An Otome Game Spinoff Featuring a Prince with Maxed-Out Affection and a Reincarnated Noble Girl

Engaged to the Prince... You're Kidding, Right?

Translated by: S3

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

Author's note:

This is a traditional trope wrapped in a trope, served with a side of trope sauce. The dish is presented on a platter of "Convenience." Please, dig in.

*****

I’m fairly certain this is an otome game reincarnation.

That was my first thought when I started regaining my sense of self.

I’m quite the gamer. My most-played title has over two thousand hours logged. And that’s a completely offline, standalone RPG. MO? MMO? Why on earth would I want to worry about other people while gaming? I don't get it.

I enjoy quietly doing what I want in a world I love, all by myself.

PvP? Don’t make me laugh. You can’t even use glitches when your opponent is a real person. I can handle loose online elements—like those faint white phantoms—but games that are "Person vs. Person" are definitely not for me.

Aside from sleeping, eating, and working, I spent almost all my time gaming. Well, I’d also read manga or surf the net.

Despite being such a game-lover, there was one genre I never touched: games centered around "Romance."

Even in open-world RPGs, many titles have romance events... but my policy is: "If I don't have to do it, I absolutely won't touch it."

Because it’s a hassle.

I want to run through fields and mountains, focus on farming, or pour my energy into building houses—all on my own.

I have no desire to act all lovey-dovey with a lover or a spouse.

In games with romance or marriage events, I’m the type to clear them exactly once just to unlock the achievement, then immediately start a new playthrough with a new character.

...Because honestly, the idea of a spouse being there when I go home is a bit annoying. That’s the house I worked so hard to get!

Wait, this is strictly "game talk," okay? It’s separate from reality.

Being that kind of person, I lived my life skipping every "Otome Game"—games where romance isn't just the core, but practically the only purpose.

If they had mystery elements, I might have played them. I actually enjoyed and liked those tragedy-themed novel games set in a pension in Hakuba Village, which are almost entirely mystery. The memory of being swiftly stabbed to death with a ski pole by my girlfriend comes flooding back...

I’ve never played a single otome game myself.

On the other hand, I’ve played several adult games marketed toward men. That’s because there are quite a few where the "Game" part is a strategy or simulation title, and the adult events are just tacked on.

Furthermore, I don't really look for "interesting stories" in the games I play. If there’s a long cutscene, I feel an uncontrollable urge to skip it, even on my first playthrough.

Since I’m that kind of person, I have terrible compatibility with "story-driven" novel games. Of course, it’s a different story if the writing is exceptional or if there are mysteries that keep me hooked.

So, why would a gamer with a playstyle like mine know that I’ve undergone an "Otome Game Reincarnation"?

It’s because I happened to read the manga adaptation of an otome game that was apparently very popular.

In the actual game, there would be several love interests, and the scenario would branch depending on who you pursued.

However, the manga version focused solely on the love story between the Heroine and the Prince—who was likely the main lead.

To be honest, it was the kind of story where it was a struggle to hold back the urge to point out all the flaws.

The manga in question was forced upon me by a friend, even though I had zero interest in such games.

The art was incredibly beautiful and easy to read. Apparently, the shoujo manga artist who did the character designs handled the adaptation herself.

The art was so gorgeous, the paneling so clean, and the backgrounds so detailed that I ended up buying that artist’s original manga. The original work was undeniably interesting.

「It’s a super classic, heart-throbbing story, so give it a read! If you like it, I’ll lend you the game too!」

My friend said that while lending me the manga.

They probably wanted to recruit a new fan, but for me, it had the opposite effect.

That's because, whether it was the main Prince or the Heroine, all I could think while reading was, "God, they're so incredibly annoying..."

Well, I did discover a favorite manga artist, so I'm grateful to my friend for that much.

And so, it seems I’ve been reincarnated into the world of that one otome game (though I only know the Prince’s route).

When I began to understand things as a child and learned the Crown Prince’s name, I thought, 「Yikes...」

But, here’s the thing.

In the manga I read, there was no character that matched my current self.

Which means...

I’m a mob reincarnation. No, I don’t even appear in the story. I’m less than a mob.

Is this a "reincarnation completely unrelated to the story"? In other words, isn't this just a standard "isekai reincarnation"?

Besides, the Crown Prince is seven years older than me. There isn't even a reason for us to interact.

If the main love interest is seven years older, then the Heroine must be around that age too, right? And the other love interests as well.

Since we’re practically from different generations, it shouldn't involve me at all, right?

Sure, the family I was born into has an unusually high noble rank, but that’s just a coincidence, isn't it?

It must be because my virtue in my previous life was high that I got born into a good family, right? ...Though I don’t remember accumulating any virtue, and even if I did, it was probably quite low.

...Wait!? Could this be a "return of favor" from all those spiders I couldn't bring myself to kill and instead tossed out the window every time I found them!?

...No, "tossing them out the window" probably doesn't count as an act of kindness...

Well, since I’ve been reincarnated as a young lady of a high-ranking noble house, I figured I’d just quietly follow the path my parents set out and fulfill my duties as a noble daughter.

***

「An engagement?」

「Yes... though I think it’s still a bit early...」

I was called away by my father, and while I wondered what he wanted, he informed me that "an engagement has been decided."

Currently, I am six years old.

By Japanese standards, that is incredibly early.

Unlike children playfully saying, "Let’s get married when we grow up," this was a formal arrangement decided by adults.

However, the marriageable age in this world is in the late teens. Considering there's still over a decade to go, it might not be that early of a development.

「Who is the partner?」

When I asked, my father let out a long sigh—「Haa...」

Was it a partner worth sighing over? Or was he simply unhappy that his daughter’s partner had been decided so soon? ...Setting aside the question of whether this father of mine even possessed such sentimentality.

「The partner is Prince Christopher.」

...Huh?

「Father, I’m sorry. Could you say that again?」

Did I mishear him? An impossible name just came out of his mouth.

「The one who has become Sera’s fiancé is Crown Prince Christopher.」

My father spoke slowly, pronouncing every single syllable clearly as if to drill it into me.

It seems it wasn't a mishearing. I couldn't exactly ask him to say it a "third time."

No, are you serious...?

The Crown Prince is that guy from the otome game, right? The one with a vast flower field inside his brain, who acts like, "National politics? Is that something you can eat?"—the guy you just want to whack in the back of the head...

And before even that...

「I recall the Crown Prince being seven years older than me...」

Age gaps in couples aren't particularly rare.

But when it comes to the Crown Prince, the story changes a bit.

As royalty, he’s in a position where he can choose his partner as he pleases.

Furthermore, since marriage rushes and baby booms occur among the nobility to match a King’s marriage or a Queen’s pregnancy, there are many noble sons and daughters close in age to the princes.

Out of all of them, why me, with a seven-year age gap? Besides, our house is moderate and neutral. Bringing us in doesn't offer much gain. As a faction, we’re tiny—or rather, there are only about two other houses that follow us. We practically don’t have a faction.

In that case, the possibilities are—

「Could it be... the Prince likes little girls...?」

「Sera, even if you think that, keep it to yourself.」

Father held a finger to his lips and narrowed one eye slightly.

Wait, so you thought so too, Father...

However, if the Prince has... specific tastes, a problem arises.

Yes.

While I am an adorable little girl now, with the passage of time, I will transform into a beautiful lady (this includes my own hopeful observations).

When that happens, what does the Prince intend to do?

Of course, there’s the possibility that he’s a very gentlemanly pervert who follows the slogan: "Yes, Lolita! No, Touch!" ...Even if he’s a gentleman, a pervert is a pervert.

But even if that were the case, there’s no particular merit in having me as his fiancée.

If there is one, it’s just that he can watch my cute years from up close.

「I wonder if the engagement talk will vanish by the time I grow into a beautiful lady°...?」

「You will likely grow up to be beautiful, but I must say, it is doubtful whether you will properly become a 'Lady°'.」

Ugh...! Father, you're so harsh...!

「The Prince looked at me and swore upon his own name and the name of the country that he would never act with insincerity toward you.」

Why go that far...?

「Could he have been blinded by my beauty...?」

「...If his eyes are blinded by the beauty of a six-year-old, it might be better to just pluck them out.」

Father...! You are truly merciless...!

「Besides, you haven't even met the Prince yet, have you?」

「That’s true.」

That’s the thing.

I know him unilaterally. After all, he’s the Crown Prince of my own country. He’s the next King. I can’t afford to commit a discourtesy by saying, "Oh, I didn't know~."

But from his perspective, I’m just "the daughter of a noble in his country." I’m part of the faceless masses.

Moreover, our house isn't politically significant.

While our rank is high, we aren't at the heart of politics. If anything, we’re a house in a position that barely involves itself in national affairs.

What reason does the Prince have to notice me?

...The more I think about it, the stronger the possibility that the Prince has a thing for little girls becomes.

「The Prince will be coming here to give his greetings next month. Consult with Elena and get the preparations ready.」

「Huh? ...Aren't we supposed to go to the castle to give our greetings?」

I think it’s a bit questionable for a Crown Prince to be leaving the castle so casually...

「The Prince said so himself. He’s the one who pushed through this arrangement. He said it would be only proper for him to visit.」

「...Why go as far as pushing through a request for me...」

「Since you won't understand no matter how much you think about it, stop thinking.」

So, Father, have you already stopped thinking about this matter yourself...?

That said, it’s true that I won't understand no matter how much I think.

I’ll just stop thinking for a bit too.

After all, I don’t know the Crown Prince himself at all. He might not be a gentlemanly pervert, but the real deal.

No, there’s also the possibility he’s not a pervert. Is there...? Maybe... there is...?

「Refusing is, of course...」

「Impossible. Fortunately or unfortunately, you have no flaws. Well, not that you have none, but for now, there are no conspicuous flaws.」

...Why did you correct yourself, Father...?

You could have just stopped at "none," couldn't you...?

「There’s no way this pearl-like, beautiful little girl could have any flaws.」

「I suppose. You are quite the 'round'-like daughter...」

Hmm? I feel like there was a difference in nuance between the word my father and I used for "jewel/sphere"?

「By the way, Father.」

「What is it, my persian?」

...I think calling your daughter "persian" is a bit much. I’m not a cat.

「What kind of person is the Crown Prince?」

At most, I only know his official profile.

His name, his face, his birth date (since it’s a national holiday).

I know nothing about his personality. I never had any interest because I figured we’d never cross paths or get tangled up together.

「He is a man of fair appearance.」

Father says, as a starting point.

「How many times better is he than his portrait?」

「...Sera, do you know the concept of 'Lese-majesty'?」

「Just as a piece of knowledge.」

When I nodded, Father let out a very, very deep sigh.

「It’s fine, Father. Even I have enough wisdom to read the room.」

「Really?」

「Do you doubt me?」

「...I’ll ask you instead: do you think I shouldn't?」

「Father, you are underestimating me.' I can put on the act of a very well-groomed, glossy, and adorable little kitten.」

「...I find that tongue of yours, which wags far too much, hard to trust...」

Another sigh! And deeper than the last one!

「The Prince is a very serious individual. As for his appearance, assume he looks exactly like his portrait.」

「Isn't there a markup due to royal bias?」

「What happened to acting like a glossy kitten?」

「The kitten is taking a nap.」

Because cats are "sleeping children," right!

「...On the day itself, you don't need to open your mouth beyond the absolute minimum. Being condemned for discourtesy at a first meeting... while it would be a bit funny, it would be an incredibly pathetic story.」

He said "a bit funny"—his true feelings are leaking out...

It would be a bit funny, though.

But "condemnation"—there's an otome-game-sounding word.

Not for bullying the heroine or anything, but condemnation due to discourtesy at the first meeting!

Whoa! That actually is a little funny!

「On that day, shall we go with the setting that you caught a cold and lost your voice?」

Wait! Father! Just because I got a little excited!

「I finally felt a bit positive about meeting the Prince!」

When I snapped back, Father sighed yet again.

「If you're going to look forward, look straight ahead. Don't look diagonally forward.」

Tch.

As expected of a father... He sees right through me...

「If you don't like the 'lost voice' setting, then make sure to properly wear that glossy, cute kitten of yours.」

「Yes...」

Well, that was my intention from the start.

Still, the Crown Prince’s fiancée, huh...

Based on family status, there’s nothing strange about it.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Serafina Camden. I am the daughter of the Marquis of Camden.

Among the eight Marquess houses in the country, we are fourth in rank.

Since our status is high enough to be counted from the top, there’s nothing particularly strange (well, there’s a lot, but) about being a partner for the Crown Prince.

Thinking back, in the manga I read in my previous life, the Crown Prince didn't even have a fiancée...

It was the kind of manga where dreamy boys and girls just dashed ahead with their dreams...

And Father called the Prince a "serious person"...

...Well, I guess manga is just manga?

If the Prince is a serious person and not a pervert, I have no reason to refuse.

***

And then, the day of the meeting.

The "lost voice" setting was scrapped with a single remark from my mother: 「Poor Sera, not being able to speak?」

Thank you, Mother! Hehehe... I know my father’s weaknesses perfectly... It was worth crying to Mother so earnestly for this!

However, Mother told me with a bright, gentle smile, 「Sera, make sure you get along with the Prince too.」

Mother, you’ve seen right through me as well, haven't you...?

My brother, who is five years older than me, laughed with genuine delight when he saw me all dressed up.

「My! Today’s Sera is so cute! (Your cat acting that is!)」

...I think I heard some sub-audio there...

「I cannot afford to make any blunders while welcoming the Crown Prince, after all.」

「I see. Is that so. Do your best so he doesn't run away. (The cat, and the Prince too.)」

「Yes.」

Brother, your sub-audio is so noisy...

Just as I am a beautiful little girl, my brother is a beautiful boy in his own right. However, at age eleven, this brother has a rather twisted "good personality."

He likely takes after Father.

No, Father isn't a bad person... though he isn't exactly a "saint" either.

Naturally, my brother will not be present.

Only my father and I will attend the meeting with the Crown Prince.

...That said, I bet my brother will be peeking in from somewhere. He’s someone who loves anything he considers "funny."

Today is early summer and the weather is excellent. Thus, a table has been set up in the shade of the garden trees.

It’s a prime spot for peeking!

But too bad for you, dear brother! My kitten is in top form today!

Crown Prince! Come at me from wherever you like!

With that somewhat over-the-top resolve, I wait for the Crown Prince’s arrival.

"It’s a nice day~..." I think, waiting idly for a while. A luxurious carriage bearing the royal crest arrived, led by knights on horseback.

Seriously, that is one flashy carriage! Well, I suppose it’s only natural since it’s an official visit.

By the way, everyone in our family has a nature that dislikes flashy things, so our carriage is incredibly plain. According to Father, it’s "so plain that it actually stands out at evening parties."

「Is the preparation for the cute, glossy kitten alright?」

Standing beside me, Father whispers in a low voice.

「Preparations are complete. I can intercept him no matter where he attacks from.」

「...Just what are you planning to fight?」

「I’m saying I’m approaching this with that level of mental preparation.」

Father only gives a deep sigh and doesn't even respond anymore. ...With an attitude like that, your daughter might turn delinquent, you know?

The royal carriage, recognizable even from a distance, slowly decelerates and pulls up in front of our entrance.

It’s a two-horse carriage, but as expected of royal property. The horses pulling it have magnificent physiques and beautiful coats. The gear looks incredibly high-end too.

Well, this kind of prestige is important. It wouldn't do for the royalty at the pinnacle to be looked down upon.

I can tell from Father’s gaze that he’s pleading, "Don't say anything unnecessary, don't do anything unnecessary."

Father, do you have too little trust in your own daughter?

A footman sets the step and opens the carriage door.

At that moment, Father and I bow deeply. I’m quite confident in my curtsy because I practiced it a lot.

Since it was a gesture so completely unrelated to my previous life, it was actually a bit fun. Also, you can never go wrong with having good manners.

I hear the Prince’s footsteps. Based on the sound alone, they seem brisk. I want to look up and see him walking, but the frustration of not being able to do so!

The footsteps stop in front of Father and me, and a quiet, calm voice speaks.

「Could both of you please raise your heads?」

...Wait? He’s actually surprisingly humble? I thought it would be more of a voice from above, typical of the ruling class...

Following his words, Father and I both raise our heads.

Oh my...

He’s a beautiful boy exactly like his portrait.

His light golden hair—would you call it platinum blonde? It’s silky-smooth, almost appearing to shimmer faintly in the sunlight. He has the slender frame of a boy, yet he doesn't look frail, and his limbs are long and graceful. Today he wears semi-formal attire, which suits him perfectly.

His skin is fair but doesn't look unhealthy in the slightest; it’s so radiant I want to interrogate him about where exactly he hidden his pores. ...Do otome game heroes and shoujo manga heroes simply not have pores...?

His hazel eyes seem to shift between green and blue, perhaps due to the sunlight. They are eyes like jewels.

Naturally, every feature of his face is placed in perfect balance, creating a beauty beyond reproach.

...Honestly, I’m sorry.

I thought portraits were always adjusted upward by the "Royal Bias Filter," a powerful image processing tool that would put SNS to shame.

However, with the presence of a living being, the actual Prince is even more beautiful than his portrait.

「I am deeply honored by your visit.」

Following Father as he bows, I bow my head again as well.

「No, I am the one who made an unreasonable request. I should be the one to thank you.」

At the Prince’s words, Father and I both straighten up.

How should I put it, his way of speaking is incredibly polite and steady.

It’s quite different from the image I had from the manga.

But maybe there are differences between the original game and the manga. ...Then again, if they changed it too much, the fans would complain...

I don't really know.

I don't know, but since I like him better than the "Dreamy Flower Field Prince" from the manga, I’ll take it.

We move to the set-up table.

Our garden is quite something. It sounds nice if you call it an English-style garden, but in reality, all sorts of plants are grown haphazardly.

There was zero consideration for plant species or focus on the landscape.

It is simply a chaotic garden.

Moreover, it’s vast, so it’s practically a field.

...I wonder if this was really okay for welcoming the Crown Prince...

The Prince is looking around with what seems to be genuine curiosity.

...I’m sure the castle gardens are breathtakingly beautiful. This wild, field-like sensation must be rare for him. In fact, as a garden for a noble mansion, it’s probably in the "completely out" category.

However, I have confidence in the fact that it is unlike any other! ...Though I have a strong feeling that it’s "wrong."

「It is... quite a unique garden.」

The Prince says with a smile.

He certainly chose his words carefully. He’s capable of being considerate. That’s a significant point in his favor.

「Your consideration is deeply appreciated.」

Father bows deeply. However, under the table, Father’s foot is kicking mine.

...From this angle, couldn't the Prince’s guard knights see that? Not that I care.

The reason for Father’s kick is entirely due to the fact that this cluttered garden is almost entirely my doing.

I found the vegetables and fruits I’d never seen before in this other world interesting, and I kept planting seeds I collected all over the garden.

As it turned out, they sprouted and grew quite normally. And now, they’re multiplying on their own. I planted them without thinking about seasons or soil at all... Plants are so resilient.

The gardeners gave up on the task of "beautifying and pruning" halfway through. Their current profession is mostly "farmer." They are enthusiastic about growing delicious vegetables and fruits.

Still, there is a section where seasonal flowers are properly planted.

...Though it’s starting to be encroached upon by vegetables.

The Crown Prince turns back to me and smiles.

「First, a greeting. I am Christopher Alan Fairfax. I am grateful that you accepted my unilateral proposal.」

「Your words are far too kind. I am Serafina, daughter of the Marquis of Camden. I am honored to be in your presence.」

「I, too, am happy to meet you.」

...His voice sounds truly happy... Why?

When I raise my head, I meet the eyes of the smiling Prince.

...Doesn't the Prince’s affection for me seem a bit high for a first meeting? Is this person really a gentlemanly pervert after all...?

「Lady Serafina.」

「Yes.」

I only responded because I was called, but the Prince smiles with what seems to be great joy. ...To be honest, it’s a little scary.

I steal a glance at my father beside me, and he also looks slightly suspicious.

Well, of course you would.

「Would you be offended if I called you 'Sera'?」

「Please, as you wish.」

Since we’ve become engaged, we’ll eventually become husband and wife if nothing goes wrong.

It’s far better than being overly formal.

...Though I do feel like he’s closing the distance a bit fast.

Wait, I only gave him permission to use a nickname, and yet the Prince looks incredibly happy again.

Seriously, what is it? Why is the Prince’s affection so high? Does he really like this jewel-like, beautiful little girl that much?

「If possible, would you call me Chris?」

「I understand, Lord Chris.」

「Thank you.」

Mmm...

What is it, Prince? That smile, as if you’re looking at something dazzling.

Father! This Crown Prince is actually a bit scary!

With those thoughts, I look at Father, who gives a small nod as if to say, "Endure it."

...I suppose having high affection from the start isn't a bad thing, but is it always this uncomfortable...?

And especially since I have no idea where it’s coming from, it’s even worse.

I wonder if I’ll ever know the reason for this opening sprint... I just hope the "reason" isn't that the Prince likes little girls or something...

Despite a few (or rather, many) anxieties, I managed to finish my first meeting with Lord Chris without any major issues.

...By the way, when my brother told me it was 「unlike you☆」 for there to have been no trouble at all, it really irritated me.

*****

Note:
There's a couple of jokes that I had to adjust in this chapter.

When Serafina refer herself as pearl her father then hit back by comparing her to a round like object (Tama), which I use the word round because in this scene she is still a chubby cheeky child.
Later, when the father calls her "Tama-yo", Serafina thinks to herself, "I'm not a cat. I used persian as in persian cat instead to make it easier to connect. I will just assume they have persian cat in that world.
There's also a pun cats are "sleeping children" line. It's neko with ne-ko as in neteru ko.
At this point I'm too lazy to take a note for all the adjust i use for the pun. It's mostly cat related pun in this chapter.

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