Chapter 7

On the day of the date she was invited to by Aquasteed, Tiara Roses woke up early and was carefully prepared by her maid. Since she didn’t know the destination, she wore a dress with a calm and elegant color that wouldn’t be embarrassing no matter where she went. Her hair was styled in a half-updo, and a hair accessory from the Marine Forest was added. Despite Tiara Roses telling her that this was too much, Filine, the maid, did not listen.

Since the graduation party, Filine had treated the prince as if he were nonexistent. If someone mentioned Hartnights, she would start yelling, “Such a man!” Moreover, it seemed that everyone in the house thought the same way, and no one tried to stop her. Thanks to Filine’s efforts, all the servants in the house had no good feelings towards Hartnights.

“What will happen when Prince Aquasteed arrives...”

On the other hand, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Prince Aquasteed was revered in the house. To Filine, Aquasteed, who saved Tiara Roses at the graduation party, was a true prince and hero. She would tell Tiara Roses over and over again that she would definitely be happier marrying Aquasteed than Hartnights, to the point where Tiara Roses’ ears were tired of hearing it.

“Well, are you that excited?”

“Filine, you’re the one who’s the least calm, my lady.”

“Oh! That’s not true. I just care deeply for Lady Tiara Roses. I’m very glad that she was saved from that foolish prince!”

Filine, who had just put away the unused accessories in another room, immediately showed her joy. It was clear to see that she really disliked Hartnights and Akari.

“Well, let’s stop talking about that foolish prince! It makes me feel sick.”

“...”

Although Filine was the one who brought up the topic, she seemed to have completely forgotten about it. Filine, who adored Tiara Roses like a younger sister and wished for her happiness, believed that this marriage should not be missed. She thought that the best way to achieve happiness was to marry the man she loved. Of course, it was very difficult for a noble, but...

From Filine’s perspective, it was obvious that Tiara Roses did not have any affection for Hartnights. Her reactions were different when she was with Aquasteed compared to when she was with Hartnights. She would blush and smile cutely. Although Tiara Roses might not be aware of it, it was clear to everyone that she had feelings for Aquasteed. Moreover, when Tiara Roses returned from the graduation party, she was blushing and seemed dazed for a while. Filine was certain at that moment that she was thinking about Aquasteed.

“Oh! It seems that Prince Aquasteed has arrived, Lady Tiara Roses.”

Spotting the carriage from the window, Filine reported happily. Since she couldn’t keep the Crown Prince waiting, Tiara Roses quickly prepared to go downstairs and greet him.

“Lady Tiara Roses, if you don’t return... I’ll help you create an alibi!”

“Oh, Filine! What are you saying? I’ll definitely come back!”

With Filine, who covered her mouth and looked delighted, seeing her off, Tiara Roses went out with Aquasteed.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Wow...! It’s so beautiful, Prince Aquasteed.”

Escorted by Aquasteed, the carriage took them to a flower field on a small hill in the outskirts. The colorful flowers blooming there calmed Tiara Roses’ heart.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Thank you.”

— I didn’t know such a beautiful place existed. It looks like a good date spot, and it could even be a location in a game.

While thinking it was a shame she didn’t know about it, she was genuinely happy to see it for the first time with Aquasteed.

“I’ll have tea prepared, so let’s rest for a bit. You must be tired from the carriage ride, right?”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Under a large tree, Tiara Roses saw a mat laid out and tea prepared. Although she hadn’t noticed, the royal maids were more skilled than noble maids. They would prepare everything without their master noticing.

Servants and attendants were waiting by the carriage parked at a distance, and there were knights serving as guards. Tiara Roses hadn’t expected such elegant escort, and her heart raced. Upon reflection, she had never had such a date with Hartnights.

“Please, take my hand, Miss Tiara Roses.”

“Prince Aquasteed... Thank you.”

When he offered his hand, Tiara Roses gently placed hers on top. He led her to the mat and helped her sit down. The soft grass on the ground was comfortable and not bumpy.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“No, I’m fine. The wind is pleasant and warm.”

“That’s good. Today, I prepared a tea that I like. I hope you’ll enjoy it too...”

Aquasteed took the teapot and poured tea into the cup. Tiara Roses was surprised that the Crown Prince himself was making tea. However, she also found him approachable and likable. For Tiara Roses, who had memories from her previous life, public duties were one thing, but a strictly formal private life would be suffocating. She didn’t want that.

Aquasteed, who was smiling and talking happily, had a different aura than at the graduation party. He seemed to be able to clearly separate his public and private life.

“I recommend milk, but do you prefer milk or lemon, Miss Tiara Roses?”

“I’ll have milk. I often put milk in my tea during winter and early spring.”

“Then we have the same preference. I do too.”

Aquasteed added milk to the clear tea and handed it to Tiara Roses. When she took it, the pleasant aroma tickled her nose. She took a sip and sighed.

“Oh, that’s right.”

“What is it?”

When Tiara Roses suddenly spoke, Aquasteed smiled gently. His sweet demeanor reminded her of how only her father had ever pampered her like this. She took out a beautifully wrapped package from the basket she brought. When she placed it in her hands, Aquasteed looked at it with surprise, as if he hadn’t expected it. Tiara Roses smiled, thinking it was a surprise.

“They’re cookies. I baked them, so I’m not sure if they’ll suit your taste, Prince Aquasteed.”

“Miss Tiara Roses? You baked cookies for me? I’m very happy.”

When she gently offered them, Aquasteed took them, saying, “They smell good.” Recalling her previous life, Tiara Roses remembered various dessert recipes. She loved playing otome games while eating sweet desserts, and making them was easy for her. She wanted to bake a cake, but since she didn’t know the day’s plans, she made cookies that could be easily carried. There were two types: simple cookies and chocolate cookies. Both were crispy cookies that she loved in her previous life.

“...They’re delicious. I didn’t know you could make such delicious sweets.”

When Aquasteed took a bite, his eyes widened in surprise. The fact that they were made for him made them even more delicious. The cookies made by someone he loved were a treat for Aquasteed. He took another cookie and brought it to Tiara Roses’ mouth.

“...!”

— W-w-w-w-what! Is Prince Aquasteed like this!?

Tiara Roses looked at the cookie offered to her mouth but couldn’t open it. She had never been fed by a man before and didn’t know how to react. However, she thought it would be disrespectful not to eat what the Crown Prince offered. Her mind was in turmoil.

“Here, open up?”

Feeling embarrassed to eat while being watched by Aquasteed, she closed her eyes and opened her mouth slightly. Aquasteed chuckled at her small-animal-like appearance, gently placed the cookie in her mouth, and watched her eat with satisfaction.

“...Hmm”

“...”

As Tiara Roses ate and let out a breath, Aquasteed’s heart raced. He had intended to make her nervous and aware of him, but he found it very endearing. However, her heart was actually racing more than his.

“Your eating is cute. Hey, Miss Tiara Roses— if it’s okay...”

“...?”

“Can I call you Tiara?”

“...Yes, of course, Prince Aquasteed.”

“I’m happy. Tiara, can you call me Aqua?”

Hearing her name whispered in her ear, Tiara Roses realized for the first time how her heart could race when called by someone. She didn’t feel anything when Hartnights called her “Tiara,” but when Aquasteed called her, her heart raced uncontrollably.

When Aquasteed smiled and asked her to call him by his nickname, she thought it was too disrespectful but decided to try with a little courage. Since he showed so much affection towards her, she decided to let her heart, which felt like it wasn’t even hers, race and looked up at Aquasteed sitting next to her.

“A, Aqua-sama...”

Calling a man by a nickname was a first for Tiara Roses. When she called his name in a small, trembling voice, Aquasteed smiled even more happily and hugged her.

“Ah! ...”

Being called by a nickname by a man was a first for Tiara Roses. When she called his name, Aquasteed hugged her even more tightly. She thought her racing heart would be noticed, and tried to push him away, but then she realized something.

— Aqua-sama is also... very nervous.

Realizing that he was also nervous, her heart felt light as a feather. She tentatively reached out to his back but quickly withdrew, feeling embarrassed. A very happy but disappointed voice was heard.

“Y-Yeah, I’m still embarrassed...”

“—Yeah. We can take it slow and get used to it.”

While being gently patted on the head, Tiara Roses decided to ask her father to accept the engagement.