AN: Let's do out best for this week as well~!!!! Hope you guys have a great day and week ahead of you~!!!!





"Hah... These pictures are not that great huh... It's hard to identify what I want from these books. Although their drawings are not bad, I wish they'd taken the picture with a DSLR..."

......

What? Yes I know I'm unreasonable.

The book I'm currently reading is a book about various plant oils that could be found in the kingdom. And around me were many other books about plants, herbs, spices, and a few books about economics and business, all clattered all over my bed.

I'm currently trying to find plant oils that I could use to make a DIY shampoo and conditioner as well as learning the basics of business since I want to sell them in the future. Why? Because get this... This world doesn't have those!

Hah... I know the era here is still behind my previous world, but as a girl, I can't stand washing my hair with soap anymore.

My poor hair... It's so beautiful yet I can't do you justice. I'm so sorry...

As I caressed my hair, I continue to look for oils, more specifically coconut, olive, castor, or other essential oils from plants.

First I want to make castile soap, which would make the rest of the process to make shampoo and conditioner easier.

After a while, I found several plants that resembled the plants I'm looking for based on their characteristics and properties.

Essential oils are easy since I could just extract them from flowers around the house and olive oil is usually used in cooking. The two only things I'd need to really make sure that it really is what I'm looking for are coconut and castor oils.

Thank God mom's a DIYer... She'd always buy these things and try to make soaps, shampoos, and other things on her own.

It's her hobby, and she'd also drag me into this. I used to feel lazy to join her but now, I can't thank her enough!

As I'm listing the names of the plants and the oils, Anne came running into my room.

"Alterisa-sama! Why are you still in your pajamas?! And why is this room so messy?! Please take a bath quickly and prepare for your meeting with his highness-!"

"Ah, Anne! Good timing! Can you ask someone to buy this stuff for me?"

"E-Eh? O-Of course. But if I may ask, what will you be needing this for?"

"Hehehe, just wait Anne. When I'm done, you'll be the first to try my creation!"

"E-Eh... W-Would it be alright...?"

Hm, what's this? She doesn't look as excited as I'd expect. Why is she looking so worried instead?

"It's fine~! Just hurry and go so we can prepare quickly~"

"Hah... I understand. Please enter the bathroom and cleanse yourself as I clean the room and tell someone to buy the things you wish for. I will return shortly."

"Okay~ Thank you, Anne."

Anne bowed and went to ask someone to do my errands.

I slowly swim through the pool of books and head to the bathroom. After taking off my flannel pajamas, I rinse myself then went into the tub.

"Hah... It's so good..."

Warm baths are the greatest! And after I did some experimentation and try out things, I'll be able to make shampoo and conditioner for my hair!

Hehehe, but of course that's not the only thing I'm planning. I'm building an empire after all~

Hm, when should I tell Lu-nii... Maybe after I'm done with the shampoo?

Well, he'll find out sooner or later either way since we always hang out together.

Hah~ I can't wait!

--------------------------------X----------------------------------

I just finished getting ready to meet one of my best friends, the crown prince, and the main capture target of "Lovely Happenings".

Honestly... Anne and the maids went too far with dressing me. I look like I'm about to go to a ball! Though I do think their fashion eyes are spot on.

I'm wearing a sleeveless baby blue dress with subtle white accents which complimented my platinum hair perfectly. It fits my body perfectly, accentuating my developing curves which I didn't know I had. All the maids shrieked in excitement when they saw me.

My hair was done in a loose french braid and I let it flow over my left shoulder. I wore a small gold necklace given to me by mom for my birthday yesterday as well as fingerless, light blue arm dress gloves since I'm sleeveless.

When I saw myself, I was very shocked. I look very good! It's not something the game's Alterisa would like since she likes overbearingly gaudy stuff and I like it! Subtle yet beautiful and elegant! Though I still think it's too much for just a private meeting. And it's Alexus. Even though he's the crown prince, he'll definitely not mind me wearing something casual.

Well, can't do much now since Alexus has already arrived.

Hah... Honestly, I'm very nervous. I've met with Alexus quite a few times, more than I expected since I am supposed to be the villainess of his route. But this time, it's him officially proposing to me to become his fiancee, something that happened exactly like the plot of the otome game.

If it was the game's Alterisa, she would be on cloud nine since she finally managed to get her beloved crown prince as her fiance. But for me, I just hope I could still be his best friend even if he fell in love with the heroine and didn't kill me off.

I stood behind the door to the living room where my parents, Lu-nii, Kiara-chan, and his highness Alexus were waiting.

I breathe in deeply and out. Here we go!

I entered the living room after Anne opened the door for me. Immediately, everyone in the room turned and looked at me with a surprised expression. Even the servants are blushing for some reason!

P-Please don't stare at me! I'm nervous enough as is!

I feel my cheeks blush, but I maintain my noble lady's elegance and walk calmly towards my parents.

I looked at Alexus, who for some reason was looking at me with his mouth slightly opened as if he was in a daze. Hehehe, I've never seen this face even in the game before. He's so funny.

Arriving at my parent's side, I curtsied to him.

"Please forgive me for my tardiness, your highness. I am very happy and honored to be in your grace this lovely morning."

I looked up and everyone still had the same surprised expression.

L-Lu-nii! What's happening?!

I sent an SOS message to him by blinking quickly, but he just averted his gaze from me and tried to hide his laughter.

What?! What the hell! I'll make you pay for this later!

O-Ok, this is getting really embarrassing. Why is everyone looking at me like this? Am I weird?!

Suddenly, Kiara jumped and tackled-hugged me.

"Nee-chan! So pretty!!!"

"Hehehe, thank you very much, Kiara-chan."

I rubbed her cheeks with mine.

"But his highness the prince is here so be a good girl okay?"

"Yes~!"

She turned around and looked at Alexus. Hm? Is it me or did she just glared at Alexus?

Nah, that's impossible. She's my innocent, adorable angel after all~

Alexus and everyone else seemed to snap out of their daze from Kiara's voice. He placed his right hand to his heart and bowed elegantly, as expected from a prince.

"The pleasure is all mine, lady Alterisa. You look even more beautiful than ever."

"Thank you very much for your compliment, your highness. It is all thanks to our house's servants' skills. They are so passionate about their work that even I couldn't help but admire them."

I heard sniffles from the maids who dressed me up. Don't worry guys! I know how hard it is to dress me up since I can't stay still!

"Of course. But I believe the reason why they were able to display their skills to this extent was because you are inherently beautiful, Alterisa. Extremely so, if I may add. Won't you agree?"

All the servants, even mom, dad, and Lu-nii, bobbed their heads repeatedly with a proud smile on their faces when Alexus asked them.

Ehehehe~ You'll make me embarrassed~

I let out a thankful smile to hide my grin, but Lu-nii seemed to notice it since he's looking at me weirdly.

"Thank you very much for your praise, your highness."

Alexus let out a wry smile and mumbled 'It seems I still have a long way to go.'

Hm? Why did he say that?

But before I find out why, his expression turned into his usual warm smile. He knelt down in front of me and took my hands.

"Lady Alterisa von Lorya, I, Alexus von Derium, would like to ask for your hand in marriage. Will you please be my first and final beloved, and be by my side until death do us part?"

Uwaahh... As expected of the main capture target, his smile is so dazzling! Umu, I can understand why the game's Alterisa and the Heroine would fall for him that much.

Ah, my heart is beating so fast. I know he's a child, but I can already see the image of his grown up self proposing to me! Hah... I guess it wouldn't be that bad to be engaged to Alex until he found the heroine. Being engaged to my best friend is better than being engaged to a stranger. I... I will still support him with his love and back down when the time inevitably comes.

Unknowingly, I smiled and looked at him full of love and affection, causing him to blush and stare at me in a daze.

"It would be my pleasure, my prince."

Right after I said that Alex jumped up and hugged me tightly.

"I love you, Risa."

"Hyan!"

C-Crap! His whispers tickled my ears! A-A-And, d-did he just said h-he loves me?!

My heart started beating rapidly and my mind went haywire. I tried to push him away, but somehow, I can't get strength in my arms. H-He's hugging me so tightly!

Then, to my relief, Alex let go of me. But he kept staring at me wide-eyed.

"...Did you just squealed?"

He notiiiiiiced!

I immediately hide my face with my hands.

N-No, he's still unsure! I must deny this!

"I-I-I didn't!"

Gah! I stuttered! Now, this just made me seem too embarrassed to accept it!

"You did!"

He notiiiiiiced! Noooooo!

My face kept getting hotter and hotter. But then, he hugged me close to him again and stroked my head gently.

"Y-Y-Your highness?!"

"Sshhh, It's okay, Risa. It was very cute."

"U-Uuuhh.... I-It's your fault for suddenly whispering to me like that, Alex."

"Hehehe~ But you didn't hate it don't you?"

"I-I-I don't know! I-It's the first time... I've experienced this..."

I've never felt anything like this before. Even in my past life, I'm never this intimate with any guy. I was the one who'd usually whisper into a maiden's ears, not the other way around!!!

"Oho~ Then, I'll whisper my words of love to you more often, okay?"

You mean you want to do this more often?! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! Don't do that until at least I know what's going on!

"U-Uuuhh... D-Don't... I-I won't last..."

"Hehe~ Too bad~!"

T-This prince... Was he always this sort of tease in the game...?

-----------------------------X--------------------------------

After a while, I finally calmed down. But don't be mistaken! I'm still sending glares to Alex!

Nngh... Why is he still smiling? I can even see his aura shining! Be afraid! Be afraid of my glares!

I-Is he that happy after teasing me?! How dare he embarrass me in front of my family! Grrrrr!

Dad's also clenching his fist while mom was all smiles as he tried holding him back. Lu-nii seemed surprised at first, but then returned to normal.

...No, h-he's definitely planning something!

"...Then your highness. I believe we have concluded the engagement proposal and finished all the business we have today."

"Yes we have, Duke Lorya. However, may I spend a little bit more time with my dear fiance?"

"Forgive me, your highness, but Alterisa will start her lessons soon. I believe she needs to have adequate rest before that."

Alexus stared at dad for a moment before relenting and agreed with him

"I understand. Risa, I'll come from time to time okay?"

"Y-Yeah... Wait... Don't you have your own lessons?"

"Hehe, I'll finish them swiftly and come to my cute, fiance's side. Don't worry."

T-This gifted prince...

"Hah... I understand. But please don't push yourself too hard."

I don't want to take responsibility for forcing the crown prince to overwork...

"Nothing is too hard for you, Risa."

"Hah... Speak normally, your highness. Even if we're engaged, it doesn't mean you have to speak sweet words to me all the time. I personally prefer you talking to me like we usually do."

Hm? Why did Alex's smile become softer?

"Hehe, you really are different from the rest. I understand. If that's what you want, then I'll speak normally. Is that okay?"

"Yes! I'd feel more comfortable with you speaking normally anyway. No barriers or trying too hard. Just be comfortable with each other!"

I was never really a fan of guys speaking to me with beautiful words or acting like someone they're not. I like it when they're being truthful to me and be themselves.

Alexus is a great friend and I like his company very much. So there's no need to act differently. I feel the most comfortable when he's the Alex I know.

Well... That nervous feeling isn't so bad... I wouldn't be against feeling it again once in a while...

What is that feeling anyway?

...

Well~! Let's forget about it for now~! I'll be starting my etiquette and primary lessons soon, and I'll complete it quickly!

After that, it's time for... the cool stuff!!!!