“Halfsies To Friendship”

★ chapter one
★ chapter two
★ episode
★ voice line

chapter one

[West Country—Stargazers’ Town]

Arthur: Woah… I’ve never seen these candies before! This one stands out among the others, I wonder what it tastes like…

Heathcliff: Oh, prince Arthur!

Arthur: Hey there, Heathcliff; touring the stalls as well?

Heathcliff: Indeed, I thought I should have a look around while I still could, before we head back to the Manor. What about you, Your Highness?

Arthur: It seems our goals align, then. There are different stalls I haven’t gotten the opportunity to see yet; it would be a shame to leave without enjoying the essence of a festival, especially in the West.

Heathcliff: Given your status, enjoying such festivities at your leisure, in your own country, must be impossible, doesn't it…

Arthur: It does present certain challenges, indeed; compared to Central Country, few people here know my—

Heathcliff: …Your Highness? What is it?

Arthur: Might I suggest something? Naturally, you’re welcome to decline if you’re uncomfortable with my request.

Could you not address me with the distant formality my status dictates, but simply as Cain’s disciple, “Arty?”

Heathcliff: Huh?! H-How could I…?! I don’t think I can muster up the courage to willingly be discourteous towards you, it’s… How should I put this…

Arthur: Again, I’m in no way forcing you to accept.

I thought we could… drop the weight of titles for once, at least for tonight. It would be a nice change of pace for us both, wouldn’t you agree?

Heathcliff: I sincerely appreciate Your Highness’ thoughtfulness towards our comfort; it’s, just…

Arthur: You speak as though my concern were some great burden. Extending care to one's peers is simply natural.

The truth is… I’ve always wanted to speak to you as casually as I do with Cain, and I had hoped that you might adopt a similar attitude toward me, akin to what you have with Shino.

There is no hidden purpose behind my request, except setting aside convention and titles between us, so nothing hinders our bond.

Heathcliff: Your Highness…

Stall Owner: Hey, you! You boys over there!

Arthur & Heathcliff: Huh?

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chapter two

[West Country—Stargazers’ Town]

Heathcliff: Um, are you… are you talking to us, sir?

Stall Owner: Why, yes! C’me here; tell me what you boys think of this.

Arthur: …And “this” is…?

Heathcliff: Wow, that’s a gorgeous use of cerulean tint. Is this a candy, perhaps? I see a stick protruding on the other side…

Stall Owner: Bingo! Those right here are called “Starlit Candies.”

The candies we sell here are made to be split into two, perfect to share with your friends!

Arthur & Heathcliff: With friends…

Arthur: Would you like to share one, Heathcliff? We might as well make the most of our encounter to spend the evening together.

Heathcliff: O-Of course, I’d be honoured to…!

Arthur: Awesome! We’ll have one of your candies, sir.

Stall Owner: Comin’ right up!

Arthur: Now, where’s my coin purse…

Heathcliff: Prince Arthur, w-wait! Could I, err, pay half of it?

Arthur: Ahaha, your tact is much appreciated, but as I invited you, I ought to cover your share...

Heathcliff: No, no, you misunderstand… When we went out to town the other day, Shino and Cain split the bill for something they purchased; so, I thought…

If that’s what friends do, then I don’t see why I shouldn’t do the same with my friend Arty.

Arthur: …! Of course, we can pay together! Thank you, Heath; I’m glad you consider Arty your friend, too.

Heathcliff: You’re welcome!

Stall Owner: Haha! Now, that’s what we like to see ‘round here; fellas that get on like a house on fire!

Arthur: That’s what friends do, after all!

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episode story

“Time For Himself”

[Wizards’ Manor, Lounge]

Akira: So, how was your experience of the festival? Anything memorable?

Arthur: It was quite eventful, but if I were to choose one moment among others… It would be my stroll around the stalls with Heathcliff.

Akira: So you went with Heath? How nice! I usually see you hanging out with Cain, I’m sure it must have been a nice change of pace for you, too.

(If they knew the crown prince of Central Country and an aristocratic heir from East Country were enjoying a local festival in the West, we’d be hearing about it in every corner of the world…)

And what did you do?

Arthur: Heathcliff doesn’t do well in crowds, so we moved to a quieter area after having a quick look around the market.

There, we bought some snacks, drinks and sweets to share…

I don’t know what made this so special to me… It felt like we were finally able to share a moment just as two normal friends, having a great time, without the gaze of others to shape our bond.

Akira: Wow… That must have been so nice! Sounds like you finally got to experience the real appeal of a festival.

Arthur: I think so too. Plus, I put to good use Cain’s advice from when we last visited the City of Glory: I was able to shop and enjoy the festivities in peace, evading any undue attention.

I remember taking out a gold coin to pay last time, without thinking much of it... Needless to say, the shopkeeper was left speechless; but I learned from my mistakes! I paid exactly what I was told this time!

Then, I bought a few souvenirs to match with Heathcliff’s...

Akira: (Hehe, Arthur looks so young and innocent when he talks like that.)

(Arthur always puts his duties as crown prince above all else… I’m glad he was able to just be himself for once, without title or conventions.)

voice line

“I personally empathise deeply with the pain of being separated from a loved one; so, if there is anything I can wish for on this special day... May Orihime and Hikoboshi spend the rest of their lives together, forevermore.”

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