IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[beathollow]

it's all too perfect.

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[townmusician]

[Haruka watches the scene unfold with a frown, arms crossed over his chest. In some small part, he feels bad for Mafuyu. He doesn't really know her, but who wouldn't be moved by a display like that? Of seeing someone so empty and hopeless.

On the other hand, he doesn't feel much sympathy for someone who refuses to see hope and spits in the faces of those trying to help them. If someone is reaching out a hand to you, you might as well take it and spite those who have made you feel so miserable and empty. That's how ZOOL worked out in the end, so it's... complicated! It's a complicated, delicate situation and he knows he can't really judge, but...

He hopes that girl managed to compose something for Mafuyu and knocked some sense into her. That Mafuyu managed to find some hope. (If only Minami could be that nice instead of bullying Haruka all the time, though...)

Anyways. Haruka is going to walk down the paths, looking at the flowers, but he doesn't know shit about flowers. They're just the most colorful thing here asides from the apples, but even they're not that vibrant. He's more concerned with the whispers on the wind, and he strains to make out what the whispers are saying.]

[beathollow]

There's multiple conversation happening, but he's in luck-

The princess is such a dutiful daughter. The queen must be so proud.

And the princess in turn! Her mother is such a wise ruler- and so busy, too. I hope she knows what a good family she has.

It wouldn't do to disappoint them.

[townmusician]

[...Ah. Disappointing people with high standards? It's all coming together, getting him to understand Mafuyu better, but. Hm. Hm!!

Haruka scowls, pushing past the gossips and making his way to the gate to join Celeste. He might bump into one of them on the way past, but he doesn't care enough to stop or apologize.]

[beathollow]

A smudge of dirt appears on his side and the maid scowls.

How rude! Aren't you going to apologize?

[townmusician]

Are you going to apologize to the princess for speaking behind her back?

[beathollow]

Everyone praises the princess! She'd be happy to know how beloved she is!

[townmusician]

Does everyone openly wonder if the princess will disappoint people because there's so many expectations shoved on her? Because that doesn't sound like praise to me.

[beathollow]

Just because you doubt her doesn't mean we do. We know exactly how good she is, and she would never disappoint us.

[townmusician]

I don't have any doubts about the princess.

[He turns to leave, with one last thing thrown out over his shoulder.]

But humans don't stay perfect for long, and eventually they'll fail if they try. So, what I doubt is that any of you realize the princess is just as human as anyone else.

[And he's off! Forwards, to the gate.]