Chapter 10

Aqua Steed came to the Kingdom of Lapis Lazuli for his studies about a year ago.

In fact, he had been traveling through various countries for several years under the pretext of learning languages. Finally, he decided to study for a year at the Royal Lapis Lazuli Academy as a transfer student.

However, for Aqua Steed, who had always been learning various things, the classes were not particularly meaningful. So, he spent his days reading books in the library that he couldn't find in his own country. In the quiet library, the only sound was the turning of pages.

“...Hm?”

Aqua Steed's usual spot was a seat in the back of the library—by the window. Glancing outside, he saw a fluffy, honey-pink hair. He immediately remembered that it belonged to the daughter of the Clamenteal Marquis, who had been granted Lapis Lazuli. Realizing she was having tea in the shade of a tree, he didn't pay much attention, thinking it was a common sight.

—Until a few days later.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Is she here again?"

"It seems so."

Responding to Aqua Steed's murmur was his attendant, Elliot. As usual, Aqua Steed was in his usual spot, turning the pages of a book. Outside the window, he saw the same fluffy, honey-pink hair of Tiara Rose. It was unusual for a young lady to read books in such a place, so he couldn't help but observe her.

She was there with only one attendant, sitting on a mat in the shade of a tree, enjoying tea and snacks while reading.

"..."

Aqua Steed, who hadn't particularly paid much attention, found that she was almost always reading books and entering his field of vision. Whether she was reading seriously or blushing, he couldn't help but follow her with his eyes.

"Aqua Steed-sama"

"Don't think foolishly. She is the fiancée of Prince Hartnights."

"I understand, but..."

Elliot, who always saw Aqua Steed skillfully handling the young ladies who approached him, found the sight painful. He wished his master's love could come true, but there was nothing he could do, which made him even more frustrated.

"Ah!"

"It's raining."

While reading and watching Tiara Rose, Aqua Steed noticed the rain starting to fall. Elliot, who couldn't help but exclaim, saw Aqua Steed frown.

—She was enjoying her reading, but this would ruin it.

Looking up at the sky, Aqua Steed saw the clouds thinly covering the sun. It wouldn't last long. Thinking it would be fine for a short while, he extended his hand.

"Aqua Steed-sama!"

"Her books will get wet if I don't. It should be fine for a short while."

Gathering his magic in his hand, Aqua Steed looked up at the sky again. Muttering a spell, the rain avoided Tiara Rose, and a small rainbow appeared above her, creating a very fantastical scene.

In this world, magic exists. As the crown prince of a great nation, Aqua Steed possessed immense magical power. Additionally, he often excelled as a magic swordsman due to his sword skills. However, he preferred swords and rarely used magic. Yet, he used it for her, whom he had only exchanged greetings with once at a ball and seen from the window.

"…I wish they could be together."

Elliot's voice leaked out softly.

"Hm?"

But Aqua Steed, who was watching Tiara Rose rejoice at the rainbow, missed it. As the fiancée of Prince Hartnights, the crown prince of the Kingdom of Lapis Lazuli, why must fate be so cruel? Elliot felt like crying. Everyone wishes for their master's happiness. If it could come true, he wished this feeling could take shape. Looking at the rainbow outside, Elliot thought to himself.

This was, perhaps, the beginning of Aqua Steed's love.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Aqua Steed-sama, is the letter ready?"

"Yes. Send this to His Majesty."

"Understood."

It had been a year since Aqua Steed first saw Tiara Rose. His study period was coming to an end. It coincided with the graduation of Aqua Steed, Tiara Rose, and Hartnights. From now on, these two would enter a year of formal wedding preparations. Everyone thought so—until the graduation party.

"Fly, pierce the clouds, and soar!"

After receiving the letter from Aqua Steed, Elliot cast a transformation spell on it. The letter changed into the shape of a bird and flew out the window into the sky. This magic was very difficult and highly valued. Not just any attendant could use it, but as Aqua Steed's attendant, Elliot had learned it with great effort.

"This should be fine for the country."

"Yes."

It was the day of the graduation party—late at night. Aqua Steed, who had proposed to Tiara Rose and been allowed to escort her home, wouldn't miss this opportunity. Upon returning home, he immediately wrote a letter to his country and made arrangements for the future. He informed them of his proposal to Tiara Rose and asked for a room and her belongings to be prepared, promising to bring her back.

"Things seem to be going well—though it's a bit early, Aqua Steed-sama. I feel foolish for worrying so much."

"…Yes. I'm surprised myself."

—But he truly believed this was the only way.

Tiara Rose, who was slightly trembling, and Hartnights, who was glaring. How could he leave a woman he liked alone in such a place? Taking her hand, Aqua Steed smiled, assuring her it was okay now.

He prepared the engagement letter that night and sent it to the Marquis Clamenteal the next morning. There was a lack of time due to his return, but more importantly, Aqua Steed wanted to bring Tiara Rose to his side.

His wish was granted, and the Marquis Clamenteal's approval came the next morning after their date. Overjoyed, Aqua Steed wanted to see her immediately, but it turned out to be unnecessary. The Marquis Clamenteal informed him that Tiara Rose was coming.

"Thank you, Marquis Clamenteal. I'm very happy to meet Tiara Rose."

"…I'm glad to hear that."

"Thank you for the engagement. All our preparations are ready, so there's no need to worry."

"Is that so?"

The Marquis Clamenteal nodded at Aqua Steed's matter-of-fact words. However, he hadn't expected such thorough preparations. This meant that not only the Marlin Forest but also King Alexander had been approached. Why his daughter was so loved by the crown prince of a great nation puzzled him, but as a doting father, he accepted it as a matter of course. Such a lovely Tiara Rose would only marry a reliable man who loved her. Although Hartnights was disappointing, it was a fortunate turn of events for the Marquis Clamenteal.

"Then, I will prepare to welcome Tiara Rose."

"Thank you for your efforts. My daughter will be delighted."

After a brief exchange, Aqua Steed parted ways with the Marquis Clamenteal and began preparations. However, he only gave instructions and organized the place. He had work to finish. To spend time with Tiara Rose, he had to complete a considerable amount of work. After giving basic instructions to Elliot, he headed to his office.

◇ ◇ ◇

A few hours later, a lady-in-waiting announced Tiara Rose's arrival at the castle. With a few documents left, Aqua Steed asked Elliot to guide her, intending to finish quickly and join them.

He had prepared a small rose garden. The garden, with yellow and pink roses, suited Tiara Rose perfectly. However, when Aqua Steed arrived at the rose garden, Tiara Rose was nowhere to be seen. Not seeing Elliot either, he realized they were still on their way.

—But it's taking too long.

The rose garden was much closer to the reception room where Tiara Rose was waiting than to Aqua Steed's office. Suspecting something, Aqua Steed headed to the reception room. There was no danger in the castle, and Elliot, who was guiding her, was skilled in both sword and magic.

—Could she have met Prince Hartnights?

This thought crossed Aqua Steed's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Tiara Rose was innocent in the graduation party incident, and there was no reason for Hartnights to complain.

However, as he walked down the corridor to the reception room, he saw Tiara Rose and Hartnights. Thinking they were arguing, he noticed something odd. Aqua Steed rushed to them just as Hartnights was about to touch Tiara Rose's head. She closed her eyes tightly and guarded her head with her hands, indicating her discomfort. Aqua Steed quickly pulled her into his chest, pushing Hartnights' hand away and giving him a piercing look.

—This is ridiculous.

"Aqua Steed-sama. What were you trying to do to my precious fiancée?"

Aqua Steed's cold voice made Hartnights flinch. Usually, they were on good terms, but since the graduation party, their relationship had been strained. Hartnights hadn't expected to be so despised and was now clearly informed of their engagement.

—After treating her so badly, are you now trying to cling to her?

Aqua Steed's anger towards Hartnights surged, and he felt a strong urge to protect Tiara Rose.

"Ah! Aqua-sama!"

"Are you okay? I'm sorry for being late, Tiara."

Surprised, Tiara Rose called Aqua Steed by his nickname. Delighted, Aqua Steed smiled and kissed her forehead. Blushing, she looked up at him shyly, fitting perfectly in his arms.

"Prince Hartnights. Tiara is my fiancée. Please don't touch her…"

"…I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had officially engaged so quickly…"

"…Yes. If you understand, I'll let it go this time."

Aqua Steed held Tiara Rose's face close to his shoulder, blocking Hartnights from view. He stroked her beautiful hair, warning Hartnights again.

"Let's go. I've prepared your favorite sweets and tea."

"…Thank you. But it's so sudden…"

"It's fine. I was planning to visit you anyway."

Confused but following Aqua Steed, Tiara Rose walked. Hartnights, who had watched them for a while, left silently. In a corner, Filine was secretly making a victory sign, but no one noticed.