Chapter 17

"Tiara, are you not tired?"

"Yes. Thank you, Aqua-sama."

While gently stroking her hair, Aquastead tenderly embraced Tiara Rose. The anxiety in her heart seemed to fade away, and Tiara Rose sighed in relief.

Since coming to the Marine Forest and meeting the heroine Aishira, she had been greatly disturbed and filled with fear.

Now, after a 20-day journey, they had finally reached the royal castle of Marine Forest, and Tiara Rose was resting in her private room.

Greetings to the king and nobles were scheduled for the following days. For now, during her free time, Aquastead was indulging Tiara Rose, who was feeling anxious.

"If you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

"Thank you."

Aquastead looked around the room, pondering if anything was missing. However, everything seemed to be prepared, so she shook her head, thinking Tiara Rose would be fine.

The room was neatly arranged, divided into a reception room, main room, and bedroom. The reception room was currently being prepared by Filene, and now they were having tea in the main room.

The furniture was primarily white and calm, with light-colored curtains, perfectly matching Tiara Rose's atmosphere.

"My room is on the floor above. If you need anything, feel free to visit."

"Yes."

Since she was still unfamiliar with the castle, Tiara Rose needed to quickly memorize various locations. The days ahead would be busy.

On the other hand, she might not have to think about Lady Aishira as much. With this thought, she sipped her tea.

"As I mentioned, there will be a welcome party for Tiara in three days. I have already prepared a dress for you, so please wear it?"

The dress Aquastead had prepared for a long time was a light blue empire-line dress that would suit Tiara Rose.

Thinking it would be perfect for the cute and fluffy Tiara Rose, Aquastead was looking forward to escorting her.

"For me, a dress? I'm so happy, thank you."

"Oh, you're really cute."

"A, Aqua-sama?"

Seeing Tiara Rose smile happily, Aquastead hugged her, saying, "You're so cute."

The carriage journey had been difficult, and now that they were back in the castle, Aquastead wanted to pamper Tiara Rose as much as possible.

As usual, she kissed her forehead, the corners of her eyes, her cheeks, and her lips. Even though she had done this many times, Tiara Rose blushed and looked embarrassed each time.

Her innocent nature made her even cuter, and Aquastead wanted to kiss her more. She gently touched her lips and observed Tiara Rose's reaction.

"…!"

"……"

—What is this cute creature?

Tiara Rose, trembling slightly, looked up at Aquastead, like a small animal, which greatly aroused Aquastead's protective instincts.

"A year until the wedding…"

"?"

Hearing Aquastead mutter, Tiara Rose tilted her head. Sensing that Aquastead thought it was too long, she asked what was wrong.

"It's too long. I want to make Tiara my wife right now…"

"Aqua-sama… You can't do that. I will properly train as a bride and become a helpful wife. Please wait a little longer."

"I understand."

Sighing deeply, Aquastead kissed Tiara Rose again. A sweet sigh escaped her lips, tickling Aquastead's ear.

Overwhelmed with love, Aquastead savored Tiara Rose's lips for a while.

◇ ◇ ◇

As time passed slowly in the castle, the day of the welcome party arrived.

Sitting in front of a large dresser, Tiara Rose prepared for the welcome party. Filene had tidied her up, and the castle's maids were supporting her.

The preparations, carried out joyfully by the women, were filled with lively conversation.

"What hairstyles are popular in Marine Forest? Tiara Rose is the star of the evening, so she needs to put in extra effort."

"Currently, half-up hairstyles are popular among young ladies. Since Tiara Rose is very cute, how about adding flowers to her hair?"

"That sounds wonderful."

Filene gathered Tiara Rose's hair and discussed the hairstyle with the maids. Tiara Rose, finding it difficult to interject, decided to let them do as they pleased, finding their efforts endearing.

"Then, could we add a deep blue flower?"

"Deep blue?"

"…I thought it would be nice to have a flower the same color as Aqua-sama's hair."

Upon hearing Tiara Rose's gentle suggestion, the maids widened their eyes and immediately agreed, saying, "That's a great idea!"

Although she blushed, thinking it might be a bit bold, she was relieved by their positive reaction.

One maid left to fetch the flower, while Filene and the remaining maid decided on the specific hairstyle.

"You look beautiful. I'm sure Prince Aquastead will be pleased."

"Thank you. I have to do my best."

"Don't worry. Tiara Rose is a role model for young ladies in social matters."

Filene spoke with a proud smile, and indeed, Tiara Rose had been a role model for young ladies in Lapis Lazuli.

She was that graceful in her demeanor.

Light blue and slightly darker pink flowers were placed in her hair. A large, deep blue rose, hurriedly prepared by the maid, was also added.

Everyone was amazed by its rarity. Deep blue roses were very rare and not easily obtained.

"…It's a bit strange, but while I was looking for flowers in the garden, this rose turned blue right in front of me…"

"?"

The maid who brought the rose explained that she didn't understand why it happened.

Tiara Rose, tilting her head in confusion, heard Filene say, "Perhaps it's a gift from the forest fairy?"

"Really? But can they do that?"

"I read in a book that forest fairies can cultivate plants."

"Surely, that's the case."

The castle maids immediately agreed with Filene's words.

According to the story, there was no one in the castle who had received the blessing of a forest fairy. However, there was a record of a princess who had been favored by a forest fairy and received beautiful flowers.

"Oh, that's wonderful. I should thank the fairy next time."

"Yes. If the fairy has any preferences, we can prepare them."

Tiara Rose was delighted by the unexpected gift from the fairy. She wondered if the fairy would be happy to see her wearing a rose of her own color.

Excitedly, she waited for Aquastead's arrival.

◇ ◇ ◇

The fanfare rang out loudly as Tiara Rose and Aquastead entered the welcome party.

The king and queen of Marine Forest were already present, along with the nobles who supported the country, making the venue vibrant.

As the main guest, Tiara Rose headed to the center of the hall immediately upon entering. Together with Aquastead, they bowed and performed the first dance.

By dancing, everyone would recognize Tiara Rose. This was the welcome party in this world.

"Tiara, come here."

"…Yes."

Aquastead took Tiara Rose's hand and began the dance steps slowly. The music played in harmony with their gentle movements.

As Tiara Rose elegantly turned and danced with a happy smile, everyone was captivated. Of course, she was unaware of the attention she was receiving.

"Really. My Tiara is too cute for my own good."

"A, Aqua-sama?"

While dancing, Aquastead chuckled but looked very happy. He placed his hand on Tiara Rose's waist and guided her elegantly.

Tiara Rose was surprised by how easy it was to dance with him.

"The blue rose in your hair is beautiful. It matches my hair color, making me feel like everything about Tiara is mine."

"Ah… But everything about me belongs to Aqua-sama."

The conversation during the dance was very sweet.

Although Aquastead's words suggested he wanted everything to be his, Tiara Rose nodded honestly. She couldn't help but blush at such words.

—Is this unconscious? Really, Tiara is very good at playing with my emotions.

"…That's it, we're done."

"Yes."

They ended the dance by looking at each other and slightly leaning back. They received a round of applause, and Tiara Rose performed an elegant curtsy.

With Aquastead's escort, she headed to greet the king and queen, taking slow, steady steps to calm her racing heart.

The king was at the end of the red carpet, seated on a luxurious chair, waiting for their arrival.

He was the king of Marine Forest and Aquastead's father, Sotiris Marine Forest, a powerful king in his 40s.

The queen, and mother, was Ravina Marine Forest, a woman known for her tolerance and understanding of Aquastead.

Kneeling before them, Tiara Rose expressed her joy.

"We have been looking forward to this welcome party. Miss Tiara Rose, Marine Forest welcomes you with open arms."

"I am very pleased that a lovely person like you has become Aquastead's bride."

"Thank you for your kind words. I will study diligently for a year to support Prince Aquastead."

Warmly welcomed, Tiara Rose felt relieved. She smiled softly, looking forward to the future.

To achieve this, she couldn't let Aishira, the heroine of the sequel, take Aquastead. In front of the king, she silently vowed not to run away this time.

However, the moment to test her resolve came quickly.

After the greetings, as Tiara Rose and Aquastead entered the hall, Aishira was the first to approach them.

Tiara Rose's body trembled for a moment, but she maintained her composure and performed a curtsy. Aishira returned the gesture with a graceful curtsy.

The engagement of Tiara Rose and Aquastead had been announced before their entrance, and Aishira was the first to congratulate them.

"How are you finding Marine Forest? Are you comfortable here?"

"Yes. Prince Aquastead has been very kind to me, so I have no complaints."

"Oh, that's good. I would like to become closer to Miss Tiara Rose. Please come visit my home sometime."

Aishira, showing concern, invited Tiara Rose, but Tiara Rose couldn't help but feel guarded. Uncertain of what to do, she looked at Aquastead.

Seeing him nod with a smile, she felt a bit disappointed, secretly hoping he would decline.

"Thank you, Lady Aishira. I will definitely visit."

"I'm glad. My house overlooks the sea. It's very beautiful, so please look forward to it."

Aishira's words were met with a nod from Aquastead.

"Lady Aishira's sea is the best in Marine Forest. Tiara will surely enjoy it."

"That's something to look forward to. I don't have any friends in this country yet, so please be kind to me."

"Of course."

—Although I don't want to be close, we ended up getting closer…!!

The speed at which they became friendly was faster than expected, and she was confused as she responded politely. If Tiara Rose and Aishira got closer, it would also mean more opportunities to be close to Aquastead.

She didn't want Aishira to win over Aquastead, but it felt like she was setting it up herself.

Just as Tiara Rose was feeling down, Aishira said, "It's about time—"

Looking around, there were many nobles waiting to greet Tiara Rose. Aishira couldn't monopolize her and Aquastead.

After saying her goodbyes, Aishira left the scene.

"The greetings will continue for a while. Are you not tired?"

It would take a considerable amount of time to greet everyone. Aquastead, concerned for Tiara Rose, asked if she was tired. As a future queen and a bride in training, she couldn't give up over something like this.

Smiling, she replied, "I'm fine," and the nobles began to approach them one after another.