Chapter 9

After that, Garnet continued to dote on Lazulis.

Sometimes Lazulis would quietly accept the care, while other times, perhaps out of embarrassment, he would get angry.

"I told you to leave me alone! Why are you here!?"

"Oh, how disappointing, Prince Lazulis. Isn't it only natural for me, your fiancée, to serve by your side?"

With a gentle smile, Garnet spoke, and Lazulis sighed in exasperation.

However, Garnet was not one to be discouraged by a little cold treatment.

She was determined to make Lazulis grow into an ideal prince, one who could rival Narcissus.

She decided to let Lazulis's complaints flow past her like the chirping of birds.

"Come now, Prince Lazulis. What shall we do today?"

After a while, Lazulis seemed to get used to it, or perhaps he realized that complaining to Garnet was futile, and he no longer treated her so rudely when she was around.

Garnet, having won this battle of wills, took the opportunity to take even better care of Lazulis.

First thing in the morning,

she would wake Lazulis, who had irregular sleeping hours, and make sure he ate a proper breakfast.

—If he eats properly, Prince Lazulis's blood and flesh will grow, and he will become as tall as Prince Narcissus. I can't have him lose to Narcissus...

Despite Lazulis's small-animal-like appetite, Garnet was determined to gradually increase the amount he ate.

"I want to see Prince Lazulis eat more!"

"Stop saying that with a straight face! It's scary!"

It was a variation of "The Ultimate Motivational Call♡," but for some reason, it didn't sit well with Lazulis.

Clearing her throat, Garnet pushed the plate in front of him.

"I'll stop if you eat properly, Your Highness. Come on, please."

"…It's hard to eat when you're watching me so closely."

Lazulis was a light eater and ate slowly, but his food intake was gradually increasing.

Garnet felt a sense of accomplishment and smiled inwardly.

—But he prefers simple bread and plain salad over elaborate dishes. He really is like a rabbit…

While Lazulis's food preferences were puzzling, Garnet didn't think it was necessary to criticize him too harshly.

She could always make adjustments later.

After breakfast, she would pull Lazulis, who was about to retreat to his room, and take him outside.

"You haven't gone for a walk after breakfast, Your Highness."

"I don't need one…"

"No, that won't do. It's important to eat well and exercise properly. This will help establish a good daily routine and build muscle, which is especially important since you are so small."

"…Don't call me small."

"Perhaps you are about 90% of my height. Let's call you 0.9 Garnet."

"Stop making up weird units! …I'll grow soon!"

Despite his lifestyle, Lazulis seemed to dislike being teased about his height.

To motivate him, Garnet carefully chose her words.

"I look forward to the day when Prince Lazulis grows taller than me. I hope that day comes soon…"

"I don't need you to worry so much. I'll surpass your height in no time!"

As the small fiancé strode ahead, Garnet couldn't help but chuckle.