=== Alcryst & Fogado === --- C --- [Alcryst] Ah! Prince Fogado! [Fogado] Hey, hey! What's going on, Prince Alcryst? Why are you running away from me? [Alcryst] I apologize. You're always in such high spirits... I feared my presence might dampen your mood. [Fogado] Yeesh! I think you're being a little hard on yourself. [Fogado] Besides, we actually have a lot in common. [Fogado] You're the second prince of a kingdom, I'm the first prince of a queendom. Tomato, Fogado. [Alcryst] I suppose you're right. [Alcryst] ... [Fogado] Um, why the sigh? [Alcryst] We do hold similar positions. But if that is the case...why are we so different? [Alcryst] You're so carefree and sociable...and I am a dismal burden on everyone I meet. [Fogado] There you go again. Always so negative. [Fogado] Not that I mind your dour attitude. It's actually one of the reasons I like you. [Alcryst] You find me likable?! But that's impossible! I don't deserve such kindness. [Alcryst] Oh, this is bad. If you continue, I may find myself in a dangerous spot... [Fogado] Aww. What's so dangerous about me? [Alcryst] That! Your gentle eyes and accepting smile! Please, don't look at me! [Alcryst] Your pure heart is shining a spotlight on me. You'll reveal me for the waste that I am! [Alcryst] I...I have to go! [Alcryst] I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! [Alcryst] [Fogado] Hahaha, man. That guy really knows how to make an exit. --- B --- [Fogado] Hey, Prince Alcryst! Quick question. Can you tell me about your childhood? [Alcryst] Huh? Why do you want to know about that? [Fogado] Well, I was thinking about our somewhat abbreviated conversation the other day. [Fogado] You know, how our situations are similar, but our personalities are different. [Fogado] And I thought maybe the difference can be explained by our upbringings. [Alcryst] I see. I'll share broad details with you, but be warned─it's not very interesting. [Fogado] That's totally fine. Trust me, I'm all ears. [Alcryst] I was born the second prince of Brodia, with a significant age gap between my brother and me. [Alcryst] As far back as I can remember, people have praised my older brother for his skills. [Alcryst] "One could not ask for a better successor to the Brodian throne," they would say. [Alcryst] But when it came to me, the thing I heard most often was, "Diamant would have done better." [Fogado] Ouch. So you always felt like second fiddle. That's rough. [Alcryst] It's my own fault. I'm a lost cause. [Fogado] Did you ever just snap and say, "Forget him! Look at me!" [Alcryst] No, never. I would never allow a thought like that to cross my mind. [Alcryst] My brother is perfect. That's the plain truth. It's not his fault I can't compare. [Alcryst] At the same time, I am aware that those truths form the backbone of my gloomy personality. [Fogado] So instead of holding a grudge against him, you just accepted that you were inferior. [Fogado] You know what you are? A kind person. Maybe that's why I like you so much. [Alcryst] Oh... Gah... [Alcryst] You... You're saying you like me? You're such an inspiring person, Prince Fogado. [Alcryst] I must not risk dragging you down! [Alcryst] I have to go again! I'm sorry! I'm sorryyy! [Alcryst] [Fogado] And he's gone. Well, see you around, Prince Alcryst! --- A --- [Fogado] Hello, Prince Alcryst. [Alcryst] Guh... Prince Fogado! [Fogado] Haha, I wonder when you'll stop greeting me like that. [Alcryst] I'm sorry. Your smile shines so bright... My first impulse is always to flee. [Alcryst] I must ask...how did you grow to be such a powerful beacon of good humor? [Fogado] You want to know about my childhood? Well, I can give you a quick synopsis. [Fogado] Not that there was anything all that remarkable about it. [Fogado] Being the first prince of Solm, I received a formal education. [Fogado] But there weren't many rules holding me down. I was allowed to roam free. [Fogado] I used to sneak out of the palace all the time and just...hit the town. Have fun. [Alcryst] Amazing. I'd heard that the people of Solm celebrate their freedom... [Alcryst] But I had no idea that applied to royalty as well. [Alcryst] I'm beginning to understand how that lifestyle shaped the prince I see now... [Alcryst] A warm, outstanding person who makes new friends as easily as he greets the day. [Fogado] Thanks, Prince Alcryst. I appreciate that. [Alcryst] Ah... Once again, your radiant gaze... I might crumble into ashes! [Fogado] Hold up! Before you run away, let me say something. [Fogado] And this is going to be hard, because you're terrible at taking compliments. [Alcryst] Oh no. I'm so sorry. [Fogado] No, not that. Maybe, just this once, could you believe me when I say I like you? [Fogado] I'd even go so far as to call you, my fellow kid-brother prince, a friend. [Alcryst] Oh... Oh, Prince Fogado. [Alcryst] I do. I-I believe you. [Alcryst] Thank you for calling someone like me a friend. [Alcryst] I like you, too, Prince Fogado... [Fogado] At last, you finally came out and said it! You liiike me! You liiike me! [Alcryst] Ah! Ahh! I don't know what came over me! [Alcryst] To think I could reciprocate─I had no right. I'm so sorry. [Fogado] What are you apologizing for? Now we know we like each other. We're basically best friends. [Alcryst] Best friends? I've never had a best friend. [Alcryst] I will admit, that makes me a bit─ No, it makes me a LOT happy. Thank you, Prince Fogado. --- S ---