Chapter 12

As Tiararose and Aquasteed pledged their love, a light that seemed to bless them overflowed from within the castle.

However, the mysterious light quickly became a cause for alarm.

Immediately, two knights who were on standby stepped forward to protect the two. Then, Elliot returned to the garden with Filene.

"What is this...!?"

"Lady Tiararose!"

Everyone instantly understood that it was magical light, but no one had ever heard of such a manifestation.

Aquasteed pulled Tiararose into his arms to protect her.

There was a possibility that it could be an enemy, so they couldn't act rashly.

Could this be the sacred prayer that the heroine possesses!?

"It's fine. I will protect Tiararose."

"Lady Aquasteed...!"

When Tiararose opened her eyes wide in surprise, Aquasteed must have thought she was afraid. He gently stroked her and reassured her that he would protect her.

However, Tiararose knew what this light was.

The sacred prayer.

This was an incredibly rare magic that only one person in the world could use. It was said that the heroine of the "Lapis Lazuli Ring" could wield this power, which possessed an absolute purifying force.

—I had forgotten about it. The description said it was a pure maiden's prayer, and since the heroine hadn't used it, I thought she couldn't. But if it follows the game, she should be able to use it.

In the game, the heroine awakened this power right after the condemnation event. But why did it awaken now? Tiararose thought and came to a conclusion.

Perhaps the villainous lady caused it. The heroine's power should have awakened already, but Tiararose's actions as the villainous lady had shifted the timing.

The excessive strain on her body and the grand display of light overflowing from the castle must have triggered the awakening.

"......"

In the game, when the heroine awakened the power of the sacred prayer, she was granted the title of Lapis by the kingdom.

This power, which could purify evil, not only protected the kingdom but also gently enveloped it. In the Lapis Lazuli Kingdom, the title of Lapis was given to each successive magic wielder, though only one person could hold it at a time.

If we think logically, there should be no exceptions.

"... The light seems to have subsided."

"Yes. I will go and check, so please wait here, Lady Aquasteed."

Elliot sharpened his senses to detect any signs of danger and left the garden to investigate.

He was somewhat worried about leaving his master behind, but he judged that this was an emergency. Besides, Aquasteed was strong, which gave him some peace of mind.

"Don't worry, Tiararose. Elliot will bring back information soon."

"Yes, Lady Tiararose, please don't worry and wait here with Lady Aquasteed."

Aquasteed and Filene tried to calm the anxious Tiararose, but she remained calm.

The power of the sacred prayer was something every country desired. The Lapis Lazuli Kingdom, of course, but even the Marin Forest Kingdom would want it desperately.

Magic wielders often married into the royal family of the country they resided in.

—What if Lady Aquasteed desired the heroine's power?

No, that's impossible, Tiararose's mind answered. But if the scenario follows the game...?

With the first part almost over, if the game is transitioning to the second part...?

Thinking about it, a chill ran down Tiararose's spine.

It would be easy to tell Aquasteed that it was the light of the sacred prayer, but what his reaction would be was what Tiararose feared the most.

"......"

"... It's fine, there's no need to worry."

Unconsciously, Tiararose clung to Aquasteed's clothes. Seeing her trembling, Aquasteed thought she was afraid of the mysterious light and repeatedly reassured her, patting her back.

Later, a knight serving King Alexander came to report the situation.

He saluted Aquasteed and immediately explained the situation.

"Excuse me. The light was due to a malfunction in a magical device. There are no issues currently, but it is recommended that Lady Tiararose return home until the castle's magical devices are inspected."

"... I see. Understood."

The knight left after a brief report.

Aquasteed seemed to be thinking about something, but Tiararose couldn't read his mind.

The knight's report was surely a lie. Tiararose was certain of this, but she had no reason to press the matter.

"It was a malfunction in a magical device. I'm glad nothing serious happened."

Relieved, Filene instructed to prepare the carriage.

"Tiararose. I'll take you back to the mansion."

"... Yes, I understand."

—Actually, she didn't want to go back.

But she couldn't say that. She wanted to see how the game would progress with her own eyes. However, she had to accept the report of a malfunction in the magical device.

Whether it was King Alexander's decision or the order of someone with power... Tiararose had never thought that not knowing would be so frustrating.

But, I hope...

—Lady Aquasteed doesn't take the heroine's hand...

◇ ◇ ◇

After sending Tiararose off, Aquasteed returned to his room in the castle.

But Elliot was still not there.

"...? He's late."

The castle had returned to its usual calm, and most people were back to their normal routines.

The only reason Elliot hadn't returned was that the information the knight had reported was a lie.

Otherwise, the competent Elliot wouldn't be absent. He was skilled in espionage and had once been solely responsible for it.

—Something significant must have happened?

He didn't know. But as the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom, Aquasteed couldn't investigate the castle himself. It could lead to war.

This was different from the playful banter between princes at a graduation party. If something happened, King Alexander would take strict action.

"I can only wait."

Reluctantly, Aquasteed reached for the documents he had planned to work on the next day.

He was almost certain that Elliot would bring back some information. To ensure he had more free time in the coming days, he needed to finish his work early.

He spent some time at his desk, going through the documents.

Occasionally, he thought about Tiararose. It was her first kiss, and she had looked up at him with moist eyes.

Aquasteed thought he should praise himself for not taking advantage of the moment.

Thinking about spending time with her made his work go faster.

Knock, knock, knock.

"... Come in."

The door was knocked on unexpectedly. Aquasteed glanced at the clock; it was past evening.

Assuming it was a lady-in-waiting bringing his meal, he instructed her to prepare it.

While the lady-in-waiting set up the meal, Aquasteed finished his work. After finishing his meal, it was already night.

He sipped the light wine the lady-in-waiting had prepared, pondering what to do. Just then, the sound of a knock echoed through the room, signaling Elliot's return.

He immediately instructed, "Come in," and a tired-looking Elliot appeared.

"I have returned, Lord Aquasteed."

"Yes. You're late—what happened?"

"... Yes. Surprisingly, a girl named Akari, who was next to Prince Hartnights at the graduation party, has awakened the power of the sacred prayer."

"...!!"

Aquasteed was shocked by what Elliot said.

He thought about what had happened to the previous wielder of the sacred prayer.

—A few years ago, I received news that she had passed away.

If that was true, it wasn't strange for a new wielder to appear at this stage. But for it to be Akari...

Aquasteed sighed deeply, thinking it was a troublesome situation.

"A maiden with the power of the sacred prayer. I want her."

"Yes, but King Alexander won't let her go."

"Even if it means war, he won't let her go."

Recalling the incident at the graduation party, Aquasteed remembered that the plan was not to make Hartnights the king.

He didn't know what decision King Alexander would make, but he could guess.

"I received a report that it was a malfunction in a magical device. King Alexander won't speak about the sacred prayer until the matter is settled. The time it took for Elliot to gather this information is proof."

"Yes. —Most likely, he will arrange for Akari to marry Prince Hartnights. Since he declared that Hartnights won't be king, the second prince, Sirius, will likely be made king and supported by Akari."

Nodding at Elliot's words, Aquasteed muttered, "Troublesome."

Regarding the incident at the graduation party, King Alexander had apologized and taken responsibility for Hartnights' actions, but it was ultimately a matter of children's mischief. In the worst case, he could disown Hartnights.

However, regarding the wielder of the sacred prayer, he would take serious action. There would be no leniency, as there had been in the previous incident.

"The benefits of possessing the wielder of the sacred prayer are great. It would bring peace to the country."

"... I can intervene with my power, but the drawbacks are significant."

"Drawbacks, you say."

As Aquasteed pondered, Elliot reacted with enthusiasm.

Understanding his master's words, Elliot began to simulate his next moves in his mind. He knew he had to act before being instructed.

"Of course, the benefits are also great. If we obtain the sacred prayer, our country will flourish."

"......"

Aquasteed's mind raced, calculating the future. After a few minutes of contemplation, he quietly called his servant's name.

"As you wish, Lord Aquasteed."

Elliot immediately acknowledged and disappeared into the night.

I am surprised by the many reviews and bookmarks...!

Thank you so much!!

I'm so happy that I ended up creating a plot for Chapter 2. (laughs)

For now, I'll focus on finishing the remaining part of Chapter 1.

I'm very sorry for not responding to all the comments.

I have read them all...! I hope to respond when I have some free time... (I'm sorry)