Hoshi no Ouji-Sama (Prince of the Stars)

Chapter 6 - Beyond Earth

9 am. My usual wake-up time, though I had no reason to wake up early. I wasn't doing anything until later in the day. Might as well waste time, I thought. I was about to go to the attic, when I overheard yet another argument from Esther and Placide. Sometimes they sound so much like a married couple, I thought they used to be one. But that's stupid. I don't try to stop to listen, since that went horribly last time. Instead, I continue on my way.

The attic's still in good shape, despite it being here for a long time. Apparently some of the books are as old as my parents, which I thought was impossible. Then again, I was 10 when I said that, and I've grown up. I picked up one of the books- "The Notebook". I didn't recognize the book, and looked at the back.  The book was in surprisingly good condition, despite being in a dusty attic for what seems like a century. I checked when the book was published- 1996. I didn't bother reading it, and I began picking up other books around it. They all seemed to have the same themes from a quick glance, a theme about romance. I didn't know who's books they were, but there was sure as hell a trail of them. I followed the trail, and it revealed a little room in the attic. I prepared myself for the dust when I opened the door, but none was there. The room was in almost perfect condition.

The room was small, but tidy. A desk at the north end, by a window, sat there. It was accompanied by a small cot next to it. It looks like a study, except turned into a living space. On the desk were letters, written to someone who seemed like a love interest. I didn't want to bother reading them, but then I saw something interesting on one of the post-it notes on the desk. "Return the Notebook to him!!" I looked at the old book, and realized that the novels probably had something to do with the letters, so I chose to read one.

"Dear Kaiousei,

How are you, my dear? We haven't spoken in a while, and I know you're busy a lot. It's hard work being out of town, and I get that. When you get back, I do expect we do spend time together. It's not really the easiest thing, but I'm hopeful, and so are you, I suppose. I'll get back to you as soon as possible

From, Meiousei."

I didn't really quite grasp the message they were sending, so I chose to read another one.

"Dear Kaiousei,

I've been meaning to talk to you about something, and I hope you're ready. I don't know where you are now, but I hope you're safe still. Currently-" The name was almost scratched out, to the point where only the letters "se" stayed. "-is still doing alright, but his sister is an absolute brat." Sounds like Suisei a bit. "Anyways, I've wanted to know if you could watch them later this month?

From, Meiousei."

"Dear Kaiousei,

I wish you'd respond sooner, you know. Kin-" I stop.

I finally recognize the letters as my mom's, who's out of town. I don't know when she wrote these, though.

Who was she writing to? It couldn't be who I think.

I examine the letter a bit more.

"-sei's been questioning me, and I have to lie. You know I hate doing that. Please, come home soon.

From, Meiousei."

These were never sent, but why? If she really wanted him to respond, then she would have sent them.

I regretted asking that as soon as I saw the next note.

"Dear Esther,

I'm leaving for a bit. I finally found out what happened, and I need a break. Please, take care of them.

From, Meiousei, Queen of the Celestials."

Well, that was vague as all hell. I don't question anything, because that'll lead to more questions.

It's nighttime though, so that's my cue to head out.

The meteor shower's tonight.