5. Greetings

As promised, TiaraRose and the others gathered in the tea room to hold a tea party. The participants were TiaraRose, LuciaRose, Stillca, Stillio, Akari, Haruka, and Olivia. Levy appeared to be devoted to serving and stood by behind Olivia.

Every sweet lined up before them looked delicious.

“These were made by the candy fairies, weren’t they!?”

“Yes, everyone has been fired up since this morning, so we made them together.”

“To think Tiara-sama made them personally!? Then there’s no doubt about the deliciousness.”

Akari’s excitement rose as she looked at the array of sweets. Haruka, sitting next to her, was also looking at the sweets with interest. He seemed particularly fond of the animal-shaped cookies and the chick-themed cakes. The way he stared at them as if wanting to eat was very adorable.

“Haruka-kun, please eat your fill. You don’t have to hold back.”

“Ah… yes. Thank you very much.”

At TiaraRose’s words, Haruka gave a soft smile. Unlike Akari, he was quiet and very well-behaved. Then, LuciaRose, Stillca, and Stillio brought their own favorite sweets to Haruka, saying, “These are recommended, too.”

“Wow, thank you.”

Among the children, they seemed to be getting along well. Looking at them, TiaraRose felt that she really should let them play together more often…

Since they lived in different countries, they couldn’t meet very frequently. She wished they could become like childhood friends, but since they met so rarely, she felt a bit apologetic about that.

“Mm-hmm, it’s good that they’re getting along. As expected, if Lucia-chan would become Haruka’s bride… but Haruka has to become stronger than Lord Aqua. I’ll have to train him strictly when we get back…!!”

TiaraRose let out a sigh at the plan starting to form in Akari’s mind. If she did that, wouldn’t it be hard on Haruka?

“Akari-sama… You mustn’t do such things on your own. Please discuss it properly with Haruka-kun and Prince Hartknights.”

“Okaaaay.”

At TiaraRose’s rebuking words, Akari nodded obediently, though she looked somewhat disappointed.

As TiaraRose and the others were enjoying their tea party, two guests suddenly arrived. Appearing via teleportation were Pearl and Grail.

“What is this, were you having a tea party?”

“We’re going to interrupt for a moment.”

Seeing the two of them, Akari’s eyes sparkled. “To think I’d meet you again!!” she cried in admiration. Levy immediately protected Olivia’s nose with a lace handkerchief.

However, as if not paying Akari and the others any mind, Grail stated their business.

“Actually, Pearl and I are heading out on a trip now. We’re leaving Marineforest for a while, so we came to say our greetings.”

“Oh, so that was it.”

This was likely about the earlier talk of Pearl and Grail abdicating and going on a honeymoon. However, before TiaraRose could even nod, Akari reacted.

“A trip!? In that case, please come to Lapis Lazuli! By all means!!”

At Akari’s instantaneous suggestion, Grail’s expression vanished. He wore a face that seemed to say he absolutely hated the idea, or that he didn’t want to get involved with Akari.

“Akari-sama, it would be a nuisance to say such things to them.”

“But, but! A chance to have them come to Lapis Lazuli is so rare. Maybe Sky and Sea fairies will be born in Lapis Lazuli too…”

It seemed many happy things were happening inside Akari’s brain. As if to betray Akari’s expectations, Pearl announced, “We are no longer the Fairy Kings, you know.”

“Eh!?”

Surprised that the two were no longer Fairy Kings, Akari instinctively looked at everyone’s faces, starting with TiaraRose. “Is it true!?” Not knowing if it was okay to explain, TiaraRose glanced at Grail, who nodded in affirmation. Apparently, it was fine to explain.

“Lady Pearl and Lord Grail have handed over the titles of Fairy King to the next generation and are getting married. This trip is their honeymoon, isn’t it?”

“That is so.”

At TiaraRose’s words, Pearl replied while appearing bashful. She looked very cute, and Grail turned a happy gaze toward her.

“Eh, marriage!? Finally! Waaaaa—, how wonderful! Congratulations, Lady Pearl, Lord Grail!!”

“Thank you, indeed.”

“Thank you.”

TiaraRose laughed at Akari, who was spinning around to express her happiness with her whole body.

“Oh, Akari-sama.”

“No, really, even this isn’t enough to express how happy I am! But I was surprised because I didn’t think the Fairy Kings would abdicate for such a reason. Does that mean the next Fairy Kings have already been decided?”

Crail nodded at Akari’s question.

“The handover has just reached a stopping point.”

“We thought we would introduce them to you all while saying our greetings before the trip… but it seems Aquasteed is not here.”

Pearl looked around the tea room as she said this, so TiaraRose gave a wry smile. “He is currently working.”

“Well, even if it’s a greeting, it’s only for a moment, so there should be no problem.”

Grail, looking as if he didn’t mind, snapped his fingers. Suddenly, a forcibly teleported Aquasteed appeared on the spot. He was in a sitting posture with a pen in one hand, making it clear he had been doing paperwork until just now.

Aquasteed frowned at the sudden teleportation, but he seemed to grasp the situation immediately. “Are you going on that trip?” he asked Grail and Pearl.

“The handover is finished, after all.”

“There is still much to do, but they will likely get used to it as they spend time as Fairy Kings.”

At Grail and Pearl’s words, Aquasteed nodded in understanding.

“Still, I would appreciate it if you would stop summoning me so suddenly.”

“I’ll do my best to consider it.”

Aquasteed shrugged his shoulders at Grail’s reply, which clearly meant he wouldn’t actually consider it, and then went over to TiaraRose’s side to escort her.

“I’m sorry, even though you were in the middle of work.”

“It’s not something for you to worry about, Tiara.”

Seeing the two of them, everyone stood up and waited for the Fairy Kings who were about to be introduced.

“Then, shall we introduce them?”

“They are the Fairy Kings who will succeed us.”

With the words of Pearl and Grail, two new Fairy Kings appeared via teleportation.

“The one who succeeds me is Sizulia.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Sizulia, who has been appointed as the new Sea Fairy King. I look forward to working with you.”

The new Sea Fairy King, Sizulia.

She has the golden eyes that are the mark of a King. She swayed her lustrous long black hair and wore hair ornaments made of pearls, ribbons, and lace. She wore a kimono-style dress similar to Pearl’s. Her apparent age was around her early teens. Though she looked quiet, her eyes shone with dignity.

Next, Grail stepped forward and introduced the new Sky Fairy King. “This is my successor.”

“Percy.”

“Yes. I am Percy, and I have taken over after Lord Grail. I look forward to working with you.”

The new Sky Fairy King, Percy.

He has the golden eyes that are the mark of a King. He has refreshing light blue hair and wears a robe with plenty of fabric, primarily in white. His supple physique, over 180 cm tall, is well-trained—truly befitting an otome game world. He seems like a good-natured young man who will firmly take over Grail’s work.

—They both seem very reliable.

Looking at the two who had greeted them, TiaraRose breathed a sigh of relief. This was because TiaraRose, as the Candy Fairy King, would likely have many interactions with them from now on. While TiaraRose watched with a smile, Akari energetically raised her hand. “Yes, yes, yes!”

“I’ve only ever seen tiny fairies until now, but does this mean there were adult-sized fairies too?”

At Akari’s plausible question, TiaraRose also nodded in agreement. Until now, the Fairy Kings had taken human form, but the other fairies were tiny, palm-sized beings. She had never seen an adult human-shaped fairy.

At Akari’s question, Pearl looked at Sizulia and the others. “Oh, is that what it is?” In response, Sizulia gave an explanation.

“We were appointed as the next Fairy Kings, and at the same time, our power grew, allowing us to take on a human form. Originally, we were the same size as the other fairies.”

“Was that it!? Amazing! It’s the mystery of the fairies!!”

Akari’s eyes sparkled. “Then does that mean other fairies will get big if they become Kings too!? That’s incredibly cool…!!” she said. Olivia remained silent, but she was nodding her head rapidly at high speed while her handkerchief was soaked red.

Watching Akari and Olivia, Grail shrugged his shoulders but spoke about their power.

“Though they were originally regular fairies, they are now splendid Fairy Kings with the eyes of the King’s mark. Of course, they are inferior compared to Keith, but they can handle the work of a Fairy King without issue.”

“Yes.”

“Please leave it to us.”

Percy and Sizulia nodded, showing faces overflowing with motivation.

“As the Candy Fairy King, I think I will be involved with you both quite often. I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes!”

Seeing Sizulia and Percy nod at TiaraRose’s words, Grail held out his hand to Pearl. “Shall we go soon?”

“Indeed.”

As Pearl took Grail’s hand, the two of them looked at the faces of everyone in turn, starting with TiaraRose and Aquasteed. Grail was the first to speak.

“I have known Marineforest since its founding, and despite how I look, I hold it dear. Aquasteed, TiaraRose. Please look after Marineforest while we are away. Of course, that goes for Percy and Sizulia as well.”

TiaraRose gasped at Grail’s serious tone. She nodded slowly, and looking at Grail and Pearl, she conveyed her feelings so they could travel with peace of mind.

“I also love Marineforest dearly. Together with Aqua—no, Lady Olivia and the fairies are here as well. We will protect it together. Please go and enjoy your trip with a peaceful mind.”

“Yes. Starting with Tiara and me, we will all protect this country.”

Following TiaraRose and Aquasteed, Percy and Sizulia also nodded deeply.

“Yes. I also intend to firmly carry on Lord Grail’s legacy.”

“Lady Pearl, please leave it to us!”

Seeing their successors look so dependable, Pearl’s mouth curved into a proud arc.

“Mmu. If we leave it to you, it should be fine. Be sure to work hard.”

“Yes!!”

Sizulia and Percy responded firmly to Pearl’s words.

“Well then, shall we head off?”

“Indeed.”

“Have a safe trip.”

Holding hands, Pearl and Grail smiled, said they were leaving, and teleported away.

—May their journey be a happy one.

TiaraRose saw Pearl and Grail off while praying in that way.

End of 215