Chapter 13

It has been ten days since I last heard anything about Aka, the heroine, awakening to the sacred prayer.

During this time, Tiara Rose has not once visited the castle and has spent her days at the mansion. Aquasteed visits every other day, but there is no news about the sacred prayer.

"Does Lady Aquasteed not know? Or is she hiding it from me?"

It’s not something I can ask just anyone, as I can’t reveal that I know confidential information that the royal family is keeping silent about. My father, Duke Clementine, probably knows, but I can’t tell him why I know, so I can’t speak about it.

"Miss Tiara Rose, the preparations for your bridal training are complete."

"Thank you, Filine. This means I can leave for the Marine Forest anytime now."

Tiara Rose discussed with her father and decided to take Filine with her to the Marine Forest. After completing her one-year bridal training and returning, they will talk about the future again. According to Filine, even if they do, the training will continue, but she is still young. They are setting a time limit just in case something happens.

The preparations for the bridal training are complete, but there is still no sign of departure. Tiara Rose thinks it will be difficult to move until the matter with Aka is resolved. Ideally, it might not be good for Aquasteed, the prince of the powerful Marine Forest, to be around, but on the other hand, it would be smart to report to Aquasteed after securing Aka. This way, no one can take Aka from her. It is a tacit understanding in the world that those who can use the sacred prayer should be protected.

"But, when will we depart? Prince Aquasteed must also be nearing the time to return to his country, right?"

"Yes, originally, Lady Aquasteed was scheduled to study here for one year."

—Please, resolve everything quickly!

Tiara Rose can only pray for a quick resolution. She feels helpless, waiting for news from Aquasteed, which is frustrating.

◇ ◇ ◇

A few days later, Aquasteed sent a message saying he would come to visit again. Thinking that the details might finally be settled, Tiara Rose sighed in relief. Since she hasn’t heard any bad news from her father, she eagerly awaited Aquasteed’s visit.

"Filine, is the cake ready?"

"Yes, it looks delicious."

"Then, can you prepare it in my room?"

They usually have tea on the terrace in the garden, but it was cloudy today. Thinking about her upcoming journey, she felt a bit nostalgic and wanted to be in her room. Tiara Rose remembers the fun times she had with her friends in her room.

"But, it’s okay because I’m happy."

As she smiled, a servant announced the arrival of a carriage. Aquasteed got out of the carriage and, spotting Tiara Rose looking out the window, smiled happily. He was quickly led by a servant to Tiara Rose’s room.

"I’m sorry I haven’t been able to visit much recently. I’ve been busy with preparations."

"That’s fine, please don’t worry."

As soon as they were alone, Aquasteed hugged Tiara Rose tightly. He apologized, looking apologetic, but Tiara Rose understood he was busy, so she didn’t complain.

"But, thanks to that, everything is settled. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting."

"It’s fine, don’t worry, um...!"

Aquasteed whispered, "I missed you," in a small voice. Whether Tiara Rose heard it or not, he kissed her, as if to swallow his own words. He then kissed her forehead, eyes, and cheeks, caressing her tenderly.

"Mm, Lady Aquasteed..."

"You look cute today, Tiara."

"..."

Seeing Aquasteed’s happy smile, Tiara Rose’s cheeks turned red. She missed him too. Wanting to express her feelings, but feeling a bit shy about hugging him, she leaned her cheek against his chest.

"Oh, you’re so cute. Can I kiss you again...?"

"..."

While burying his face in Tiara Rose’s hair, Aquasteed asked again. It was embarrassing to say "yes" directly, but Aquasteed’s gentle hands were waiting for her response.

—What should I do? What should I do in this situation!?

She had only kissed a few times before. Of course, she didn’t mind being kissed by Aquasteed. Uncertain of how to respond, Tiara Rose looked up from his chest. Aquasteed smiled and kissed her cheek. Closing her eyes, she felt him interpret it as consent and lean in for another kiss.

"..."

Aquasteed gently stroked Tiara Rose’s hair and kissed her again and again. As sweet breaths escaped her, he tightened his embrace. Between kisses, he whispered her name in a sweet voice, making her heart race. Changing angles, he kissed her lips softly, making her breathing irregular.

"Hmm, mm... mm!?"

"Mm..."

As Tiara Rose tried to take a breath, Aquasteed’s tongue slipped into the small gap between her lips. Her body trembled, and her eyes widened, but all she could see were Aquasteed’s long lashes. Feeling embarrassed, she closed her eyes again, and her heart pounded. His tongue entwined with hers, and the new sensation made her cling to him. The sound of their kiss made her body heat up. Feeling embarrassed, she thought it was as if it wasn’t her own body.

Finally, Aquasteed pulled away, sucking on her lips one last time.

"Mm, huff..."

Her body went limp, and Tiara Rose slumped. Aquasteed, looking pleased, held her and sat on the sofa, placing her on his lap.

"A, Aquasteed...!"

"Just a little longer, let me stay close."

Tiara Rose called out hesitantly, but Aquasteed continued to stroke her hair. Her soft hair felt good to touch, and he wanted to keep touching it.

"...The engagement has been decided."

"Eh?"

"Aka’s engagement. I know it’s not a topic you want to hear about, Tiara."

"..."

After stroking Tiara Rose’s hair several times, Aquasteed spoke, his tone heavy, and his fatigue evident.

Thump.

Tiara Rose’s heart beat loudly.

—With whom?

The first thought that came to mind was Aka and Aquasteed getting engaged. Aquasteed is a target in the second part of the game, and the scenario has deviated this much. It wouldn’t be strange for him to get engaged to the heroine who awakened to the sacred prayer. After all, the sacred prayer is something every country desires.

"Let’s stop talking about this."

"Eh?"

The sudden halt in the conversation about the heroine made Tiara Rose wonder why. She looked at Aquasteed with concern.

Seeing her worried face, Aquasteed kissed her forehead with a troubled smile.

"I don’t want to upset you more. Aka must have hurt you badly, right?"

"Ah..."

"You don’t have to push yourself."

Speaking to her as if she were a child, Aquasteed gently reassured Tiara Rose. However, his concern felt frustrating. Preparing for the worst, Tiara Rose shook her head and gripped his hand tightly, looking into his eyes.

"Tiara."

"It’s fine. Please tell me, Aquasteed."

"...Alright. If you insist, I’ll tell you. But this is confidential."

"Understood."

She nodded in response to his serious gaze. Sitting deeper into the sofa, Aquasteed pulled Tiara Rose closer to his chest. Gently stroking her back, he said, "Tell me if you don’t want to hear more."

"Aka, who called you a villain, is now formally engaged to Prince Hartnights."

"..."

His emotionless voice stated the facts plainly. Tiara Rose gasped but felt a deep sense of relief. The worst-case scenario she had imagined didn’t come true, and she felt she couldn’t ask for more.

—Aquasteed didn’t get engaged to Aka... That’s good.

Seeing Tiara Rose’s relief, Aquasteed was puzzled. She seemed relieved that Hartnights and Aka weren’t punished for their actions against him.

"Tiara?"

"Ah, sorry. I just felt relieved..."

"—Hmm?"

"I thought... I thought you and Aka might get engaged. I was very scared. So, I felt relieved—..."

—My dear, what a sweet thing to say.

Aquasteed thought, but he was also puzzled by her thoughts. The possibility of the crown prince of a powerful country like Aquasteed getting engaged to Aka was almost zero. Even if Aquasteed fell in love with Aka, their social status wouldn’t match. Royal marriages are typically with families of at least the earl level within the country or the marquis level internationally. He could have a mistress, but that’s all.

However, he decided to think about that later.

"I would never choose anyone other than you. I’m sorry for making you worry. ...See, it’s okay not to cry."

"I’m not crying..."

Large tears rolled down Tiara Rose’s wide eyes. Realizing she was crying without noticing, she was taken aback. Her feelings for Aquasteed were already so deep that she cried in relief. Comforted by his gentle words, she sighed.

"I’m taking you back to Marine Forest. —Will you stay by my side forever?"

"Of course, Aquasteed."

He caught her tears with his lips and smiled gently. Nodding, Tiara Rose asked Aquasteed to continue.

"Right. You know that Prince Hartnights won’t ascend the throne, right?"

"Yes, I’ve heard."

"Right. Therefore, the next king of Lapis Lazuli will be the second prince, Sirius. Yesterday, he was formally engaged to Charlotte."

Sirius Lapis Lazuli Lactum, the second prince of Lapis Lazuli, and Charlotte Lapis Altier, the daughter of a duchy family, are still young. The prince is 7, and Charlotte is 12. The 5-year age gap is significant, but it’s necessary to have the support of a duchy family to make Sirius the king.

—Everything is neatly resolved.

By making Sirius the king and Aka, who has the sacred prayer, the wife of Hartnights, the country can run smoothly. Regardless of what Hartnights and Aka think.