Crown 12

Wataru: Are you entirely sure we should leave Butler-san be?

Eichi: Tori was kidnapped—or so it’s been said.

Do you think someone like Yuzuru, who thinks that child outshines the sun, could actually be stopped if we just told him to stand down?

He isn’t stupid. He might stop if we ordered him to do so, but it would undoubtedly cause him a great deal of stress.

And that stress would slowly eat away at him, sapping him of the physical and mental strength he needs for our final battle.

If that’s the alternative, it’s best to just let him blow off some steam and do what he wants. At the very least, it’s a good distraction for him.

Wataru: Well, I suppose Butler-san wouldn’t let his rough investigations become a problem. Still, you’re sure this is all right? He’s like you, Eichi, in that he occasionally loses all sense of restraint and gets a bit unhinged.

Eichi: Who is it you’re comparing now? We just have to trust him; Yuzuru truly cares for Tori, and loves him deeply—

He would never do anything that would tarnish fine’s honor, since Tori loves it so much.

People often can’t stand to see something they care about so besmirched, even if they’re told it’s for their own good.

So it would be to damage fine’s reputation.

If Tori were in some kind of mortal danger, Yuzuru would surely resort to reckless behavior even at the expense of Tori hating him.

But that’s not what seems to be the case here. I surmise Yuzuru has sensed this, as well.

Even so, Tori must be very dear to Yuzuru for him to lose control like this and go on this rampage.

Do you think I’m heartless, Wataru, that I am incapable of losing myself like that?

Wataru: Why bring that up at this point?

Eichi: You’re right; it’s too late for that. It’s rather strange that Tori didn’t become disillusioned with me even after he discovered my true nature.

Actually, I wonder if I would give him a shock by suddenly swooping in to save him.

It seems he simply loves me for who I am, despite the burdens I carry.

Wataru: Amazing! How commendable of you to realize that! I must say, well done, Eichi!

Eichi: ......

Wataru: The Princess is not an angel, born entirely pure and remaining that way.

He is a human being. Certainly, he has been loved and protected as he was brought up—from all sorts of disaster and evils.

Nevertheless! That is precisely what springs forth from within a human’s heart! So long as he is a human being with a human heart, darkness will continue to accumulate inside of him!

There is no sun within a human body! There is only darkness...!

Which is why everyone reaches out into the world, seeking a light that may illuminate what is inside them. At the same time, they fumble around toward others to ascertain their forms.

The Princess was enchanted by your form when he found you in this way.

Regardless of your similar upbringings and burdens, he loved you because of the brilliant light you shone.

He longed to be someone like you.

Eichi: ......

Wataru: You are that boy’s sun, Eichi. And one who admires the sun will slowly mature and one day become someone else’s sun.

This is how, in the darkness of the universe, countless stars begin to shine. That vista is the point of origin for all the children who want to become idols.

You are constructing a system which not only makes it easier for stars to be born, but also allows them to keep shining for a longer time.

It’s impressive: you’ve done so well for someone who is not a god.

I, too, am often seen as a mysterious being beyond humanity. Yet I have always watched you with keen interest—

As my irreplaceable comrade who I was able to come across in this vast universe.

Eichi: Fufu. It’s terrifying to think that if I hadn’t put in so much desperate effort, you would never even have noticed me.