Chapter 15

The Lapis Lazuli Kingdom has a very large and beautiful lake.

At the lakeside stands a white tower, surrounded by a variety of colorful flowers, known as the Princess's Tower. The tower is adorned with floral reliefs that spiral around it, but it is a state secret that these are magical artifacts designed to seal magic.

This is the place where important figures, deemed to require the sealing of their magic, reside.

Only a select few of the country's authorities know this...

"Why do I have to live in such a place?"

With her black hair flowing, Akari was on the top floor of the tower, gazing out the window as the wind gently caressed her hair.

She was originally under house arrest in the palace guest room, but after attempting to harm Tiara Rose with magic, she was moved to this white tower.

She should have been punished severely.

However, because she possessed a sacred prayer, and Tiara Rose did not desire a harsh punishment, her penalty was to live in this tower.

Tiara Rose, out of sympathy for Akari being the only Japanese person and gratitude for accidentally learning the name of the next heroine, arranged for this punishment.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and Aquasteed nodded in agreement with Tiara Rose's words. Most importantly, the country did not want to lose Akari, who possessed a sacred prayer.

"Aquas can't stand me... Hartnights doesn't pay much attention to me either... I was the heroine, so why did it end up like this? If only I could transfer somewhere far away with magic..."

Akari's words, spoken softly, were filled with despair about her life.

Using a vast amount of magic to transfer—something that should have been easy—was impossible in the tower, where she could only use a little magic.

The floral reliefs that spiraled around the tower's exterior were magical artifacts to seal magic. They looked like stylish decorations but were intricately calculated special items.

"The only things I can do are use magic to light up like a lamp, produce a little water, and adjust the room temperature like an air conditioner. There might be other things I can do, but I'm not sure."

However, the absolute fact was that she couldn't leave the tower on her own.

The entrance was locked with a special key, and there were guards both inside and outside the tower. If she tried to cause trouble, the guards would immediately come.

"If this were a dating game, a prince would come to save me... But this is a dating game, after all."

No one was there to save Akari.

There might be a time when she could leave the tower, but it would be under strict supervision, and she wouldn't have much freedom. She wished Hartnights were there.

"...Eh? It's Lord Hartnights."

As if her prayers were answered, Hartnights appeared at the bottom of the tower.

Akari's face lit up, and she welcomed him. She invited him to sit on the sofa and prepared her favorite tea and cookies.

"I won't stay long, so don't worry about it."

"I want to. I'm so bored here..."

"Akari..."

—Because you won't take me out, right?

If that's the case, "at least give me a pleasant tea time," she said with a weak smile.

"Hartnights and I will get married and assist the second prince, Sirius. This is decided, and Akari has no right to refuse."

"...I understand."

"You nodded so easily. I heard you admire Prince Aquasteed."

Akari, despite her bold plans, couldn't remain strong after being rejected by Aquasteed, whom she liked.

Moreover, Hartnights was misunderstanding. Akari thought, "If I'm called bold, then I am, but there's nothing I can do about it."

Akari likes Aquasteed.

Everyone thinks so.

Of course, it's true.

"—But I also really like Lord Hartnights."

Akari said this softly but looked straight into Hartnights' eyes.

Hartnights was very surprised. He thought Akari's heart was completely set on Aquasteed and that she had no feelings for him.

"...Akari"

"Lord Hartnights?"

Did I say something strange? Akari was puzzled by Hartnights' surprise.

What was obvious to Akari was not obvious to others.

Akari loves this dating game world.

She can't dislike the characters in it. She loves everyone. This pure thought fell straight into Hartnights' heart.

"..."

Hartnights felt a warmth in his eyes.

He was happy to finally understand Akari's feelings, even though she had acted selfishly. Akari, who liked Aquasteed, also liked him.

However, Hartnights had his pride. He couldn't immediately accept everything, his heart told him.

"...I'm leaving today."

"Eh!? But Lord Hartnights just arrived..."

He quickly descended the tower and hurriedly left.

He thought he might say something he shouldn't if he stayed any longer.

Was it because Akari was the heroine and Hartnights was a target character in the dating game? Or was there another reason? ...

◇ ◇ ◇

"Tiara Rose, stay healthy."

"If anything happens, contact us immediately."

"...Yes. Mother, Father, there's no need to worry. I am very happy."

The day of departure for Marinfrost.

In front of the mansion, Tiara Rose and Aquasteed bid farewell to her parents. She would return once in a year for a debut ceremony but would not come back during that time.

After the official wedding, she would become the queen. It would be difficult to leave the country and return home easily. Of course, Aquasteed would be considerate, but Tiara Rose thought she shouldn't be too demanding.

"Prince Aquasteed, please take good care of my daughter."

The Duke of Clamentier bowed to Aquasteed, who smiled and said, "Please don't."

"Of course, I will take good care of her and make her happy. I am already so happy."

"Aqua... I am also very happy."

"Ha, you got me there. But I'm glad Tiara is happy."

In front of her parents, Tiara Rose realized the atmosphere had become sweet. She blushed and looked down, and Aquasteed chuckled beside her.

"In a year, tell me many fun stories."

"Yes. Please stay healthy, Father."

"Of course."

The journey to Marinfrost was planned to take 20 days by carriage, with frequent stops in towns along the way. Additionally, Aquasteed's wish to spend time with Tiara Rose was included in the plan.

As they were saying their goodbyes, Elliot announced that the preparations for departure were complete.

The Duke of Clamentier, looking sad, said, "You're leaving already? I'll miss you."

However, if they delayed any longer, they would arrive at the next town after dark, which would be dangerous. Understanding this, he nodded and saw Tiara Rose off.

"Stay healthy."

"Take care of yourself."

"Yes. Stay healthy, Father and Mother. I'll bring back many souvenirs in a year."

"Ha, I look forward to it."

Hugged tightly by her parents, Tiara Rose teared up. Even though she wouldn't see them for a while, she felt so sad.

The Duke of Clamentier, who had started to cry, urged her to leave. He was embarrassed to show his tears to his daughter.

"I've never seen Father cry."

"Don't say silly things. Hurry up. It's not good to arrive late. It's dangerous at night."

"Yes. Thank you, Father."

Speaking quickly to hide his embarrassment, the Duke of Clamentier had no dignity as a noble. He was just a father.

Tiara Rose, feeling happy about this, smiled.

"Filene, stay healthy and do your best."

"Yes. I will support Tiara Rose well."

"Ah, thank you."

Filene also said her goodbyes, and they were ready to depart.

Tiara Rose and Aquasteed got into the same carriage, and Filene boarded a subsequent carriage. Elliot, serving as a guard, rode ahead.

—My heart is racing.

Tiara Rose had felt this excitement many times before, but today's excitement was the happiness of a new beginning.

◇ ◇ ◇

Clack, clack... The carriage moved forward with a light sound.

Their destination was Marinfrost, Aquasteed's homeland, a powerful country where Tiara Rose would become the queen.

Now, they were alone in the carriage, and Tiara Rose was nervous about what to talk about.

Aquasteed, seeing her nervousness, smiled, but Tiara Rose didn't notice.

"We'll reach the town at the border with Marinfrost in six days. The scenery will change dramatically then. For now, enjoy the view outside."

"Yes. I've never been to Marinfrost, but there are many fairies, right?"

"Yes. I'm sure you'll be blessed."

Following Aquasteed's advice, Tiara Rose looked out the window and remembered the fairies.

In the first part of the game, the Lapis Lazuli Kingdom, there were almost no fairies. The same was true for other countries, as fairies preferred to live in Marinfrost.

Being blessed by fairies could bring new magic and other benefits.

Tiara Rose, who had died in her previous life before even getting information about Aquasteed, only had the knowledge she gained while living as Tiara Rose.

She knew Marinforest was a beautiful country with fairies, rich seas, and forests. It was a place every girl wanted to visit, as she had heard from many people.

"...I'm looking forward to meeting the fairies."

She smiled and looked outside again, gazing in the direction of the mansion, feeling nostalgic.

Thinking about the new environment ahead, she suddenly felt nostalgic.

"...Father, Mother, I am very happy."

Her words, spoken softly, reached Aquasteed's ears in the carriage.

To reassure her, he pulled her close and kissed her gently. "It's okay," he said, pampering her.

"Yes."

Blushing at the unexpected kiss, she mustered the courage to lean on Aquasteed's shoulder.

She decided to act cute! Of course, she had to gather all her courage.

"Aha, you're still so cute, Tiara."

Holding Tiara Rose's shoulder, he buried his face in her hair.

He thought about kissing her again, but at that moment, a small light appeared in the center of the carriage.

"Eh...!?"

"...A letter?"

The light enveloped a letter.

When Aquasteed reached for it, he saw "To Tiara Rose" written on it, making it clear who it was for.

The cute, round handwriting was clearly from a woman. However, Tiara Rose had no friends who would do something like this.

Moreover, this was a special magic that required power and talent. While Tiara Rose was thinking about this, Aquasteed opened the letter.

"Ah..."

"This seems to be a letter to Tiara, but it's too suspicious. I'll check it, sorry."

"No, that's fine, but... If it's dangerous and harms you, Lord Aquasteed, I'm worried. Please don't open it so quickly..."

She didn't want him to open the letter without permission, but Aquasteed, realizing she was worried, felt happy. "It's okay," he said with absolute confidence, stroking her to reassure her.

"There's no ill intent. It seems to be a letter from Akari."

"Akari's?"

—What could she be thinking? She still can't give up on Aquasteed...?

Akari, who had attacked Tiara Rose, did so out of her feelings for Aquasteed. A letter from her was not a good feeling.

Wondering what it said, Aquasteed read it aloud.

"To Tiara. This letter is the maximum magic I can use in the white tower. The only magic I can use is to write letters. I will try to be happy with Hartnights. So, please be happy, Tiara. ...This content is too convenient, isn't it?"

"Ah...!!"

Seeing the neatly written words, Tiara Rose could only smile wryly. She wanted to complain about the content of the letter.

However, she noticed something. —The last line of the letter, written in Japanese.

"I won't forgive you if you lose to a sequel heroine!!"

"Fu, fu fu...!"

"Tiara?"

Tiara Rose couldn't help but laugh.

When Aquasteed frowned, she said, "It's nothing," and took the letter. It smoothly transferred to her hand, and she put it back in the envelope.

—Is this her way of cheering me on?

"Aqua, can I keep this letter?"

"Of course, but it's from Akari, who did terrible things to you. Aren't you upset?"

"It's fine. I'll use it as motivation when I feel down."

"..."

Why would that be motivating? Aquasteed, who couldn't read the last line, couldn't understand at all.

But since Tiara Rose said so, he let her have it.

I won't lose to a sequel heroine.

Tiara Rose made this vow in her heart—...

This concludes Chapter 1.

Thank you for reading! I'm so happy.

Your bookmarks and reviews have been very encouraging! I'll work hard to continue providing enjoyable content.

I would be very happy if you continue to follow the story from Chapter 2 onwards.