Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Joshua - Prince of Bergant - Main Story
Chapter 1 - The Scent of Tea
Kingdom of Tea, Bergant, March...
As various colorful flowers were in bloom, the world was dyed in a warm color as the sun was starting to go down. When I got invited to Bergant's founding festival, I came to visit this beautiful kingdom.
(This flower smells like tea.)
As I closed my eyes absentmindedly, I sniffed the small light purple flower.
(What a really nice scent.)
??: What are you doing?
When I suddenly heard that voice, I turned around in surprise.
Joshua: Welcome, MC-sama.
MC: Joshua-san!
As Joshua-san was looking at me from behind, our eyes met at a close distance. With long eyelashes bordering his light green eyes, beneath them was an impressionable mole. Within the air, a nice scent was lightly drifting from his beautiful brown hair.
(His face is close...!)
When Joshua-san's handsome face suddenly drew near, my heart became slightly noisy.
Joshua: It's really such an honor to see you again like this. Leave all your daily needs to me during your stay.
After Joshua-san said that, he lightly picked me up in his arms.
MC: Eh...
Joshua: Your legs must be tired, so let me carry you to the castle.
MC: No, there's no need to do that!
My cheeks instantly became hot. When Joshua-san smiled gently at me, he started to walk while carrying me.
(S-So embarrassing...)
Joshua: Is there something that you want to do in this kingdom, Princess? If you have any requests, I'll use all my power to make it happen.
(Somehow, attending to my needs like this is making me nervous. But, since he's being so considerate...)
MC: ...Then, I would like to drink the tea that you make, Joshua-san.
Joshua: Is that all?
MC: Also, if you can, please take care of me normally.
Joshua: Eh...?
MC: That'll be enough to make me happy.
Just as Joshua-san widened his eyes in surprise, he broke into a smile as he chuckled.
Joshua: If you say so... Princess.
The breeze lightly caressed our hair. The scent that was emitting from Joshua-san's hair was the refined scent of tea...
Chapter 2 - An Elegant World
That day, just as the stars were starting to twinkle in the night sky...
Joshua: It looks good on you.
While I was wearing the dress that Joshua-san gave me as a present, I headed to the assembly hall, where the welcoming party is being held.
(I'm really not used to being treated like a princess.)
As Joshua-san was escorting me politely, I looked up at his face.
Joshua: Ah... That's right. Pardon me. You requested that you wanted to be treated normally.
After saying that, Joshua-san stopped walking.
Joshua: MC, are you nervous?
MC: Eh...
I blinked in surprise from how he changed the way he was speaking.
Joshua: Are you okay with this?
When he gave me a friendly smile, I smiled as well.
///Choices///
- Say thanks (☼)
MC: Yes, thank you.
Joshua: That's good.
- Nod (☽)
With a smile, I nodded greatly.
Joshua: You finally smiled.
///Choices///
Joshua-san said that as he smiled gently.
Joshua: Let's go.
Then, once we were standing in front of a door, the doorman opened both of the heavy doors.
Doorman: Princess MC of the royal family of Traumerei and Prince Joshua have arrived.
The people that were sitting down got up and greeted us.
(Wow... What a gorgeous party.)
Around us, noblewomen were holding up the hem of their dazzling dresses and men in tailcoats were bowing with a hand on their chests. I returned a bow in a panic, but I was aware of how unrefined I was being.
(I'm so nervous...)
When I thought of that, my body stiffened up...
Joshua: There's no need to be so nervous. Come on, smile.
When Joshua-san whispered that to me, he gave me a wink.
(Joshua-san is so kind.)
Then, champagne was poured into glasses soon after. Joshua-san picked up a glass.
Joshua: Everyone, let us welcome Princess MC of the royal family of Traumerei. Cheers.
As Joshua-san held the glass with the tips of his fingers, he held it up high for everyone to see as a toast. That elegance suddenly made me feel embarrassed of myself for some reason.
(Joshua-san is really kind and elegant.)
When the plates were taken away, appetizers that were arranged like beautiful flowers were put on them.
(Also, compared to me... I don't know which fork I should be using.)
With many forks and knives placed before me, I hesitantly reached out to them. At that moment, I suddenly felt a gaze from beside me...
Joshua: ...
(...Joshua-san?)
Joshua-san's eyes were focused on me. When I looked at that gaze, I couldn't move somehow...
Joshua: It's okay, this is simple. Just copy me.
When he whispered that to me, he showed me by holding the fork and knife that were on the far ends. Thanks to Joshua-san, I somehow began to eat.
(A princess needs to have these kinds of manners.)
As the orchestra was slowly playing music, the refined people were elegantly eating. Within the dazzling world, I felt like I was being left behind...
Chapter 3 - Fingerbowl
As a harp was playing music that sounded like light from the heavens... The gorgeous party continued on.
Joshua: Have you gotten used to the party?
Joshua-san spoke to me with a gentle smile.
Joshua: Does this kingdom's cuisine suit your tastes?
///Choices///
- Return a smile (☽)
As some of the delicious food was in my mouth, I returned a smile.
Joshua: Haha. You have some around your mouth.
- I'm too nervous to eat (☼)
MC: I'm still nervous, so I'm somewhat full.
Joshua: I told you earlier, but there's no need to be so nervous.
///Choices///
Then, a meat dish that had a bone in it, along with a small bowl that had lightly tea colored water in it, was brought over.
(Ah, that flower is floating in it.)
Floating in the bowl was the light purple flower that smelled like tea that I saw when I came to this kingdom. The moment I slowly moved my head forward to get a whiff of that scent...
Girl: Princess, that water is used for washing your hands.
A little girl with a ribbon told me that as if she was scolding me.
Gentleman: Hey, what are you...!
The man that I believed to be her father turned pale.
Girl: But, Father, it'll be bad if the princess drinks that.
The girl pursed her lips as she explained herself.
(I was only trying to smell it, but... Did she think that I was going to drink it?)
Girl: I'm sorry, Princess... I thought that because you didn't look like you were used to eating like that. You looked like you were having some trouble when the meal started, so...
(...!)
My cheeks blushed from embarrassment.
MC: N-No... Thank you for telling me.
Gentleman: My apologies about my daughter...! Please forgive her.
Joshua: ...
(It's because I'm not used to using proper manners.)
As the hall was getting noisy, I felt like wanting to disappear. Then...
Joshua: I'm feeling a little thirsty.
When Joshua-san said that, he suddenly drank the water in the bowl.
MC: Joshua-san...!?
Joshua: I see... This is my first time drinking this, but this is a nice discovery. To think that my kingdom uses such fine quality earl grey for the fingerbowls. I should reward the head chef's tastes.
Joshua-san smiled mischievously in the assembly hall. Once all the commotion changed into friendly smiles, everyone took a sniff of the scent in the fingerbowls.
Joshua: It's thanks to Princess MC and the adorable lady over there. Because of their innocent senses.
When Joshua-san elegantly picked up a glass, he made a toast to us.
(Joshua-san... He took me into consideration, so that I wouldn't embarrass myself.)
As I was unable to bear the embarrassment, I became heavily depressed.
(I... Even though I'm called a princess, I don't know any appropriate manners. Despite that I was invited, I caused some embarrassment to Joshua-san.)
Feeling his gaze, I looked at Joshua-san's light green eyes. I...
///Choices///
- I'm sorry (☽)
MC: I'm sorry... All you've been doing is taking me into consideration.
Joshua: The guest of honor shouldn't be making that kind of face. Come on, smile.
Joshua-san persistently, but gently told me that.
- I'll be more proper (☼)
MC: I'll... be more proper.
Joshua: It's okay. Don't worry about everyone. Come on, smile.
While looking a little troubled, he softly smiled at me.
///Choices///
After Joshua-san told me that, I somehow smiled.
(How shameful of me.)
Afterwards, the meal continued smoothly. Then, the dessert that had a sweet scent that was like peach tea, along with some wine, was brought over.
Gentleman: My deepest apologies for my daughter earlier. Let me apologize with the dessert wine here.
MC: There's no need to apologize...
Gentleman: It's a wine that was made in my territory. Please, drink some.
(What do I do? I've already drank enough. But, I'd feel bad if I refuse.)
MC: Then... Thank you.
When I smiled, I placed the glass against my lips.
(It's so good and sweet. But... My eyes are spinning.)
Joshua: ...Are you okay?
(I need to get a hold of myself.)
The chandelier's light was becoming distant.
Joshua: MC...!
As my consciousness was fading away... I felt someone holding me.
Chapter 4 - Waking Up from a Dream at Night
(Huh...?)
When I slowly opened my eyes, the chandelier was shining brightly.
(I...!)
Just as I got up in a panic, Joshua-san silently closed a book that he was reading from aside.
Joshua: Are you awake?
MC: Joshua-san...
Joshua: You passed out in the middle of the welcoming party. Did you drink too much alcohol? Does your head hurt?
Joshua-san softly placed his cold hand on my forehead.
///Choices///
- Apologize (☼)
MC: I'm so sorry!
Joshua-san looked at me.
- Blush (☽)
(I need to apologize.)
Even though I thought of that, I was unable to speak well as my cheeks were feeling hot.
Joshua: ...
///Choices///
MC: I caused you some trouble.
Joshua: Yeah, that's right.
Joshua-san's tone suddenly sounded cold.
(Eh...?)
Joshua: You have no table manners. It was like you didn't have any at all. Even a little girl pointed that out. I even had to back you up.
(Joshua-san? He seems like a different person somehow. But, he's right.)
MC: I'm really sorry!
Joshua: Don't tell me that's how you're going to behave at the founding festival next week? Are you even the Traumerei Princess?
MC: ...
///Choices///
- Look at him (☽)
As I was unsure on what to do, I looked at him in the eye.
Joshua: Making that kind of face isn't going to help.
- I'll try my best (☼)
MC: Yes, I'll try my best!
Joshua: How are you going to do your best at that level?
///Choices///
Joshua: But, don't worry. I'll teach you.
MC: Eh?
There was a sharp look in Joshua-san's beautiful glasslike light green eyes.
Joshua: Until the founding festival, I'm going to train you into becoming the perfect lady. Prepare yourself tomorrow.
MC: Joshua-san?
When I spoke confusedly, Joshua-san looked down at me coldly.
Joshua: I won't allow any back talk.
After Joshua-san said that coldly, he left the room.
(What do I do?)
Due to Joshua-san's sudden change in behavior and what he said about preparing for tomorrow, I became bewildered. As I was slightly hazy from the alcohol, my vision slowly became cut off from my eyelids...
Chapter 5 - A Lesson in Manners
The next day... When the sky cleared up beautifully, the scent of tea was lightly being carried by the wind. In the world that's usually beautiful like yesterday, Joshua-san's stern voice was being heard today.
Joshua: Your posture is bad.
In the vast party hall, I was sitting in a single chair that was provided to me. The lessons in table manners began in the early afternoon.
Joshua: First up is the napkin.
From behind me, I could hear Joshua-san walking steadily. When I looked over my shoulder, Joshua-san had a thin rod in his hand and placed it in front of his chin.
Joshua: Since you're the guest of honor, no one will spread out their napkin until you do.
MC: Eh...
(T-To think that there was such a rule. I wonder if they were waiting for an awfully long time yesterday.)
Joshua: Yesterday, you spread out your napkin on your lap after the appetizers were brought out for a while. For making so many people wait for so long, the Traumerei Princess is different from what we expected.
MC: I-I'm sorry.
Joshua: ...Next is how to eat. It's basic to use the fork and knife at the ends. Do you remember this from yesterday?
MC: Yes.
Joshua: Then, try eating this appetizer.
In front of me was an appetizer that was garnished with some gelatin on a plate. Just as I was about to start eating while holding the fork and knife in my hands nervously, the thin rod as pushed against my forehead soon after.
Joshua: The food needs to meet with your mouth.
Joshua-san suddenly held both of my hands from behind.
MC: Eh...
When I turned around in surprise, he immediately gave me a cold look upfront.
Joshua: Don't move your head.
After saying that in my ear, Joshua-san moved both of his hands to make me use the fork and knife.
(I need to concentrate since he's going through the trouble into teaching me. I'm so nervous...)
My heart became noisily fast. As Joshua-san's beautiful hand was on my left hand, he brought the appetizer to my mouth and put it in.
Joshua: Do you understand? Don't move your head while bringing food to your mouth with your hand.
MC: Y-Yes!
Joshua: Then, try doing it yourself.
When Joshua-san lets go of my hand, I was trembling so much that I ended up dropping the knife to the floor.
Joshua: ...I don't need excuses. I heard that you came from a different world than this, but what were they teaching you over there?
(The other world...)
Joshua: Your table manners and behavior too, you're no different than a commoner girl.
(That's because I was a normal girl.)
Overwhelmed by shameful and nostalgia feelings, the corner of my eyes became warm.
///Choices///
- Silently put down the fork (☽)
Unable to respond, I put down the fork that was in my hand.
Joshua: That's not how you put it down.
- Say that you haven't been trained (☼)
MC: I haven't been trained in table manners.
Joshua: I see.
Joshua-san sighed as he said that exasperatedly.
///Choices///
MC: I'm only causing problems.
I felt pain in my heart as it became filled with unbearable feelings.
Joshua: ...
Then, Joshua-san made a bit of a perplexed look.
MC: Ah, this isn't good. I seem to have gotten a little dust in my eye. I'll go wash it out.
I hurriedly left the room...
......
Joshua: What a strange girl. Saying something like that... Despite that it would've been best if she became mad. To think that there was a princess like that.
...
Chapter 6 - Joshua's Tea
-Flashback-
Joshua: I heard that you came from a different world than this, but what were they teaching you over there? Your table manners and behavior too, you're no different than a commoner girl.
-Flashback-
As the sun was setting, the clouds turned orange.
(Even though I should be returning.)
After I left the lesson hall as if I was running away, I sat down on a bench lost in thought.
(A princess, huh...)
When I looked up, Joshua-san was suddenly standing before me.
MC: Joshua-san...
Joshua: ...Here.
Joshua-san presented a teacup to me. Near his feet was a basket with a teapot in it.
Joshua: Did you say so? You said that you wanted to try the tea that I make.
-Flashback-
MC: I would like to drink the tea that you make, Joshua-san.
-Flashback-
MC: You remember that from the day I came here?
Joshua: Is your memory that bad? That's a shame.
///Choices///
- Shake your head to deny it (☽)
I frantically shook my head.
Joshua: A lady shouldn't shake their head with that much force.
MC: I-I'm sorry!
- Smile (☼)
MC: No, thank you.
When I smiled at him from feeling happy about him taking me into consideration, Joshua-san turned away in embarrassment.
///Choices///
I softly placed the cup against my mouth.
MC: It's good...!
The really subtle and sweet scent was spreading within my mouth. Just as I smiled, Joshua-san sat next to me.
Joshua: ...I must've said too much.
After saying that, he awkwardly lowered his long eyelashes a little.
MC: No. It's because I don't know anything about manners. Thank you for teaching me.
When I made a bit of a troubled smile, Joshua-san spoke softly a little.
Joshua: ...Tell me, about how you were raised and the world that didn't teach you any manners.
MC: Eh?
Joshua: What kind of world is it?
(Could it be that he's taking me into consideration?)
MC: ...Let's see. There's tea over there too. It comes from the shops in town.
Joshua: Hmm... That's impressive.
MC: The tea gets put into teabags for simple conveniency uses.
Joshua: Simple? I can't understand that.
MC: There are some princes, but they're from faraway places. Where I was raised, there wasn't a class system.
Joshua: I see...
MC: So, I really was raised as a "commoner girl" like you said.
Joshua: ...I see.
As Joshua-san gently smiled, the orange evening sunlight shined on the side of his face.
Joshua: ...Sorry. I was raised as a royal the moment I was born. Ever since I was little, the queen from the neighboring kingdom would get mad if I did something rude... Because of that, Father... He apologized so much and lost a lot of wealth. Well, that's what I see happen to people that have no manners...
(Is that so...)
Joshua: That's the role I must take responsibility for.
Joshua-san silently got up. As the sun shined on his eyes, they showed a passionate look.
Joshua: In this world, you have a role. You must have some manners. Also... If you do that majestically with pride, people will bestow upon you proudly.
MC: I want to learn about manners...
(I never thought about it that way...)
Joshua: Once you refine yourself, you'll hold your place as a royal with grace and become the pride of the people.
The side of his face that had a mild determination looked really cold... That's what I saw on Joshua-san. Meanwhile, the teacup in my hands felt really warm...
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