Chapter 61

Coral chandeliers and lace curtains. The room, primarily decorated in white, was filled with abundant sunlight, highlighting its opulence.

This was the private chamber of the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Marine Forest. She had honey-pink hair that seemed to float and a gentle smile that could make anyone fall in love at first sight—though, in truth, she was the villainess of a game.

She had come from the neighboring kingdom of Lapis Lazuli to this great country, Marine Forest, and nearly two years had passed since then.

As the wife of Crown Prince Aquasteed, she enjoyed strong support from the people. Blessed by the forest and sea fairies, the future of this country was said to be secure.

Her name was Tiara Rose Lapis Marine Forest.

Lapis was a name given to her by her homeland, and she held a certain status in Lapis Lazuli.

She was the villainess in the otome game "The Ring of Lapis Lazuli," but she was now living a very happy life.

"Almost time, huh?"

A small voice escaped from Tiara Rose. She then called out to her maid, Filine.

"Filine, how is the preparation for the tea party?"

"Yes, Lady Tiara Rose. Everything is ready for the guests."

Filine's words brought her a sense of relief.

Hosting a tea party always made her worry about the preparations, no matter how many times she had done it. She wanted to ensure that everyone would enjoy themselves and be well taken care of.

"The cook said that the sweets you made today were wonderful. I saw them too, and they not only looked delicious with all the strawberries but were also very cute."

"Really? I'm so happy! Thank you."

Tiara Rose played with her honey-pink hair with her fingers as she expressed her gratitude.

Her fluffy hair was half-up, half-down, and her empire-line dress was adorned with cute strawberry decorations.

The theme of today's tea party was strawberries.

There were strawberry shortcakes, mousses, tarts, macarons, and even some daifuku, all made by Tiara Rose herself.

"Hehe, everyone invited to Lady Tiara Rose's tea party must be very happy."

"I hope so..."

Filine smiled and said this.

The tea parties hosted by Tiara Rose were known as the "Forest Tea Party" and were very popular among the young ladies.

The reason was that Tiara Rose was the only one in the country blessed by the forest fairies and their king. She had accomplished something that others could not, making her a figure of admiration.

However, Tiara Rose believed it was because she was the wife of Aquasteed... Many people wanted to be favored by the future queen. Tiara Rose, being deeply loved by Aquasteed, was especially sought after.

The invited young ladies would soon be arriving at the castle.

Just as she was about to move to greet them, the door to her room opened.

"Tiara, is it already tea party time?"

"Prince Aquasteed. Yes, it's almost time, but... Is something the matter?"

The one who appeared was Aquasteed, the Crown Prince of the country and Tiara Rose's husband.

"No, I just came because I had some free time."

Aquasteed chuckled. Though he was usually busy with his duties, he would come to Tiara Rose when he had a moment to spare. When Tiara Rose had suggested he take more rest, he had openly admitted that being with her was the most relaxing thing for him.

"I'm sorry I can't spend more time with you..."

"That's not something you need to worry about."

Gently stroking her head, Aquasteed said, "Enjoy yourself." Nodding, Tiara Rose tentatively stroked Aquasteed's head in return.

His silky, dark blue hair made her want to touch it more.

"What's the matter, Tiara?"

"I thought I'd try it since you always do it... I like it."

"......Ah, Tiara, you..."

—I can understand why Prince Aquasteed likes to stroke my hair.

Stroking someone you like makes you feel excited and happy.

As she thought this, a maid entered the room to announce the arrival of guests. At the same time, Elliot, Aquasteed's aide, appeared.

Aquasteed was supposed to be on a break, but Elliot looked a bit flustered. Tiara Rose thought something must have happened.

"It seems I have work to do now that your guests have arrived."

"Yes... See you tonight."

"Alright."

◇◇◇

The Forest Tea Party was often held in one of the several rooms assigned to Tiara Rose. While the garden was an option on sunny days, staying in the sun for too long would tan the skin.

Today, the tea party was set up indoors.

Three young ladies were invited.

Olivia Ariadelle, the young lady who was closest to Tiara Rose in Marine Forest.

She was the daughter of a duke and, interestingly, the villainess in the sequel to the otome game "The Ring of Lapis Lazuli." As a child, she had been briefly engaged to Aquasteed, but the engagement was quickly dissolved, and she now lived a peaceful and enjoyable life.

Reincarnated with memories of her past life as a Japanese person, she loved visiting the game's locations. She hoped to marry a second son of a baron and live as she pleased.

Lucia Bardenstein, the daughter of a count.

Her family operated a confectionery business, and she herself was a big fan of sweets.

Christina Foxwood, the daughter of a baron.

She loved gossip and often shared the latest trends with Tiara Rose.

"Wow, amazing! Lady Tiara Rose, all your sweets are so beautiful!"

"Yes, really. I'm so honored to be invited to your tea party!"

Lucia and Christina exclaimed as they looked at the prepared sweets. Olivia's eyes sparkled as she whispered, "As expected of Lady Tiara Rose."

Thus, the high-spirited "Forest Tea Party" began.

"I've heard that the circulation of honey has increased recently. I understand that a lot of high-quality honey is being harvested from Lady Tiara Rose's flowers."

"You already know? It's a bit embarrassing to have a flower named after me, but I'm very happy that it's useful."

Tiara Rose blushed at Lucia's words.

The national flower, "Tiara Rose," was a flower that existed to make sweets. Its petals were sweet, and its bag-like fruit contained high-quality sugar. The large pink blooms had become a beloved symbol of the country.

The first topic of conversation at this tea party was always about sweets.

As the host, Tiara Rose loved sweets, and the invited young ladies always brought the best information.

Of course, the latest dresses and love stories were also popular topics.

Olivia started the conversation with, "By the way..."

"Isn't it soon, the wedding of Prince Hartnights and Akari from the Kingdom of Lapis Lazuli?"

"Yes. It's in a month, and preparations are underway."

Tiara Rose nodded, hoping it would be a happy wedding.

Akari was the heroine of the otome game "The Ring of Lapis Lazuli." Though they were initially at odds, they were now close friends.

Despite this, Lucia voiced her concern.

"Prince Hartnights' marriage is a cause for celebration, but... the right to succeed the throne lies with Prince Sirius, doesn't it?"

"Akari is a wielder of the sacred prayer. Why is she marrying Prince Hartnights? Wouldn't it be better for Lapis Lazuli if she married Prince Sirius...?"

Christina nodded in agreement.

If the one who would become king married Akari, the wielder of the sacred prayer, it would be for the best. Most people would think so, but Tiara Rose believed this was the right choice.

—Akari likes Prince Hartnights, no matter what.

Hartnights, the hero, loved Akari, so there was no problem. In fact, this pairing was the best for Lapis Lazuli.

Olivia, who knew this, nodded in agreement.

"Prince Hartnights and Akari are very much in love. Therefore, there is no issue."

"Oh, that's right."

"That's a relief."

Hearing Olivia's words, Lucia and Christina felt reassured.

Lapis Lazuli was Tiara Rose's homeland, and everyone hoped it would remain peaceful. As trusted and friendly neighbors, they would continue to build a good relationship.

"Please tell us about the wedding, Lady Tiara Rose. Your own wedding was so beautiful."

"Thank you. I'll enjoy it."

Nodding at Lucia's words, Christina then focused on Tiara Rose's fingers.

"Is that a gift from Prince Aquasteed?"

"This is..."

Tiara Rose wore three rings on her finger.

A wedding ring from Aquasteed, a starry sky ring created by Aquasteed himself as the king, and the sea ring from the sea fairy king Pearl.

"Yes. Prince Aquasteed created it for me."

"Oh... how wonderful!"

She slowly stroked the rings and nodded. Regarding the sea ring, she mentioned that it was her favorite, as it couldn't be made public.

Lucia and Christina gazed at Tiara Rose's rings with envy, dreaming of the day they might have something similar.

"Since Lady Tiara Rose came, Marine Forest has changed. There are more confectionery shops, and the dress designs have become more vibrant. Most importantly, the forest fairies blessed you, and nature has become even more radiant."

Crop yields had increased, and the people's lives had become more prosperous.

Hearing Christina's words, Olivia agreed.

"As more confectionery shops open, more children are aspiring to become patissiers. Perhaps we can even have a sweets festival someday."

"Lady Olivia, that's a great idea!"

Tiara Rose's eyes sparkled at the thought of reviving the sweets competition that was said to have existed in the past.

Lucia and Christina felt the same way, and the tea party became lively with the idea of "We must definitely hold it someday."

The serial has resumed.

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