Chapter 11

Escorted by Aquasteed, Tiara Rose visited a small garden where yellow and pink roses were in full bloom. As Aquasteed had said, delicious pastries were lined up, tickling Tiara Rose's heart.

--- What should I do? I’m really nervous.

Tiara Rose herself had entered the castle garden many times. Although Hartnights didn’t often do such things, she had been invited by the queen for tea parties a few times. These tea parties, held only for women, always took place in a beautiful garden. With colorful flowers, delicious pastries, and tea, the atmosphere was never tense; it was a very enjoyable space. Now, it was one of Tiara Rose's good memories.

"Tiara, do you like cake?"

"Yes."

While the maid was preparing the tea, Aquasteed had arranged various pastries. Among them was a delicious-looking cake with plenty of strawberries.

"Strawberries are a specialty of your country, aren’t they? I love them."

"That’s great. This cake is made with strawberries from my country. I’m glad Tiara can enjoy it."

Aquasteed himself served the cake to Tiara Rose. The top was covered with so many strawberries that the cream was barely visible. The sponge cake was layered, with plenty of strawberries and strawberry mousse in between. The strawberries from Marin Forest, known for their high quality, were clearly of the best quality, making the cake look magnificent. When she took a gentle bite, Tiara Rose’s cheeks relaxed without her noticing.

"Delicious...!"

"I’m glad."

The cake had been hurriedly baked for Tiara Rose. He was relieved that it wasn’t wasted. Glancing at Aquasteed, who smiled warmly, Tiara Rose naturally smiled as well. However, she opened her mouth to express her gratitude for what had happened earlier.

"Aquasteed, earlier..."

However, her words were cut off halfway. Aquasteed placed his index finger on Tiara Rose’s lips and said, "No."

Tilting her head in confusion, Tiara Rose asked what was going on, and Aquasteed gently stroked her cheek, saying, "I’m your fiancé, after all. It’s only natural to protect you, right?"

"…!"

The word "fiancé" made Tiara Rose’s face turn red. Although she had told her father that she would accept it, hearing it from Aquasteed himself was incredibly embarrassing. Her heart was beating like a drum, and she tried to calm it down, but it was impossible.

"Thank you for choosing me."

"That’s my line. Thank you."

The two laughed together, and the tense atmosphere from earlier seemed like a lie. Then, Aquasteed called Elliott over to introduce him. Since the engagement had been officially decided, Tiara Rose would spend the next year in Marin Forest, Aquasteed’s homeland, for her bridal training. After that, the two would be introduced in the bride’s homeland, followed by a grand wedding in the groom’s homeland.

"Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Elliott, Aquasteed’s attendant. I am not a noble, so I don’t have a family name, but I have served Aquasteed for a long time."

"I only bring Elliott with me. He is skilled in both combat and politics. The rest are in Marin Forest, so we’ll meet them later."

"Nice to meet you."

Elliott was Aquasteed’s right-hand man. He handled basic tasks, combat, politics, and even took care of his master. He had also played a significant role in the groundwork for the engagement.

"Then, I will introduce myself as well."

"Philene?"

Philene stepped forward and elegantly bowed. Her eyes conveyed a strong sense of determination. However, Tiara Rose immediately understood what it meant.

"I am Philene Sanfist. I have been with Tiara Rose since she was young and have officially served as her maid for the past year."

"Philene has grown up with me. She is like a sister to me. Please take good care of her."

The two smiled, and Aquasteed and Elliott nodded in return. In fact, the idea of Tiara Rose bringing a maid to Marin Forest had not yet been discussed. Of course, Tiara Rose thought it would be best if Philene came along. Even though Aquasteed would be there, Marin Forest was still a foreign land. However, despite being a neighboring country, the distance was considerable. She was hesitant to bring Philene, who was 18 years old, along for her own wedding.

"Philene"

"I will always serve you."

"…Thank you."

Glancing at Philene, who stood beside her, Tiara Rose saw her smile and say, "I will definitely come with you." With that, Tiara Rose nodded. If Philene was willing to come, she was determined to take care of her responsibly. She felt guilty for making her go through the trouble, but she wanted to do what she could for her.

"She’s a good maid."

"Yes. Philene has always been there to encourage me."

Of course, Aquasteed was relieved to have an excellent maid. There were many things that only women could understand. After enjoying the pastries and tea for a while, they continued the conversation with Elliott and Philene.

"--- Elliott"

"Understood. Philene, come this way. I will explain the precautions for the journey to Marin Forest."

"Understood."

After a while, Aquasteed called Elliott’s name. Elliott immediately understood his master’s intention and led Philene out of the garden. The maid and the knight were far enough away not to be a concern. Surprised by the sudden move, Tiara Rose looked at Aquasteed, but he only smiled.

"Tiara, come here."

"Y-Yes..."

Aquasteed stood up from his seat, came to Tiara Rose, and offered his hand. She took his hand, thinking they were going somewhere, and was escorted. They headed to a bench adorned with roses within the same garden. Tiara Rose sat down as she was guided.

"Talking with four people is good, but can I have some time alone with Tiara?"

Aquasteed sat down next to her and playfully smiled while stroking her hair. Seeing Tiara Rose nod, he felt even more like teasing her.

--- I never thought someone so dear would appear in my life.

He slid his hand from her hair to her cheek, cupping her face with both hands. The sight of her cheeks turning rosy like a rose made Aquasteed even happier. How many times had he thought she was cute in his heart?

Looking into her eyes, Aquasteed called her name, "Tiara."

"Y-Yes..."

Feeling the serious look in Aquasteed’s eyes and the closer-than-usual distance, Tiara Rose’s heart beat faster.

--- So close, so close, Aquasteed!

Embarrassed, but with her face fixed by Aquasteed’s touch, she couldn’t look away. Her face turned increasingly red as she silently screamed in her heart.

--- It feels like he’s going to kiss me. But if I close my eyes, it might seem like I’m asking for it, so I can’t.

"--- Thank you for accepting the engagement. But I want to say it again, not just superficially, but directly."

"Lord Aquasteed..."

"I’m aware that I pushed things forward a bit too quickly."

Aquasteed chuckled.

"Tiara Rose Lapis Clementiel. I love you with all my heart. Will you become my wife, Aquasteed Marin Forest’s queen?"

"…Yes. I would be honored, Lord Aquasteed Marin Forest."

"Tiara…!"

Aquasteed’s sincere words made Tiara Rose’s heart race. Could she really be this happy? She quickly replied, feeling embarrassed but smiling at Aquasteed. When he called her name happily and hugged her tightly, she let out a small cry.

"A-Aquasteed…!"

"Sorry, I’m just so happy… Tiara, I love you."

"A…!"

Held so close that she could smell Aquasteed’s scent, it was already a lot for the inexperienced Tiara Rose. While still being hugged, her chin was lifted by Aquasteed’s finger, and she grabbed the edge of his clothes as his face came close.

--- He’s going to kiss me.

But she didn’t feel any aversion. A sweet, ticklish sensation ran through her body.

"…Mm"

Being held by the person she loved, it felt like a maiden’s dream come true. Tiara Rose’s heart raced as Aquasteed’s lips gently touched hers. He kissed her softly, making a gentle sound, and called her name, "Tiara."

"Lord Aquasteed…"

"You’re so cute, Tiara."

Aquasteed kissed her again, this time on her cheek, then on her forehead, and slowly moved his lips. Each kiss made Tiara Rose’s body tremble, and Aquasteed didn’t want to let go.

--- Just a little more.

He had intended to kiss her just once, but Tiara Rose’s reaction was too cute. Kissing her again, she trembled and clung to him, letting out a sigh. Delighted, he kissed her many times, stroking her hair, and wished he could keep doing it forever.

"Mm, h… a…"

Kissed repeatedly, Tiara Rose lost her breathing rhythm and let out a sigh. Even that was swallowed by his kisses, making her feel exhausted. Finally, Aquasteed licked her lips and pulled away.

"Mmm! …Lord Aquasteed"

"Mm. Tiara is just too cute, I couldn’t stop."

Letting out a sigh, Tiara Rose leaned against Aquasteed, feeling weak. Held tightly in his arms, she couldn’t stand up for a while, still feeling the aftereffects of the kiss. Aquasteed’s words, that he couldn’t stop because she was so cute, kept circling in her head. She just felt happy.

--- No, I’m so embarrassed, I feel like I might die.

But I’m happy. She wondered how she should face Aquasteed after this.

However, her worries were in vain. Because—suddenly, a tremendous light overflowed from inside the castle.

I think the love level has increased, what do you think?

Finally, Chapter 11. Thank you for following along every day. There are 4 chapters left, and I would be very happy if you continue to follow along.