Chapter 93

Regarding Elliot and Filene.

Previously, there was a story about Elliot drinking something like a love potion... but in the book, it has been revised to Aquasteed drinking it.

Since I am writing this chapter based on the book, I hope you can read it as if nothing special happens between Elliot and Filene.

“Lady Aqua, I know this is sudden, but may I go to Lady Olivia’s place tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? That’s quite sudden. Of course, it’s fine, but is something the matter?”

“I want to consult Lady Olivia about Filene.”

Later that night, while relaxing on the sofa, Tiara Roses asked Aquasteed for permission to go out, and he readily agreed.

Relieved, Tiara Roses smiled.

“You were worried about it during the day. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’d like to, but it’s not good to meddle too much in women’s problems... right?”

“It’s not that, but if Lady Aqua gets involved, it becomes a big deal.”

“...I think Tiara feels the same way.”

Aquasteed laughed, “You haven’t forgotten that you’re the queen, have you?”

“O-of course I’m aware! But when it comes to marriage, as the king, Lady Aqua’s influence is too great.”

“Marriage...? Has Filene received a marriage proposal?”

“...Yes. But it doesn’t seem to be a good match.”

So, Tiara Roses thought it would be good to get some advice from Olivia as well. If Aquasteed were to intervene, it could turn into a diplomatic issue. It’s different from Tiara Roses just offering some advice or support.

Aquasteed gently kissed Tiara Roses on the forehead and said, “It’s fine.”

“Be careful. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to consult me.”

“Of course, I will.”

Aquasteed gently stroked her hair, and Tiara Roses leaned against his shoulder.

＊＊＊

The next day, Tiara Roses visited Olivia’s mansion with Filene and the guard, Tarmo.

The garden was beautifully maintained with a green theme, and even though winter was approaching, it was still a sight to behold. Gardens that tend to look bleak in cold seasons actually stood out here.

As soon as they arrived, Olivia and Levi welcomed them.

Olivia Ariadelle, the villainess from the sequel.

A duchess’s daughter and a fellow reincarnated person like Tiara Roses. She loves otome games and has a hobby of visiting holy sites, where she often gets nosebleeds from imagining character marriages.

She has rose-red hair and honey-green eyes. She wears glasses and looks intelligent, but she’s more of a pervert.

“Lady Tiara Roses, I’ve been waiting for you.”

“I’m sorry for the sudden visit.”

“No, don’t worry about it. Come, let’s go to the room.”

Olivia led them to her room and, as it was a conversation between women, she forcibly dismissed Levi, who wanted to stay. Filene and Tarmo were asked to wait in the waiting room.

After drinking some tea to calm down, Tiara Roses got to the point.

“Actually, I have a consultation about Filene. I also hope we can discuss the overall situation...”

“Overall, you say?”

Olivia tilted her head at Tiara Roses’ words. So, Tiara Roses explained about the marriage proposal Filene had received and how she wished for more freedom in love.

Olivia said, “I see...” and thought for a moment. Tiara Roses, hoping she might have a good idea, silently watched her. After a while, Olivia spoke.

“Actually, there’s something I’ve wanted to try for a long time.”

“Something you’ve wanted to try?”

“Yes. This could be the first step towards the free love you mentioned.”

Olivia smiled and clapped her hands, looking very happy.

What could she be proposing? Tiara Roses was curious and was about to ask, but before she could, blood started to drip from Olivia’s nose.

It was a nosebleed.

“Eeeh!? Are you okay, Lady Olivia...!?”

“I’m sorry, it’s just a habit. Please don’t worry.”

“Habit...?”

Despite Tiara Roses’ worried expression, Olivia wiped her nose with a practiced hand.

“It’s really nothing to worry about. I just got a bit excited when I imagined it...”

—What did you imagine, Lady Olivia?!

Tiara Roses blushed at the thought.

“What I propose is a masquerade ball!”

“A masquerade ball...! It might indeed be exciting...”

Hearing Olivia’s words, Tiara Roses felt her heart race.

A masquerade ball is a night gathering where all participants wear masks to hide their faces.

You can dance with people whose names and statuses you don’t know, enjoying the moment—

—If Lady Aqua were to wear a mask, it would definitely suit her.

Tiara Roses was certain of this and wanted to see it. At the same time, she nodded firmly, saying, “Let’s definitely hold it.”

Olivia, no doubt, also wanted to see the charming figures of the game characters in masks. Tiara Roses nodded in agreement.

At the same time, it could be a place for Filene to meet someone.

As a maid, Filene usually doesn’t attend such gatherings. However, since this is a masquerade ball, with some persuasion—or rather, by preparing in advance and participating together—it could work.

Thinking about Filene’s dress, which she hadn’t seen in a while, Tiara Roses felt warm.

“If this leads to Filene finding someone she likes, that would be great. Personally, I thought she might get along well with Elliot...”

“Elliot, the king’s aide and a game character. It might be good, but he doesn’t have a noble title, so it could be difficult.”

“That’s true...”

Status is a strict matter.

However, Elliot is the king’s aide. If Filene’s family agrees, marriage might be possible, but unfortunately, the Sanfist family is looking for a noble with financial stability.

—Hopefully, a good solution can be found.

“Does Filene have anyone she likes?”

“I haven’t heard of anyone specific... She asks me various things, though.”

“So, she dislikes those who propose to her, but there’s no one else she can marry... In that case, a masquerade ball is the only option...! We should start preparing right away! Levi, Levi!”

Olivia, full of enthusiasm, called for Levi, who couldn’t wait any longer.

“Did you call, Olivia?”

“Levi, we’re going to hold a masquerade ball.”

“Understood. I’ll start the preparations.”

With just Olivia’s word, Levi understood what he needed to do and left the room. Tiara Roses was surprised by this quick action.

Levi is still a peculiar butler, she thought.

Levi.

Olivia’s dedicated butler, 24 years old.

He has black hair and wears a butler’s uniform, looking calm, but his rose-red eyes are striking. He will do anything for Olivia.

“Lady Olivia, what instructions did you give to Levi? Nothing specific has been decided yet...”

“I’ve always wanted to hold a masquerade ball. I’ve already discussed all the details with Levi!”

Sure enough, Olivia.

Tiara Roses smiled wryly and asked how Olivia planned to proceed. There were many things to do before the ball, such as the venue and the number of guests.

Olivia immediately started talking about the details of the masquerade ball with enthusiasm.

“The venue will be the Ariadelle family’s villa. It’s on this property, so it’s not difficult to move to.”

“Your mansion will make the guests feel safe.”

The Ariadelle family, being a duchy, wouldn’t do anything suspicious. If this were a secret invitation, some might suspect something fishy.

“The guests will be nobles from Marin Forest, aged 18 and above. The upper limit will be 25. Both married and unmarried are welcome. This way, it won’t be seen as a ball for finding partners, and Lady Tiara Roses can attend.”

“That sounds good. But... we should invite Lady Akari too, or she might get angry later.”

She could easily imagine Akari being upset for not being invited to such a fun event. Tiara Roses and Olivia exchanged glances and smiled wryly.

“We’ll send an invitation to Lady Akari. Since it takes time to travel from Lapis Lazuli, let’s hold it in two months.”

“That sounds fine. Lady Aqua can adjust her schedule for two months.”

Even if the schedule is tight, she would find a way to make time, Tiara Roses thought. She imagined Lady Aqua worrying about Tiara Roses going to a masquerade ball alone and being approached by strange men, and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Lady Tiara Roses?”

“Sorry. I was just thinking about how exciting it would be to hold an event not in the game. I’m really looking forward to it. I hope it turns out well for Filene too...”

“I hope so too.”

After that, Tiara Roses and Olivia discussed the details of the masquerade ball, and before they knew it, it was evening.

＊＊＊

A month and a half later, Akari arrived from Lapis Lazuli. An invitation was sent to her husband, Hartnitz, but he declined, citing his busy schedule.

“It’s been a while, Lady Tiara, Lady Olivia!”

Her face lit up as she joined them at Olivia’s mansion.

Today, the three of them were meeting to discuss the masquerade ball.

Akari Lapis Lazuli, the heroine of the otome game “The Ring of Lapis Lazuli.”

She has beautiful black hair and eyes, making her look Japanese. This is because Akari transferred from Japan to this world.

She is now married to the second prince of Lapis Lazuli, Hartnitz, and lives in Lapis Lazuli.

“I’m so glad to see you both! I’ve been looking forward to this.”

“Thank you. It’s good to see you, Lady Akari.”

“It’s been a while. Let’s get right to the discussion about the masquerade ball...!”

After exchanging greetings, Tiara Roses and Olivia were happy to see Akari again.

Incidentally, Aquasteed said he would adjust his schedule no matter what to attend. Both Tiara Roses and Aquasteed are preparing new formal wear for the event, looking forward to it.

They started their girl talk with tea and snacks prepared by Levi.

However, the topic was the grand masquerade ball. They have received responses from most of the invited nobles, so it will be a large-scale event.

They discussed the interior decorations, drinks, and food for the day.

Incidentally, all dessert-related matters have been entrusted to Tiara Roses.

Suddenly, while eating a cookie, Akari said, “Marriage... It’s strange to think about a character who didn’t have a romantic storyline in the game getting engaged.”

Akari seemed to have trouble imagining it.

“Indeed... Filene’s ending was to follow Lady Tiara Roses into exile.”

“That’s right. It was mentioned in the end credits.”

In response, Olivia explained what happened to Filene after the ending. However, this was based on the scenario where Tiara Roses was exiled, which doesn’t apply to the current situation. Tiara Roses nodded, remembering that it was mentioned in the credits.

Akari then said something unexpected and precise.

“Thinking about it, it’s strange for Filene to suddenly become engaged to a childhood friend from Lapis Lazuli. After all, Filene left the country and is still abroad, even if in a different form. Wouldn’t it be more fitting for her to find someone in Marin Forest?”

Akari pointed out that it doesn’t make sense for Filene to suddenly return to Lapis Lazuli.

“Indeed, it’s hard to imagine Filene returning to the country after following Lady Tiara Roses...”

“Right? So, I think Filene will find a good match in Marin Forest.”

Tiara Roses agreed, and Akari quickly concluded. Despite her generally optimistic nature, this often brings relief.

“Among the male characters near Filene... there’s Elliot, who isn’t a mob character, but a game character. But what do you think?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. I’ll support them if they both like each other, but I’m fundamentally on Filene’s side.”

If Elliot likes Filene, Tiara Roses will support them, but if Filene says no, she will oppose it. Even if Akari recommends Elliot, Filene’s feelings should come first.

As they were discussing, Olivia made a suggestion.

“Then, why not invite Elliot as well?”

“That’s a good idea!”

“I agree!”

The suggestion was immediately supported by Akari, and Tiara Roses followed.

The planned masquerade ball is sure to be a fun and lively event—

The comic (free to read) was updated yesterday!

If you haven’t read it yet, please check the link below!