Chapter 76

"Kushu!"

"Ah, Lady Tiara Roses, do you have a cold?"

"My throat is a little sore...?"

It was the end of spring, and it seemed that Tiara Roses had caught a cold. As the flowers that bloom in summer began to grow, the fairies played merrily in the sunlight, enjoying their days. The forest bore its bounty, and the sea nurtured the fish. The sun watched over everything from the sky. This was the time of year when Marine Forest received the greatest blessings of nature.

Tiara Roses wrapped herself in a light shawl and had her maid, Philine, prepare her some tea.

"I'll add some honey, too."

"Thank you."

The teacup she received emitted a sweet and gentle fragrance, soothing her heart. She was the Crown Princess of the country, Tiara Roses Lapis Marine Forest. With her beautiful honey-pink hair and calm eyes, she appeared harmless, but in reality, she was the villainess of a dating simulation game called "Lapis Lazuli Ring."

"I'll prepare your bedroom, so please rest for a while."

"Yes."

As she sipped the tea, Philine began to prepare the room for a good night's sleep. With such an excellent maid, there would be no problems.

"But, to sleep at this hour..."

It was the perfect time for afternoon tea. The warm sun felt so pleasant that, to be honest, it was ideal for a nap. Although it might be different because of her poor health, she finished her tea while Philine prepared the room.

---It had been a long time since I had a cold.

She remembered having a cold as a child, but in recent years, she had been in perfect health, thanks to Philine's management of her life.

"Adult colds can last a long time, so it's best to rest and get better before it gets worse."

When Philine finished preparing, Tiara Roses immediately climbed into bed. She had the lace curtains drawn to let in plenty of sunlight. The comfortable warmth naturally made her drowsy.

"Oh, so warm~"

"Lady Tiara Roses, I'll have the doctor check on you before dinner."

"Thank you, Philine."

Hugging her pillow tightly, Tiara Roses fell asleep happily.

◇◇◇

The room, with its off-white walls, was slightly open to a gentle breeze. The wooden furniture was crafted by skilled artisans, highlighting the owner's elegance. However, the office of Aquasteed was now in a state of agitation.

"Tiara has a cold? Is she okay!?"

After confirming that Tiara Roses was asleep, Philine rushed to report to Aquasteed. Concerned about his wife's health, Aquasteed asked a series of rapid questions: Did she have an appetite? Did she have a fever? What was her complexion like? Philine smiled wryly at his frantic state.

"It's just the beginning, so I think she'll be better by tomorrow. I've arranged for a doctor to see her later."

"I see..."

"Right now, she's resting, so I think she'll be better by tomorrow."

Relieved by the news of Tiara Roses' condition, Aquasteed sighed.

"But, don't overdo it. Please adjust Tiara's schedule for the next few days."

"Understood."

Even though it was just the beginning of a cold, worry was still worry. The person who gave these instructions was Aquasteed Marine Forest, the Crown Prince of Marine Forest and the husband of Tiara Roses. With his dark blue hair and slender build, his well-defined features were serious, but he was gentle and kind to Tiara Roses.

"Aquasteed, since your work is done for now... shall we go see her?"

"...Yes, but I need to go out first."

Eliot, who suggested checking on her, said, "I'm worried," and proposed going to see her. As Aquasteed's aide, he managed the schedule and other tasks. With his gentle eyes and sepia hair, he was a popular and friendly figure among the castle maids, despite not having a lover.

Eliot, who thought Aquasteed would immediately go to Tiara Roses, blinked in surprise. There shouldn't have been any more important plans than visiting her.

"Where are you going?"

"To Clayre. I'll be back soon."

"Understood."

He really wanted to go to Tiara Roses right away, but there was something he needed to confirm first. Aquasteed entrusted his work to Eliot and left the office.

The temple of Clayre, the Sky Fairy King, was located in the sky. Only Aquasteed, blessed by the Sky Fairy King, could go there as a human. Even his aide couldn't accompany him. The only exception was if Clayre invited someone personally.

The clear air and white furnishings, with part of the temple's walls made of large glass, allowed a panoramic view of the capital from above.

"Aquasteed, what's wrong?"

Clayre, with his shoulder-length blue gradient hair and golden eyes, greeted Aquasteed. His beautiful face, often mistaken for a woman's, was captivating to all.

"I have something to discuss."

"Discuss? I don't think there are any problems in the country that require my power right now..."

Clayre tilted his head in confusion. His weapon, the ability to control the sky, was information. The wind carried sounds to him, so he was usually aware of most things. Currently, there were no issues in this peaceful country.

So, Clayre asked, "What is it?" with a relaxed tone, but Aquasteed looked extremely serious and concerned.

"...It's about Tiara."

"Tiara Roses?"

Clayre recalled receiving a report from a fairy that she had fallen ill due to a cold. But it was just the early symptoms, so she should be fine.

Before he could ask, a gust of wind blew, and petals and leaves danced. A beautiful long-haired figure with a sturdy build, a fan at his waist, and a scarf around his neck, with golden eyes like Aquasteed and Clayre, appeared. It was Keith, the Forest Fairy King, who had come to check on Tiara Roses because she was blessed by him.

"So, what's wrong with Tiara?"

"Keith... you came without permission again."

"Does it matter? Not really."

Clayre sighed, wishing Keith would notify them before coming. But given Keith's free-spirited nature, he would likely forget any such advice soon. Both their gazes turned to Aquasteed.

"So, what's wrong with Tiara?"

"She's not feeling well. ...I think it might be due to the power of the King of the Stars."

"I see."

The two kings nodded in understanding at Aquasteed's worried words.

The power of the King of the Stars was the power Aquasteed possessed. The first king, Phares Marine Forest, could also wield it, but it was immense and a great burden on a human body. Therefore, the power flowed through the "Ring of the King of the Stars." Since Tiara Roses had the ring, Aquasteed thought her illness might be due to the power's influence.

In fact, Phares' wife, Liliage, had been transformed into a monster by the ring's power. It was impossible not to worry.

"Don't overthink it, Aquasteed. Her condition has nothing to do with the power of the king."

"You're right... indeed, there are no signs of power fluctuations in either Tiara or Aquasteed."

It seemed to be a groundless worry, and Clayre and Keith assured him it was just a cold.

"I see, that's a relief. If it was because of my power, and something happened to Tiara..."

He would regret it for the rest of his life. Deeply relieved by the fairy kings' answers, he wanted to go to Tiara Roses immediately. Sensing this, Clayre smiled and said, "Go ahead."

"You're worried about Tiara Roses, right? I'm going out too, so go back quickly."

"I'll visit Tiara later too."

"Thank you."

◇◇◇

After leaving Clayre's temple, Aquasteed immediately went to Tiara Roses. He went from his own room to their shared bedroom, but she wasn't there.

"Tiara?"

Worried that she wasn't resting despite her illness, he soon realized she must be in a different bedroom. This was the bedroom they shared as Crown Prince and Princess. To prevent her from spreading the cold to Aquasteed and to allow her to rest comfortably, a separate bedroom had been prepared for her.

He quickly moved to the adjacent bedroom and approached the canopy bed quietly to check on her. However, Tiara Roses slowly opened her eyes and smiled softly.

"...Lord Aquasteed?"

"Did I wake you?"

"No. I was just resting, but I woke up. The sun is so pleasant here, it's very comfortable."

She told Aquasteed that she was feeling better.

"I see. But don't overdo it."

"Yes. I'm sorry for worrying you."

"It's fine. You might be tired from all the recent events."

Aquasteed sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked Tiara Roses' hair. He kissed her forehead and whispered, "Get better soon," in her ear.

"...I will."

"I can't help but worry."

"You're overreacting, Lord Aquasteed."

Tiara Roses' heart raced at Aquasteed's gentle smile and the low, soothing voice in her ear.

There was a knock on the door. When he allowed entry, Philine appeared.

"Excuse me."

"Philine, what is it?"

"Yes. Lady Olivia is here. When I told her that Lady Tiara Roses is not feeling well, she wanted to visit."

Olivia must have come to the castle for some reason and, as usual, wanted to visit Tiara Roses. They often had tea together and spent time chatting.

"Lord Aquasteed, can I talk to Lady Olivia for a bit?"

"Of course, but are you feeling well enough?"

"Yes."

After some thought, Tiara Roses decided to see Olivia for a short while. Philine quickly brought Olivia in, who noticed the sweet scent and the gift of pastries, her eyes sparkling.

Upon entering, Olivia performed a ladylike curtsy.

"Lady Tiara Roses, Prince Aquasteed, good day."

"Yes. It's good to see you, Lady Olivia."

"Lady Olivia, welcome. I can't offer much, but please make yourself comfortable."

Olivia nodded, her hand over her mouth. Her heart must have been thinking, "Villainess and the hero who worries about her, the best!!" She wanted to thrash on the floor in excitement but held back, fearing a nosebleed.

Olivia was the villainess in the sequel to "Lapis Lazuli Ring." With her long hair and ribbon hair accessory, and her framed glasses, she was a high-spirited duke's daughter. Like Tiara Roses, she had memories of her past life as a Japanese person.

"I'm glad you're feeling better than I thought."

"Yes. I might just be tired. I'll be better soon."

Relieved, Olivia smiled and said, "Please get better soon," and offered a beautifully wrapped Baumkuchen. Tiara Roses' eyes lit up with joy.

"Eating this will make me feel better."

"Lady Tiara Roses... How about a trip for rest and recovery? I can lend you my villa."

"Villa?"

Tiara Roses found the idea very appealing. However, it would require a considerable amount of time, and Aquasteed was busy. She also didn't want to go alone.

---It's a wonderful invitation, but it seems difficult.

Before she could decline, Aquasteed spoke up.

"That's a good idea. I'll adjust my schedule, and we'll go together."

"Lord Aquasteed, you're so busy... are you sure?"

"Of course. Your health is the most important."

Surprised by his willingness, Tiara Roses was genuinely happy. As the Crown Prince and his wife, it was difficult for them to take a trip, and it would be challenging to find the time. But Aquasteed agreed without hesitation.

"Then, I'll make the arrangements. I'll send Levi to confirm the details."

"Thank you, Lady Olivia."

Thus, it was decided that Tiara Roses and Aquasteed would go on a trip together. Information about new releases and manga adaptations is provided below. Please look forward to them as well!