The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom (悪役令嬢は隣国の王太子に溺愛される)

That's Prince Aquasteed!

He's spent the past few years

traveling across several countries just to further his own knowledge.

He transferred to Lapis Lazuli Academy

because he wanted to end his travels by studying properly.

He's so passionate!

I hear he's brilliant with the sword, too.

Once again...

you are front and center today, Prince Aquasteed.

Elliot?

I hear you have your own fan club now,

and its membership grows by the day.

Only because a foreign prince is a novelty, I'm sure.

Anyway, did you find the books I asked for?

Yes, in the library. There are a few.

Then let's go.

It's good that you're as studious as you are,

but perhaps it would do you good to look elsewhere now and then?

Elsewhere?

You've received invitations from so many young ladies,

yet you've refused them all.

Perhaps you should accept one for a change?

There are so many books I want to read.

There are many here that we don't have in Marinforest. They intrigue me.

I want to be worthy of the title of crown prince of Marinforest.

I wish for nothing else.

There is nothing else that I could...

When I saw her smile, something in my heart made a sound.

The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom

A Proposal Sweeter Than Honey

I met her a year ago,

at a soirée that was held to welcome me.

It's been a long time, Prince Aquasteed.

I'm glad to see you again.

As am I, Prince Hartknights.

I look forward to studying together during my year here.

Same. Let me introduce you to my fiancée.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Aquasteed.

My name is Tiararose Lapis Clamentile.

It is a great honor to meet you.

Her courteous language, her soft manner of speaking,

her flawless etiquette, her polished demeanor...

The effort she'd put in was plain as day.

I am Aquasteed Marinforest.

Lady Tiararose, it is a pleasure to meet you.

She was so dignified at all times

and spared no effort in anything she did.

Whenever she saw someone in need,

she'd talk to them and offer her aid.

She'd never pretend she hadn't seen them.

There I was, trying to be a worthy crown prince,

while she carried herself with the dignity of a lady of the Lapis name.

We were similar in the way we both constantly disciplined ourselves.

But whenever she ate sweets...

The contrast delighted me.

Prince Aquasteed.

What are you looking at?

Isn't that Prince Hartknights' fiancée...

Lady Tiararose.

She's out there almost every day.

Oh? Every day?

And as I watched her every day, my interest in her grew.

What book is she reading?

What is she saying?

What is this roaring in my chest?

You seem to be enjoying yourself.

Lately, you've been coming here not to read,

but to gaze upon the flowers, haven't you?

A flower... You're right.

Watching her calms my soul.

Rain...

Prince Aquasteed!

Come forth, wind, and disperse the clouds!

Prince Aquasteed...

Why did you use magic?

You almost never use it.

Well... I didn't want her book to get wet.

I knew the truth.

I was pretending not to realize it,

but I was in love with her.

So, I wanted to give her something.

Some small happiness...

A smile.

If I spoke to her...

If I reached out, I could touch her. She's close enough.

But I can't do it.

I mustn't.

Prince Aquasteed, why don't you try talking to her?

Don't get such ridiculous ideas.

She is Prince Hartknights' fiancée.

I know, but...

One's first love is fleeting and never comes to fruition.

All I'm allowed to do is pray for her happiness.

Lady Tiararose?

Lady Tiararose!

She needs the infirmary!

What could have happened to make such a strong young lady collapse?

Was it because of that girl?

The one who transferred in

and immediately grew so close to Prince Hartknights?

Perhaps he'll leave Lady Tiararose for her?

Such rumors spread quickly.

If that truly comes to pass, I...

Prince Hartknights.

I'm sorry for the trouble Tiara has caused you, Prince Aquasteed.

Oh, no, it's not...

I'll take over from here.

It's her fiancé's job to stay by her side.

That was my first time touching the girl I love...

My time at this academy ends with tomorrow's graduation ceremony.

All of these restless feelings should ease up after that.

Tiararose, I hereby

call off my engagement with you!

In that moment,

a storm welled up inside me.

No more hesitation.

I'll follow my heart...

to your side.

That is enough.

I'll take the flower I could only gaze at before into my arms.

Are you all right, Lady Tiararose?

Prince Aquasteed?

You called?

Yes.

Send this to my father.

Certainly.

Flap your wings, break through the clouds, and fly!

I wrote in the letter that I would bring Lady Tiararose

back to Marinforest with me as my fiancée,

so that she could live her life there and want for nothing.

It did seem like things were heading in a good direction,

but still, that was rather fast.

I feel silly for worrying over it so much.

I know. I'm surprised, too.

A new wish was born in my heart:

to make Lady Tiararose my own.

Eventually, she agreed to marry me, and my wish came true.

Tiara's here?!

Yes. She wishes to see you today, though her visit was unannounced.

May I let her in?

Of course, right awa—

You may not.

Not until you've finished that pile of paperwork.

I want to see her as soon as possible!

What's he after now?

Tell me, Prince Hartknights...