Looking out of the carriage window, I watch the familiar scenery of the road to the royal castle in a daze.

We are going through the noble district, which is normally fairly quiet since every noble's estate would have quite a distance between them. But, the sound coming from the giant festival in the marketplace at the edge of the noble's district reached even here.

It's the biggest event of the kingdom, alright. Moreover, it's the first day. The royal family is visiting the commoners' district, so it was an even bigger celebration.

The royal family is kind of a celebrity, after all. They're super popular with the citizens for their peaceful and prosperous rule.

Well, I guess "Lovely Happenings" is an otome game dating simulator that focuses on the relationships between the heroine and the capture targets. Having a peaceful setting really allows the player to focus on dating and romance fluffs. Though some may think it's boring, now that I'm actually living here, I can't help but be thankful...

I yawned softly and then turned my head back into the carriage. Mom was sitting in front of me while Lu-nii sat next to me.

They were both dressed to the max.

Mom wore the sexier, more mature, light blue version of my dress with dark blue embroideries and jewelries with blue jewels. She looks super beautiful, especially with her hourglass body... Even as her daughter, I couldn't help but feel really envious...

It seems like mom didn't just wear this for the opening ceremony, but also to reward dad for his hard work. She wore a blue-themed dress and jewelries to match dad's eyes as well as charm him with her sexy, mature body.

She even bragged to me about how this dress will definitely pierce dad's heart in an instant and how she's excited for tonight.

Hah... How do I say this... I mean, that's not something you should say to your daughter...

Well, I'm glad they're such a lovey-dovey couple...

On the other hand, Lu-nii wore a new set of jet-black suits with subtle light blue embroideries, a light blue tie, and jet-black pants. Not strikingly extravagant, but very elegant, sharp, neat, and sophisticated. He looks just like a mini dad.

I guess it's as expected of a capture target. His genes make it easy for him to look good in any type of clothing so it's not that difficult for him.

Well... I guess I am blessed with a beautiful countenance, so I guess it's because our parents are super beauties as well.

"What? Is your neck tired from looking outside~? Do you need to sit on my lap~?"

K-Kuh... This stupid Lu-nii... Just because you're taller... THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN MOCK THE SHORT!

I pouted and sent deadly glares at Lu-nii. WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF YOUR FACE!!!

"Oh my~ You shouldn't tease your little sister like that, Lucas~"

"Hehe~ But isn't she cute like this, mother~?"

"Ufufufu~ She is~"

What?! I'm not being cute!!! I'm sending deadly glares, you know?! Fear me!!!

"Hmph!"

I turned my head away and pouted. As always, he really knows how to get on my nerves!

"Ufufufu~ Now now~ Please don't get upset, baby~ Look, we've almost arrived~"

W-Well... I guess I can't continue to pout in public...

You're very lucky, Lu-nii. But know that I shall have my revenge.

"Yes, mom..."

"Good girl~"

Soon after, our carriage slowly came to a stop as we arrived at the royal palace.

A group of royal knights welcomed us at the entrance and accepted our invitation for checking before letting us in.

I held mom's hand while Lu-nii walked on her other side as we were then lead inside to the grand ballroom by a male butler where all the nobles had gathered.

He opened the massive, pure white double doors as one of two of the royal knights stationed at the side of the door announced our arrival.

Everyone within the grand ballroom immediately turned their heads towards us and stared. All of them were looking at us, or rather, mom in awe.

I could even hear gasps and whispers of the noble ladies who were entranced by her beauty and dress, not to mention the nobleman.

As expected of one of two most beautiful noble ladies in the kingdom~! Mom is just too beautiful!!!! Even I, as her daughter, couldn't help but be envious~!

We walked calmly into the grand ballroom, each step filled with dignity, elegance, and confidence, with a soft smile on our faces.

I remember my etiquette as well as Lily's lessons on how to appear as elegant, dignified, confident, but humble, approachable, and kind as well. It all comes down to my smile, so I smiled as softly as I could, as if I'm smiling at Fubuki when she's asleep.

I could hear the gasps and whispers becoming louder as we entered deeper into the grand ballroom, but before I could understand what they're saying, a group of people stole my attention.

"Lisa~ You've arrived~"

"Maria~ I've missed you~"

Ah! It's Evelyn's family~!

They all came and approached us with a bright smile on their faces.

Evelyn seemed to be fidgeting though, and her face was red...

Ah~ But she looks so beautiful in her white and sapphire gown dress~ It compliments her light blue hair so well~ She looks just like a snow fairy~!!

As I was admiring her beauty, Mom and Maria-sama clasped their hands with each other as they smiled ever so brightly.

Ah... I-It's too bright! I-I can't! My eyes!!!! It's too blinding!!!

"Lisa, it has been a while since we met. I'm happy to see you doing well."

"Ah, Eric~ It is nice to see you too~ Thank you very much for helping Al during this festival~"

"I'm happy to help. He has helped me plenty as well with my work, so we are even."

The shoulder-length blue golden haired man said with a soft smile.

Eric von Silium... I didn't know much about him from the otome game since he's just the father of one of the villains. But he seemed to be a very soft-spoken, gentle person.

Seems like Evelyn's fluffiness and gentleness didn't only come from her mother.

"Lucas, Alterisa, come and greet Duke Silium. He has been a good friend of Al and I since we were in the academy."

Ah! That's our que!

Lu-nii and I immediately stepped forward and bowed and curtsied respectively.

"It is an honor to meet you, Duke Silium. My name is Lucas von Lorya. I am honored to be your acquaintance."

"Greetings, Duke Silium. My name is Alterisa von Lorya. I have had the privilege of being in Duchess Silium and Evelyn-sama's care in the tea party held in your residence a few months ago. It is an honor to have finally met you."

I kept my head down and waited for a few moments. But even after a while, I didn't hear the reply I was expecting...

W-What happened...? Why did he suddenly go silent?

"...It seems my wife's impression of the both of you wasn't an exaggerated one. It is my pleasure to meet such bright young children. Please continue to take care of Evelyn as well in the future."

Ah! Finally! Phew~ I thought I messed up~

"It will be our pleasure, duke. As my sister had said, she had been in Lady Evelyn's care as well. I hope that this relationship will last for an eternity."

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

"Umu. Well then, how about we let the children be together? Evelyn had been very excited to meet her dearest friend today."

"D-Dear father! P-Please don't say such a thing before Risa-sama!"

O-Oh my God~!!!! How cute~!!!

I'm very excited to meet you as well, Evelyn~~~!!!!

"Fufufu. I'm sorry."

Eric laughed softly and patted Evelyn's shoulder before turning to his wife.

"You may go and talk with Lisa as well, my dear. I will continue to greet the other guests."

"Ufufufu~ Thank you very much, darling~ Well then, let's go Lisa~"

"Yes~"

"You children don't go too far away, okay~ Stay together~"

"Yes, dear mother~"

"Yes, Maria-sama."

"Lucas, take care of them, okay?"

"Of course. Please rest assured, mother."

Mom kissed me on my cheeks, and Maria-sama also did the same to Evelyn, before they left to join their small group of friends.

"Hehehe~ I've missed you, Evelyn~ It has been a while hasn't it~"

"Yes~ I've been wanting to see you as well, Risa-sama~"

"Hehe~ Then, how about we go and explore~ Do they serve any cakes here~?"

"They do~! I've taken notes on where the desserts were when I join my parents greeting other nobles~ Please follow me~"

"Oh~! Thank you, Evelyn~! THen, I'll leave it to you~! Lu-nii, you can go ahead and walk around~"

"...I can't do that. I need to keep a watch on you."

"Eeeehhh~ Is that fine with you, Evelyn?"

"Eh? Ah, of course. I don't mind."

"Then okay. You can follow us, but keep your distance!"

After all, I'm going on a date now with this little onee-sama~! I won't let you disturb it!

"Hah... Fine..."

Fufufu~ Then let's go~!

"E-Eh?! R-Risa-sama?!"

"Hm~?"

"Y-Your hand..."

E-Eh?! D-Did I grab it too strongly?! I-I just wanted to walk around hand in hand...

"A-Ah, I'm sorry. Did I hold you too strongly?"

"N-No! Y-You didn't! In fact, please h-hold my hand tighter!"

"Really~ Okay~ It'll be bad if we got separated after all~"

"U-Uhn..."

Fufufufu~ To think she got red just because we're holding hands~ She's so cute~

"Hah..."

The background music coming from the orchestra drowned out Lu-nii's sigh as I began walking around the ballroom to explore the desserts they have here with my beautiful best friend, hand in hand.

Ufufufu~ Don't worry, my princess~ I shall escort you to the best of my abilities as your prince~!!!

Well, Evelyn is the one who's going to show me the stuff, but there's no need to mind such small stuff~





AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please vote and comment your thoughts~!