Chapter 29

Having successfully completed the debut ceremony, Tiara Rose and Aquasteed returned to Marine Forest. The official wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place in a grand cathedral one month later. Many people will come as guests from various countries. From now on, they will be busy with preparations, and the days ahead will be hectic.

"…Phew. I think I’ve memorized everything."

"Are you okay? You seem to be working hard, Tiara."

"Thank you."

In Aquasteed’s office, Tiara Rose was desperately trying to memorize the list of guests for the wedding, which included kings, princes, and princesses from various countries. It would be unthinkable for the bride not to know this.

She took a sip of tea and looked at Aquasteed, who was sitting beside her. His well-structured face showed signs of fatigue, and it was easy to see that he was also pushing himself.

"It’s not that difficult for me. I already know the key figures of each country."

"Of course, you do."

Tiara Rose had been subjected to strict princess education since childhood. Her tutors had drilled into her the history of each country, the current key figures, and the connections among the nobility. Therefore, it might be more accurate to say that she was confirming the list rather than memorizing it.

Aquasteed was the same. After a quick glance, he didn’t need to recheck anything. His mind retained everything, and Tiara Rose was impressed by his brilliance.

"……"

"!"

Suddenly, with a soft thud, Aquasteed leaned against Tiara Rose. At first, she wondered what was happening, but she quickly realized he was being affectionate. If he wanted to rest on her shoulder, she would gladly offer it. His long lashes, which any woman would envy, were lowered. Tiara Rose, being one of those women, knew this, but she was sure Aquasteed hadn’t noticed.

—Aquasama, you’re so cute.

A delighted smile spread across Tiara Rose’s face. Aquasteed, who had peeked at her with slightly open eyes, smiled contentedly.

—Tiara is as cute as ever.

No one in the room would have noticed that their thoughts were in sync. A soft, sweet atmosphere filled the air.

That’s why no one responded to Elliot’s muttered words while he was organizing documents: "I want a girlfriend too…"

◇ ◇ ◇

Before they knew it, the busy days had passed, and it was the day before the wedding. From Tiara Rose’s hometown, the king, Prince Sirius, and her parents had come to attend the wedding. She wanted to see them as soon as possible, but the wedding preparations kept her busy. Every day, she had to maintain her appearance, and today, she received a massage in the morning and had her nails carefully manicured in the afternoon.

—This part is no different from Japan.

Of course, the original game was a Japanese maiden game. There were no special customs for the wedding, and Tiara Rose was relieved. Looking at her beautifully manicured nails, she felt a warm sensation in her chest. After a year of bridal training, she would become Aquasteed’s wife tomorrow. The thought was both touching and exciting.

"You look beautiful, Lady Tiara Rose. Oh, I’m so glad your wedding to Prince Aquasteed is going smoothly."

"Filene, you’re crying already? The real event is tomorrow…"

"Yes, I know. I’m just so excited!"

Filene prepared a tea set to help her calm down, and Tiara Rose had a late lunch. In the afternoon, she would have her hair done and review the wedding ceremony. After that, she would bathe and go to bed early. She needed to be up early the next morning for the preparations.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who could it be? I don’t have any scheduled appointments, do I?"

"Yes, I’ll check. Please wait here, Lady Tiara Rose."

Nodding, Tiara Rose left it to Filene. She still had many things to do, but a bad feeling made her look at the door.

—This pattern, hasn’t it happened before?

When was it? Yes, it was the day of the graduation party. …Thinking back to that memory, she decided to stop there. She shouldn’t set up a flag for the heroine Aishira to visit. However, bad feelings often come true. Filene announced, "Lady Aishira is here…"

"Oh, Lady Aishira? Please show her in."

"As you wish."

Aishira entered with a maid, and they exchanged formal greetings. Tiara Rose offered her a seat.

"Thank you for coming despite your busy schedule."

"Not at all. I’m very happy to visit you, Lady Tiara Rose."

While Filene prepared tea, the two women chatted with smiles. Tiara Rose wondered why Aishira had come. Was she here to stop the wedding as the heroine?

"Lady Tiara Rose, congratulations on your wedding. I just had to come and offer my best wishes."

"Oh… Thank you."

Aishira not only conveyed her congratulations sincerely but also smiled as if she genuinely wished them well. She added, "I won’t stay long," and seemed genuinely happy. Even Tiara Rose, who was usually perceptive, frowned at this.

Aishira seemed to be blessing them on the surface, but Tiara Rose knew that Aishira still had feelings for Aquasteed in her heart. Seeing Aishira like this made Tiara Rose wonder.

—Could it be that Aishira didn’t really like Aquasama?

When they had talked before, Aishira had said that she left all marriage arrangements to her father. She had no particular man she liked, so the best thing was to have a good match arranged for her.

"…Did you think I was in love with Prince Aquasteed?"

"…!"

Aishira smiled wryly but clearly told Tiara Rose. Tiara Rose, who hadn’t expected such a direct response, was at a loss for words.

"I don’t really understand love. I believe my father will find a good person for me…"

"Lady Aishira…"

—She doesn’t understand love?

Could it be because of Tiara Rose’s existence? Tiara Rose thought. As the heroine of the sequel, Aishira was supposed to develop a romance with the target character. In this case, it was undoubtedly Aquasteed’s route. However, because Tiara Rose was there, Aishira couldn’t develop a romance. Without Tiara Rose, Aishira and Aquasteed would have been together.

Aishira, the daughter of a duke loved by the sea fairy, seemed like a perfect match to Tiara Rose.

However, Tiara Rose was the one receiving Aquasteed’s affection. She couldn’t give that up to Aishira. It would be wrong for Tiara Rose to apologize to Aishira, but she felt responsible.

"…Lady Aishira, I—"

"Enough!"

"…!?"

Just as Tiara Rose called Aishira’s name, wondering what was happening, a third voice interrupted from inside the room. Everyone turned to see Akari standing there, her black hair flowing.

"Lady Akari!"

"Congratulations on your wedding, Lady Tiara. …Nice to meet you, Lady Aishira. I’m Akari."

"Thank you for the introduction, Lady Akari. I’m Aishira Pearlrand."

Akari was standing by the window. She must have understood that if she had come through the front, she would have been denied entry.

"The heroine of the sequel… Yes, just like in the game! Since you’re the heroine, you should be happier."

"Lady Akari, please don’t be rude to Lady Aishira."

"Oh, I’m sorry. Did I upset you? I apologize."

"No, I’m not offended."

Tiara Rose sighed, stopping Filene and the maid from reporting to Aquasteed. If Aishira weren’t such a kind young lady, it would have been a big commotion. Tiara Rose secretly asked Akari why she had come.

"I wanted to see the lucky girl, the heroine of the sequel. …Life should be more enjoyable. Aishira is the heroine, but she’s not enjoying it at all. Well, it’s better than taking Aquasama away, though."

"Lady Akari…"

Akari really loves maiden games, Tiara Rose thought, half-amused. Akari might have been allowed to attend the wedding at the last minute, or perhaps she had come to Marine Forest on her own.

Akari turned to look at Aishira. Was she examining what kind of person the other heroine was? Or was she checking if Aishira was similar to her?

However, Tiara Rose had already made up her mind. Aishira was neither a reincarnated person nor a transferred person. When they talked about modern sweets, Aishira didn’t react particularly. She didn’t look like a Japanese person, so Aishira was just a normal person living in this world.

"You two seem to be good friends."

"Eh?"

At Aishira’s bell-like voice, Tiara Rose and Akari spoke simultaneously. From an outsider’s perspective, they might look like friends. Surprised, Akari proudly declared, "Yes, we are!" While Tiara Rose was bewildered, Akari said something outrageous.

"Yes, I’m Lady Tiara’s friend. …I’m so worried about her."

"Worried, you say?"

Aishira tilted her head, wondering what could be wrong with her friend.

"Yes. Aquasama is always with you, isn’t he? Please don’t get too close to my friend’s husband!"

"…!"

Akari pointed her finger at Aishira, implying, "Stay away from my friend’s husband!" Aishira was genuinely surprised. She didn’t have romantic feelings for Aquasteed.

—Do I look like I’m in love with Aquasteed to others…?

Aishira’s heart ached.

"I’m sorry, Lady Tiara Rose. I should have been more considerate."

"Please don’t, Lady Aishira. Don’t worry about it. …Lady Akari, please don’t say such things."

Aishira was only 14 years old. Despite that, she was a well-mannered duke’s daughter and took care of the sea. It was understandable if she saw Aquasteed as a brother.

"I’m sorry for causing you discomfort…"

Aishira bowed her head slightly, apologizing. At that moment, Akari realized that Aishira was not Japanese and was a very kind young girl.

—As expected of the heroine of the sequel.

Aishira was a very good and cute girl. However, Akari was afraid of her. She thought that the purer a person was, the more unpredictable they could be.

This game, a sequel to "Lapis Lazuli Ring," was unknown to Tiara Rose, but Akari had played it thoroughly. The target characters were Prince Aquasteed, his attendant Elliot, the forest fairy king Keith, and a young, capable butler who worked at Aishira’s mansion. In addition, there was a hidden route character, the sky fairy king.

—Definitely Aquasteed’s route.

Akari was certain of this when she saw Aishira’s dress. The color of the ribbon on her back indicated which route it was. Aishira’s back had a beautiful dark blue ribbon, which was undoubtedly Aquasteed’s color.

"…Lady Tiara Rose, it’s almost time for Prince Aquasteed to arrive."

"Oh, right. I need to do the final check."

When Filene timidly suggested this, Tiara Rose inwardly felt relieved. She immediately apologized for Aishira’s long stay and left with the maid. Akari, who was going to leave through the window, sat on the sill.

"…Lady Akari, why are you here today? Prince Hartnights is with you, right?"

"No, I came on my own."

"Eh…?"

When Tiara Rose called out to Akari, who was about to leave, Akari shook her head. Tiara Rose had thought it would be fine if Akari came with Prince Hartnights on official business, but she hadn’t expected Akari to come alone.

"Why…?"

"Just to see the ending of the sequel."

"You really love maiden games."

With a sigh, Tiara Rose thought, and Akari leaned out of the window and disappeared. She must have used magic, but it didn’t take long. Akari landed in a room of an inn a little away from the castle. The inn, which was on the pricier side, had a spacious room with well-furnished amenities. In that space, Akari muttered to herself.

"I don’t care about the past. —But I really like Lady Tiara. I think of her as my best