Chapter 56

In the spacious bedroom, Tiara Roses woke up after a good night's rest.

As soon as she woke up, she felt a certain loneliness—Tiara Roses thought to herself.

"It's not like I'm sleeping alone for the first time."

She pondered why she felt this way and concluded that it might be because the room was too large. She stretched her arms wide and did a slow stretch before getting out of bed.

Philine had told her that there were no plans for the day.

She smiled and said, "Let's take it easy today," but there seemed to be something she wanted to say. Tiara Roses was also aware that something was amiss with her current situation.

"If only I knew what it was."

Especially about Aquasteed.

She couldn't understand why he was with her. Of course, she was happy to be close to a character she liked and wanted to talk more with him.

But Aquasteed's behavior—was completely different.

"Completely different..."

She clenched her hands tightly, trying to suppress her heartbeat. She felt her cheeks turning red and was at a loss—when a knock echoed in the room. Following Philine's voice, Tiara Roses stopped her thoughts.

When she invited her in, Philine appeared with a cup of tea.

"Good morning, Lady Tiara Roses."

"Good morning, Philine."

While Philine prepared her dress, Tiara Roses sipped her tea and took a deep breath.

Although she was told to take it easy, there were still things she needed to do. She wanted to discuss matters related to the sea management with Aishira soon.

"..."

She had clear memories of the work she had been involved in, which helped her remember that she was in Marine Forest and that this was the royal castle.

"Philine."

"Yes?"

"Does Lady Aishira have any plans to come to the castle today?"

If she did, Tiara Roses wanted to ask for some time.

"I think Lady Aishira will come to the castle. ...By the way, Lady Tiara Roses, have your memories returned?"

"Huh?"

Taken aback by Philine's voice, Tiara Roses laughed.

"I was a bit confused yesterday. But I'm fine now."

"Oh, I'm glad... I'm so glad!"

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

"No, it's not something you should worry about, Lady Tiara Roses. I'll call Prince Aquasteed right away, please wait!"

—Prince Aquasteed?

Before Tiara Roses could stop her, Philine rushed out of the room. It was unusual for her, who always tried to maintain her elegance, to be so flustered. Tiara Roses wondered why it was so urgent to call Aquasteed.

"I shouldn't have known him, so what should I say..."

He was the Crown Prince of Marine Forest, so she couldn't afford to be rude. She got out of bed and put on the dress Philine had prepared. Since there were no plans, it wasn't overly decorated, which she was relieved about. She managed to zip up the back without much trouble.

"Prince Aquasteed... I died before I could play the game, so I don't really know what kind of character he is."

At school, he was a calm and composed top student, a perfect example of royalty.

"..."

Just as she was about to leave the bedroom, the door opened forcefully, and Aquasteed came in. His eyes, slightly teary, focused on Tiara Roses.

"Ah..."

He ran over and hugged her tightly.

The scent of Aquasteed made her heart skip a beat. His slender but strong arms touched her as if she were a precious treasure.

Why.

She wanted to ask, but couldn't.

"Tiara..."

"..."

Aquasteed's lips gently pressed against hers.

They touched lightly and then pulled away—only to do it again. His loving gaze made Tiara Roses unable to move. Despite being kissed, she felt no disgust.

His voice calling her name, his breath touching her lips.

Her heart beat uncontrollably. She pushed his chest with her hands to create some distance.

"A... Prince Aquasteed..."

"..."

She pressed her lips, which had been touched, and called out his name.

Not the usual "Aquasteed-sama," but "Prince Aquasteed."

"Tiara, have your memories returned...?"

"Huh? Memories?"

Surprised by Aquasteed's question, Tiara Roses tilted her head.

Her memories were indeed hazy, but she was aware that she was in Marine Forest and understood that she was involved in the country's affairs.

However—she hadn't realized that her memories of Aquasteed were completely missing.

"..."

"Um, Prince Aquasteed?"

"Can you just call me Aquasteed?"

Blushing, he smiled gently at the confused Tiara Roses.

Realizing that only her memories of him were missing, he slightly regretted the kiss he had just given.

He was worried that she might dislike him, but from her reaction, she didn't seem to feel any disgust.

—Maybe it's okay to be a little conceited.

When he told her he wanted to be called by his first name, Tiara Roses gasped. Her eyes darted around, but it was clear she was happy.

Even without her memories, she seemed to be the same Tiara Roses.

"Can I call you Tiara too?"

"Ah—yes. Ah, Aquasteed-sama..."

"Sure."

She looked down, blushing, and called his name.

She was so cute that he wanted to hug her, but he restrained himself. He needed to explain their relationship first.

"Tiara. What I'm about to say might be hard to believe, but I want you to listen."

"..."

She thought for a moment and slowly spoke. When he nodded, she gave him a serious look. It was clear that she had been wondering about it.

"Let's talk about us..."

The table was set with tea and fruit, and Aquasteed began to tell her about their relationship—

"You're kidding, we're married..."

"Yes. Tiara, you're very important to me."

He apologized for kissing her without permission earlier.

"No... Aquasteed-sama, you haven't done anything wrong."

"Tiara, please don't push yourself. If you don't want to be touched, just say so."

"..."

Aquasteed smiled, assuring her that he wouldn't do anything that scared her.

—Not wanting to be touched.

She was surprised by her own thoughts. She had felt so uncomfortable when Hartnights tried to pat her head.

—He really, truly cares about me.

Even though it could have been a political marriage, she hadn't even considered it. Without any memories of being together, she still felt her heart race and wanted to know more about him.

"I don't think I dislike Aquasteed-sama."

"Thank you..."

He smiled and told her not to worry, then gently touched her cheek.

Instead of feeling uncomfortable, she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. Aquasteed chuckled, "I might not be able to stop if you let your guard down," and Tiara Roses couldn't help but laugh too.

As they laughed, a knock and Elliot's voice were heard, and the door opened.

"!"

Aquasteed was about to scold him for entering without permission, but Elliot pushed past and entered. With his beautiful straight black hair and black eyes, he wore a cute princess-line dress, and the heroine with the lapis lazuli ring, Akari, was there.

"Lady Tiara, it's been a while! How have you been?"

"Ah, yes..."

She smiled and nodded at the always free-spirited Akari.

"I was so worried, I couldn't stand it and came directly! Did you make it?"

"Lady Akari, let's talk about that later. There's been a bit of a problem."

Interrupted by Akari's sudden words, she told her to wait a moment. While the hidden stage of the fairy king was important, her memory issue was more pressing.

She told Akari that her memories were off. Since Akari could use the holy prayer, she thought she might be able to help.

Although Aquasteed didn't particularly like Akari, he agreed because she was a good friend of Tiara Roses.

"..."

Akari took Tiara Roses' hand and used the holy prayer.

After checking for any abnormalities, she said, "Hmm, I don't know."

"But it seems there's nothing wrong with your body. That's good."

"Thank you, Lady Akari. I think my memories will return if I just live normally. I was a bit confused yesterday, but I feel much better today."

Her self-proclaimed best friend, Akari, sighed in relief. She genuinely seemed worried, and Aquasteed thought it wouldn't be right to be too harsh.

However, the fact that even the holy prayer couldn't determine the cause was concerning, as it was a powerful and effective ability.

He thought it would be best to wait for her memories to return gradually.

Although he wanted to embrace her and make her better as soon as possible, he couldn't force her.

As he thought this, Akari clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling as she looked between Tiara Roses and Aquasteed.

—What is she planning?

She stiffened, bracing herself, but Akari's suggestion was quite reasonable.

"Let's gather everyone for a tea party! It'll be like an event in a dating game, and it'll definitely be fun!"