The Holy Maiden Appears (1)

On a pale-purple hill where lavender swayed gently in every direction, Cordelia stood frozen with a lunch basket in hand.

A short distance ahead stood the lovely Isaac and another person. A beautiful girl with flowing milk-tea colored hair, wearing a commoner-like apron dress, handed him a bouquet of lavender.

(Ah, I’ve seen this. In the “Prince Isaac — Childhood ver.” event, the heroine and hero actually met when they were little…)

This was the result of happily following Isaac after he invited her for a walk to celebrate her recovery.

She never imagined she would witness this event in person.

(So Cordelia was actually present during the event. That’s too pitiful…)

Thinking of how the former Cordelia must have felt almost brought her to tears.

(And the Holy Maiden… that’s definitely Hina, right?)

Strange. In the game Elrina had been pretty, but she had never looked exactly like Hina. Becoming a Holy Maiden suited her naturally—but this was far too identical! Cordelia complained inwardly.

“Call me Hina. You looked down, so I got worried.”

(Wait!? If I heard right, didn’t she just call herself Hina!? Is she going to keep using that name!?)

She was shocked it really was her, and even more stunned by Hina’s absolute self-confidence. The name Elrina was completely ignored. Even questions like what she planned to do about her official identity seemed trivial before her presence.

Still, she lacked the courage to interrupt them. Cordelia quietly crouched in the grass holding her breath. Imagining how the former Cordelia might have hidden the same way nearly made her sob aloud.

Meanwhile Hina seemed intent on progressing the “past event,” actively talking to Isaac.

(Of all people… Hina is the Holy Maiden…)

—Truthfully, she had suspected it.

Kana had fallen down the stairs because of Hina, the goddess had said “you people,” and considering everything, Hina was the most likely. Still, she tried not to think about it. Because…

(Hina also likes Isaac-sama…)

Remembering the past sunk Cordelia’s mood further.

(The goddess said effort would be rewarded… but this is impossible…)

Ever since childhood she carried an inferiority complex toward Hina. Every person she liked eventually liked Hina instead, and she never even felt worthy of competing in romance.

For Kana, who died without ever having a boyfriend, the hurdle was far too high—even with her current beauty.

(Competing with heroine Hina for Isaac-sama’s love is absolutely impossible…)

Cordelia buried her face in her knees. In that moment, her rosy happy ending with Isaac vanished.

—After confirming Hina left, Cordelia ran to Isaac.

He escorted her with surprising gentlemanliness for a child (though attendants prepared most things), and for a short time she forgot harsh reality.

“…Are you still unwell?”

She must have sighed unconsciously; Isaac peered at her searchingly. Cordelia hurriedly waved her hands.

“No! I’m fine! The flowers are just so beautiful.”

“I see. Good.”

He didn’t notice her unusually mature way of speaking. His innocence was dazzling, and before she knew it she spoke to him.

“…Isaac-sama, you’ll fall in love with someone wonderful someday, won’t you?”

“…Why?”

“Because that is your destiny.”

“Destiny… a difficult word. I’ll study it before next time.”

His earnest answer was adorable, and Cordelia gently patted his head. Her small hands softly stroked his small head.

“Isaac-sama. Even if you come to love another woman, please don’t forget me.”

“Why would you say that? I won’t love anyone else. I will marry you.”

His slightly pouting lips were unbearably cute.

(Seeing this face alone—no, being able to see it for a while—is enough)

There was still time before the engagement annulment. Until then she would treasure this adorable prince and make many memories—so many he could never forget her even after choosing Hina, the heroine.

That was the beginning of Cordelia’s “limited-time rosy happy life.”