn't want to feel subservient or to be simply a tool to bear children.

Naran: "But still, Nee-san, if you don't eat, you really won't have any energy."
Naala: "Thank you. ......in the afternoon, I'll definitely eat something."
Suren: "......hmmph. Do what you want."

I don't think you have to tell Naala that twice. :D;;

Suren stands up and leaves his seat, with Naran chasing after him in a panic.

Naran: "Wait, Aniki. I know it's not much coming from me, but...... After finally winning over your long-awaited bride, don't you think you should be more gentle with her?"
Suren: "Ha, don't misunderstand things. She voluntarily became my bride."
Naran: "Umm, that might be true, but......"

Naran's eyes dart between Naala and Suren and she can't help but feel sorry for him. It seems Naran has misunderstood the marriage--he actually thinks that she really loves Suren/wanted to be his bride, so it's natural for him to panic in this situation, she thinks.

Suren: "I've never once coaxed/seduced a woman. Not before, and not from now on, either."
Naran: "If you're that stubborn, then......"
Suren: "Shut it. I don't want to get advice from a kid who's never even kissed a girl before, all right?"



Naran: "I-I've just been saving it for when I find a girl that I really like, that's all!"
Suren: "Hmm~ I wonder if that's really it~"

While laughing grandly, Suren sweeps the top of Naran's head with his hand. Naran, being treated like a child thus, holds onto his head with his hands and pouts.

Suren: "Anyway, I'll leave this person's troubles to you. Make sure she eats something for sure in the afternoon."
Naran: "I get that, but......"
Naran: "Ah! Come to think of it, Tooya-sama had sent a messenger about Nee-san......!"

It's kind of unclear what Naran means, but it's Tooya's messenger for sure. Suren clicks his tongue.

Suren: "I'm busy. Tell them to come back tomorrow."
Naran: "Eh, but......!"

Suren then leaves and closes the door before Naran can finish. Deflated, Naran slumps his shoulders and seems to be at a loss. Poor Naran. Naala wonders if Tooya found out about last night. She thinks about Tooya's response and how he probably is suspicious of Suren. Naran then interrupts her thoughts saying that it seems Suren really doesn't want to deprive Naala of too much. Naala is understandably confused.

Naran: "Nee-san today is a bit...... You know, not very energetic?"
Naran: "If the king sees you like this, he might misunderstand and think you were forced into it, and invalidate the marriage."
Naran: "So maybe...... He's buying time? That's what I think."
Naran: "Ah! This is just my own opinion, so keep it a secret from Aniki, all right?"
Naala: (Well, it's true that I was sort of forced into it.)

However, she thinks there's no point in complaining, as what's done is done. She sighs and stares at the door that Suren left through.

Naala: (Does he really want children so much......)

There's a choice here between (He must really want to become a noble) and (I wonder if there's some other reason...) Once again, the second choice is the obvious correct one. Also it's true. But I won't get into that now.

Naala: "......hey, Naran."
Naran: "What is it?"



Naala: "I'd heard that Suren could become a noble if he has an heir, but is that true?"
Naran: "Ahh, yeah. Since Aniki's the military commander, that right surely should be granted to him."
Naran: "Still, just the fact that a commoner could even become the commander is really amazing!"
Naala: "Is that so?"
Naran: "Yeah. Is it different in Luce?"
Naala: "Compared to Nasura, Luce doesn't make as much of a distinction about lineage. There, it's more about merit."
Naran: "Wow, as a commoner, I can't help but feel envious."
Naala: "If there was such discrimination, how was Suren assigned to the first rank of the military?"
Naran: "That's because Aniki racked up a lot of distinguished military services/deeds."
Naran: "He was even able to ward off an invasion from a foreign country. Aniki's really got great power."
Naran: "I myself was saved by Aniki when it seemed like I'd be killed by the invaders back then."
Naala: (Ah, come to think of it, Nasura was almost invaded five years ago.)

Naala recalls that a country from across the sea tried to take advantage of Nasura, which was seen as a weakening country. She wasn't much involved with politics so she didn't hear much about it, but certainly it had been rumored that there was a "lone hero" who had saved both king and country. She wonders if that was Suren. Naran goes on to say that the previous king acknowledged and recognized Suren's talent. Even that tabard that Suren wears was received from the previous king. Naala recalls Noll's sarcastic remark about Suren on that first day and realizes this was the reason.



Naran: "Really, I feel that Aniki is strong and cool and a real man among men!"
Naran: "Nee-san, too, was attracted to him because of that, right?"
Naala: "Umm......uh."

There's a choice between "......" or "......I wonder." We'll go with the first choice because it's not so hostile.

Naala can't seem to say anything when she sees Naran with such bright, shining eyes. Even if he's a man of Nasura, she doesn't want to hurt his feelings by insulting his precious Aniki. When she sees him running after Suren, she's reminded of when she herself idolized Tengeru-sama, the previous king of Luce. Naala thinks that certainly anyone would feel unpleasant when someone important of them is spoken ill of. Naran can't help but eye her a bit confusedly, since she doesn't respond, but she decides to feign ignorance.

Back in her room, Naala wonder if Sharu is doing alright. As she ponders, the position of the sun changes. Knowing that it'll soon be noon, she sighs heavily. She figures by now everyone (back at the mansion) probably knows about what happened and is confused. In particular, Naala's worried about Sharu. She wonders if Sharu is really safe and hopes that what happened doesn't make her more desperate. These uneasy feelings just grow as time lapses.

However, with Suren's servants all around the house, Naala feels nervous about going out to see them. She even feels stifled going to the lavatory with people waiting on her hand and foot. Naala sighs and looks up when she hears light footsteps approaching. It's Naran and he asks if it's all right for him to come in. There's a choice between "...go ahead." or (I don't want to meet anybody now...) Since we don't want Naala to wallow in sadness, we'll go with the first option and let Naran try and cheer her up.

She thinks that she hasn't been energetic from morning, so Naran probably wants to pull her out of her shell before she becomes too withdrawn. Naala tells him to go ahead and come in.



Naran: "Umm...... How can I say this?"

Naala is surprised to see Naran so puzzled and low-spirited from the get-go. He looks at her sadly.

Naala: "?"
Naran: "Aniki didn't say anything, so I thought for sure Nee-san had fallen in love with him and so became his bride."
Naran: "But when I saw you this morning, I thought something was kind of strange......"
Naala: "......did you hear about it from someone?"
Naran: "I found out about it when I asked one of Aniki's aides."
Naran: "I didn't know anything and said such insensitive things. I'm sorry......"

Naran lowers his head. Naala sees his still rather boyish shoulders tremble a little.

Naala: "There's no such thing."

She's smiling, by the way.

Naran: "Eh?"
Naala: "You worried about me a lot, didn't you?"
Naala: "Even now, you're considering my feelings."

Naran had only been purely rejoicing at the happy event of his respected older brother getting married. There was no ill intent there, so Naala can't bring herself to blame him. Naala thinks it'll take some time for her to see Nasuran men with "unclouded eyes", but at least she has a good feeling towards Naran as a human being. She thinks that because he's always working hard and being honest, she can't help but be softened around him. He gives off the impression of a younger brother who can't be left alone. Naala then thinks that perhaps even Suren regards Naran as a younger brother, not as a subordinate. She frowns, thinking of Suren again.



Naran: "But you know, Nee-san, I think even Aniki is considering your feelings."
Naala: "......in what way?"
Naran: "Actually, in Nasura married men and women are supposed to sleep in the same room. But Aniki gave you your own room, right?"
Naala: "Isn't it just that he doesn't want to be killed in his sleep?"
Naran: "You think? I feel it's different, though."
Naran: "Aniki surely understands that Nee-san fears him, so...... He's waiting, isn't he?"
Naala: "I wonder if he's really so easy-going. I really don't think so, though."

If Suren was such a patient person, Naala thinks, he wouldn't have held her on their first night together. But for Naran, who has too strong of an impression of Suren, it might be difficult for him to see his Aniki in a bad light.

Naran: "Hmm......"
Naran: "Ah, that's right!"



Naala: "?"

Seeming to think of something all of a sudden, Naran turns and leaves the room. Just as Naala's surprise is sinking in at his abrupt actions, she soon hears lively footsteps returning. Beaming, Naran hands her a cylindrical container. When she peeks inside, Naala can see a thick, pale orange liquid sloshing around in there. From the scent and color, she gets the impression that it's milk and crushed fruit mixed together. (like a smoothie, I guess?) Smelling the sweet scent of it, she can't help but feel better.

Naran: "When your stomach is empty, you'll always feel more bitter about things, right?"
Naran: "So drink up and maybe you'll be able to feel differently!"

Naala feels his reason is a bit of a stretch, but certainly when you're hungry, you're more likely to get irritated. Even if she has no intention of reevaluating her opinion on Suren, certainly Naran has a point. If she has a weak body, she'll also have a weak mind. Above all, she's happy to see that he's so concerned about her.

Naala: "Could it be that Naran made this?"
Naran: "Yeah. Since it seems you didn't have an appetite this morning, I tried to make something easy to drink."
Naran: "It's been cooled for a while, so I think it'll be quite delicious."
Naran: "When I don't have an appetite, I drink this, too. Its effects are proven!"

Naran proudly flexes his arms, but Naala notes that he's still lacking in the bicep department. LMAO AWWW. She starts laughing, finding his gestures cute somehow. She agrees and says it seems the drink is effective. Naala drinks it. Because of the texture, somehow she's able to drink it without feeling the nausea from before. It's sweet and smooth. Her body then seems to remember that it's hungry and before long, she's downed the whole thing.

Naala: "Delicious......"
Naran: "Because this has plenty of nutrients, you should be more energetic by evening."
Naran: "Thanks to this, I was able to obtain this strong, manly body!"
Naala: "Strong, manly body......"



Naran: "Ah, you're looking down on me, aren't you?"
Naala: "Haha, I'm not, I'm not."
Naran: "Well, it's true that compared to Aniki I'm thin, but I can develop more muscles from now on......!"
Naran: "! Nee-san......?"
Naala: "Hmm? ......ah."

Naala realizes that she's crying. She apologizes and says that her eyes just hurt, that's all. Naran obviously isn't buying that and Naala is annoyed at her own tears, wondering why she's crying. Since she was kidnapped, a lot of painful things happened. Still, she hadn't cried once before, so why now? She feels mortified and regretful, yet relieved at the same time--a mysterious state of being.

Naran: "......I'm also a man of Nasura, so for Nee-san I might be an enemy."
Naran: "But I want to be on Nee-san's side and support you."
Naran: "Because it's not possible for you to be returned home, I know this is selfish of me, though."
Naran: "But if I can make Nee-san even a little happier......I'll do my best."
Naran: "So......"
Naala: "*sniffle* Yes...... Thank you, Naran."

Naran has a painful face and stretches out his arm. He's about to touch her cheek, but ultimately drops his hand and lightly brushes it against her hand that's holding the container. He then takes the emptied container and smiles a little.

Naran: "I-I'll bring another cup!"

Naala starts to say that she doesn't need so much, but Naran dashes out before she can finish her sentence. She remembers the word "enemy" he said before and it sticks in her chest.

Naala: "Enemy, huh......"

Certainly Naran is a man of Nasura, the country that kidnapped her and the others. However, that wasn't Naran's fault or will. However, Naala wonders if she's looking for an excuse/reason to think better of him. Every time she thinks about Nasura, she's haunted by her feelings of anger. Still, when faced with men like Tooya, Ruji, and now Naran, her feelings are confused. She feels terrible thinking about continuing to embrace her hatred......

Naala: (I should stop. It's not good to think too much about it now.)

She closes her eyes and drifts off. The scene fades......

That's it for tonight... I just realized this whole routine the story's in right now is just like when Belle went to stay at Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast. So Tooya's route was Pocahontas and this one's Beauty and the Beast? Sounds legit.

/scuttles off to bed

So what was Noll's? It's been awhile since I last watched the Disney movies, but I don't recall any oddly shaped paperweights pointed menacingly at the the leading lady's crotch.

N-Naran, just.... . Such a considerate and cute boy ;^;

NARAN BB <3
He's so sweet...and adorable...and cute... Best younger brother ever!
I feel pretty bad for Suren. He tried his best to make Naala comfortable, but we can't just trust him so easily >.>

Possibly Mulan? (I'm thinking with the hair cutting thing and stuff.) Also she's active in trying to help him and perseverance blah blah blah you know. It's a bit of a stretch, but the only one I can think of.

gnghgn. Suren, please stop being an asshole the second after you do something nice! Or at least stop trying to act like everything should be totally relaxed and normal.

He has a really bizarre and creepy disconnect in his brain as to what should be normal behavior, doesn't he?

Naran is such a kind pretty boy!! Really <3 him. Can I take him home? /hug
and Suren is actually quite considerate. Too bad that his rough personality from earlier still has influence on Naala's mind.
FIGHT! poor hottie > w <

Suren seems to have forgotten that the minute he met Naala, he pinned her down in front of her friends and threatened to rape her. And then he flat-out coerced her into the marriage. Just saying, honeybear, there is a time to be joking (or... not even joking really) about her bearing his children and this is not it. I mean, even accounting for the society he is kind of terrible with women.

...Why do I find that somewhat endearing and mildly precious. What is this game doing to me.

Edit: Er, him not really understanding that he's terrible with women is endearing. Not... those other things.

And then he flat-out says he did not coerce anybody into marriage.

I don't think he knows what "coerce" means. I know you can't legally coerce someone into marriage, but there is a loophole that was used. Just because he used a loophole does not make it not coercion.

Maybe not talk about how you didn't coerce someone into marriage RIGHT IN FRONT OF the person you coerced into marriage...?

(Kinda makes him look A LITTLE SILLY to his little brother figure when the kid figures out he was bald-faced lying there. Poor lil guy. I wanna give him a hug)

He even had the contract all set up ahead of time, and then it's implied that he set it all up so he could get at Naala via Sharu. And even in Noll's and Tooya's routes, he definitely has a thing for her. What even did it? Did Tooya tell him she nearly beat him in a swordfight?

...Speaking of which, are her fighting skills gonna come up again in a non-prologue context? I mean, even in Noll's route, he turned out to be Tuxedo Mask in his off-time and had to come save her from some thugs, and in Tooya's bad end... well, that didn't really require any prior skills at all, just the knowledge of where to put the pointy end. I think the only thing that could genuinely make me like this route despite the earlier consent issues would be 1. Naala beating Suren's ass in honorable swordplay or 2. Them fighting back to back and maybe even her saving his bacon.

I really don't have high hopes for that, though. It ruins the classic otome fantasy if the heroine can beat her love interests at anything physical.

Naala either kicking Suren's ass in a sparring match or saving his life would be awesome. Otherwise, there isn't much point in mentioning that Olli was the only man in Luca that could beat her in sparring practice during the prologue. It's incredibly stupid to talk up how much of a badass your protagonist is with a sword and then never use it.

Edit: Picturing a scene like this:

I said before that each of the main routes emphasizes something different for Naala. In Tooya's route it's her kindness and in Noll's it's her intelligence. Without spoiling things, I will say that her combat skills definitely come into play during Suren's route and she gets multiple chances to be a badass, don't worry.

NARAN.



Stop being so adorkable my heart can't take it.

Haha, oh Suren.
It's sweet how considerate he's being, but it's obviously going to take a lot more than that for Naala to open up her heart. I think it would've been better if he gave Naala some space in the beginning, so she can become accustomed to her new environment/situation. Still, he's trying his best given the circumstances and he has good intentions....they're just not being executed properly, lol.

Naran's too cute, awwww. I swear he would've been my favourite character if his route wasn't filled with so much unnecessary drama. It pisses me off because it's like the writers gave him the short end of the stick in comparison to the other characters. Thinking about it just makes me go, WHYYYYY T_T *sigh*

Thiiiis. Ahh, I was looking forward to his route after seeing him so cute in Suren's, but then I was completely disappointed and spent the majority of his route hitting my head against my desk. Not only was Naran really annoying on his own route, for some reason Naala was super spineless and weak all of a sudden, too, so I just didn't like them together at all. :/ His route ended up being my least favorite.

Yep, that's exactly how I felt too. I saw Naala as probably the best otome heroine I've ever come across since she was smart, had a backbone and got shit done, but it was almost painful seeing her turn into one of those indecisive, typical otome heroines in Naran's route. If I wanted that, I'd go play Starry Sky or something. Naran too, he annoyed me so much and there weren't any cute moments to tide me over, just angst 24/7. Yeah, his route was my least favourite too for all those reasons. >:(

Georik was an excellent protagonist. Even VN dude protagonists rarely get to be proactive; they tend to just... react to events as they happen, and that goes triple for the BL genre.

...Shame about Naran's route. He looks like a super sweetheart.