Chapter 22

Before the time reversal, Merk and Leonhardt had been meeting smoothly and frequently.

Perhaps this was because the others had also cooperated.

Especially Carlos, who seemed to have a strong sense of justice. From the time when Merk became capable of causing harm, he actively began to support their relationship.

"…Angeline is not suitable for Prince Leonhardt."

"Carlos, you, my brother, are saying this?"

Everything went according to plan, just as Merk knew it would.

(It was really tough. I'm so tired. If everyone hadn't protected me, I might have given up…)

What surprised her was that among all, it was her relative Carlos who was the most angry at Angeline.

Thanks to him, the stance of the Steizen family was solidified.

The targets to be won over became Merk's allies. Even Neil, the school teacher, was on her side.

However, there was one point, or rather one person, that concerned her: the 'genius mage' Shurk.

Merk thought he was an irregularity.

Shurk was supposed to be a cheeky young boy, overflowing with talent, and a character who revered the heroine like a sister.

But in reality, he did not particularly sway towards Merk.

Merk had tried to take him out, worried about his tendency to stay indoors.

However, he responded to Merk with disinterest.

Shurk alone could not even properly complete the event of their first meeting.

Since he was basically stationed in the magic tower, the number of times they met was few, making him a difficult target to win over.

In the game, one had to meet Shurk without fail during these few encounters to increase his affection.

(And… the Shurk I met in reality seemed a bit more mature.)

Shurk was a hero three years younger than Merk.

He was supposed to have a cheeky and cute personality.

But the Shurk she met in reality was quite mature.

(Not enough meetings? But I didn't really want to win over Shurk…)

Originally, if one considered his route in the game, it was difficult to win him over simultaneously with Leonhardt.

If she wasn't going to win over Shurk, this might have been an inevitable situation.

However, the route where she and Leonhardt were united was established.

They welcomed the summer 'event' and shared their feelings.

"Prince Leonhardt! I'm so happy!"

"Merk. Ah…! I am too!"

And Merk's feelings were understood and blessed.

"…This is the 'power of the holy flower.'"

Advanced magic. A phenomenon where a specific flower blooms when a barrier-type spell is created.

"I am! …I am 'Merk Alstroemeria'…!"

Moved to tears, Merk declared this in front of everyone, in front of those who watched.

The current Bertsuri royal family, including Leonhardt's parents, also acknowledged that Merk was a descendant of the previous royal family.

And the drama of condemning Angeline was also successfully concluded.

Merk was left with Leonhardt's true love and the proof of being a descendant of the previous royal family.

Carlos, Fried, Dennis, and Neil were also on her side, protecting her from those who sought to harm her, including Angeline.

Shurk, however, continued to stay in the magic tower and rarely came out, so they didn't talk much.

Thus, Angeline, who had her engagement to Leonhardt broken, …

"Married into a border baron's family? Lady Angeline?"

"…Yes. That woman will be sent out of the capital. She won't show her face in society anymore."

"Border baron's family…"

"The northern Bartzline family. They protect the country from the monsters that emerge from the northern great forest. …Given the family's situation, there aren't many young ladies willing to marry into it, or families that desire it. Of course, it's an important family, but…"

"Monsters!"

Merk had never encountered monsters since coming to this world.

She knew they existed, but hearing that they did still surprised her.

"The one who suggested her marriage was Carlos. I heard it was you?"

"I think it's a suitable family for Angeline. She has no place in the capital or in society. At least, she should be of service to the country."

"…I see."

"Well, I also thought about sending her to an even worse family!"

Dennis interjected.

He seemed to disagree with Carlos and the Steizen family's choice.

"An even worse family? Dennis"

"Like, an older man's second wife."

"Ah, that… is a bit pitiful."

"Isn't it a just punishment?"

"Dennis"

Carlos scolded Dennis sternly.

"There's no need to interfere with the Steizen family's choice."

"Tch…"

"Well, well. Everyone, let's get along…"

Merk calmed the tense atmosphere.

(Angeline is gone, and the Steizen family is satisfied? And she wasn't executed. Marriage… maybe not with someone she wanted, but it's better than a harsher punishment, yeah.)

And time passed.

Leonhardt and Carlos graduated, Merk's position improved, and Angeline left the school and the capital.

"…Yeah. I did it!"

The only thing that still concerned her was Shurk.

But she could worry about that later.

So now, Merk savored the sense of accomplishment of completing the 'story,' the 'game.'

She had reached a happy ending.