Hello, Readers! I am celebrating my birthday with extra chapter updates, so please enjoy this special chapter release of 4 bonus chapters! 🥳

(Lurelia’s Birthday Bonus – Update 1/4 🎉)

♡ To all readers who purchased these chapters before my Birthday: I can’t express this enough – Thank you for your support. (*ˊᗜˋ*)/ᵗᑋᵃᐢᵏ ᵞᵒᵘ*

Nothing happened for several days after that.

By now, almost no ladies wore classical dresses to the balls. Unfortunately, the underwear trend didn’t change as much as Bella had hoped.

There were far more people wearing corsets modified to fit the new dresses than those who abandoned corsets altogether.

‘At least no one wears paniers anymore, which is fortunate. Someday, corsets will disappear too. I wish I could stop wearing uncomfortable underwear even after returning.’

As for Bella, she was on the side of not wearing a corset. Because that’s what Natalie wanted.

She wasn’t the only lady without a corset, so she didn’t stand out too much.

In any case, the change in women’s attire within the summer palace had crossed a critical threshold, and it had truly become irreversible now.

Though his inner thoughts remained unknown, Everitt maintained a cold expression and ignored Bella.

As nothing happened, Bella gradually began to relax.

Still, while brushing Natalie’s hair every day, she would casually ask questions. Partly because she was anxious about Natalie possibly choosing Everitt and partly out of genuine curiosity about whom she would choose.

“How was yesterday? Did anyone catch your eye?”

“Well, Bella. All the gentlemen are charming. They’re all similarly charming. Their families, wealth, appearances.”

“…I’m sure someone who perfectly suits your taste will appear soon.”

Natalie didn’t seem to have anyone special in mind yet. It seemed the fourth or fifth male lead needed to appear.

Bella neatly brushed and braided Natalie’s hair, who still showed little interest in men, and attached the ribbon that she had chosen.

That day, instead of an evening ball, there was a tea party in the garden. Tables and chairs were placed on the lawn next to a large fountain, decorated with vibrant flowers.

Wide cloths were hung between trees to create shade, and dessert tables were placed underneath for anyone to help themselves comfortably.

It was a party where people enjoyed sweet ice cream and refreshing desserts with tea while conversing.

‘This is the definition of a reverse harem.’

Bella muttered to herself as she watched Natalie elegantly sipping her tea. Men who only had eyes for the Princess surrounded her, showering her with all kinds of praise.

Women were the same. Everyone wanted to catch Natalie’s attention. She was the undisputed sole absolute power in the summer palace.

The three male leads were also seated near Natalie. Leon was sitting closest to her, while Everitt was seated somewhat farther away, drinking tea and watching her.

Looking at Everitt’s profile, Bella thought.

‘Is it true that he has no intention of marrying Natalie?’

His confession-like statement kept coming to mind. If that’s the case, why did he come here at all?

Despite what he said, in the game, when Everitt’s route was successfully completed, he readily became the fiancé and there was even a marriage ending.

‘Then was the somewhat lukewarm feeling during the dating events not because of his personality?’

If so, that would mean even after successfully completing his route, the marriage was forced from Everitt’s perspective. Bella frowned.

‘That can’t be right. This is an all-ages otome game. It’s supposed to be healing.’

Despite saying that, Everitt still couldn’t take his eyes off Natalie, even now. What was he trying to do?

‘Is he just in denial about his feelings?’

Bella narrowed her eyes and glared at Everitt. Well, it didn’t matter. Natalie just needed to choose one of the other male leads.

There were still four other options. Though one of them was a bit uncomfortable.

Bella’s gaze stopped on Blake. His red hair sparkled like flames in the sunlight.

He was truly handsome. And his physique was amazing too. His gaze, of course, was also directed at Natalie.

‘Right, I must have been mistaken that day. Let me go get more ice cream.’

She put down her empty ice cream bowl on the table and stood up. In keeping with today’s outdoor tea party concept, the ice cream table was near the fountain.

It happened as Bella was passing close to the fountain. A servant was carrying a tray stacked with empty bowls.

The servant approached unusually close, and just as they were about to brush past each other, something caught her ankle.

As Bella stumbled, the servant pushed her slightly with his shoulder.

“Eek!”

Bella lost her balance and fell into the fountain.

With a loud splash, she landed on her bottom in the water.

“Oh my.”

“Oh dear, hahaha.”

Laughter could be heard from all around. The water was about thigh-deep, so Bella was completely soaked.

‘He definitely pushed me on purpose. That servant…’

The servant who had tripped and pushed her was already gone and nowhere to be seen. Bella made a tearful face as she tried to get up from inside the fountain.

But the fountain floor was slippery, making it difficult to stand up easily. After stumbling several times, she finally managed to grab the edge of the fountain and pull herself up, when someone lifted her up in their arms.

A red-haired, handsome man looked at her with olive-colored eyes and asked.

“Are you alright?”

It was Blake. She wasn’t alright, but the moment she realized she was in his arms, she felt somewhat better.

“Let me take you to your room.”

As he spoke deliberately loudly, people’s laughter subsided.

Comments followed: Yes, the lady might catch a cold, as expected of Lord Rowell, and so on.

Blake’s arms firmly supported her. Bella, with a flushed face, remained quietly in his arms, unable to say anything. Her heart was pounding.

‘Yes, I must have been mistaken that day.’

He had instantly rescued her from becoming the object of others’ ridicule. Someone so gentlemanly and chivalrous couldn’t have possibly been stealing glances at her chest during their conversation.

While being carried in Blake’s arms, her eyes met Everitt’s.

He had put down his teacup and stood up, staring at Bella with a rigid expression. Bella ignored him and wrapped her arms around Blake’s neck.

As soon as they entered the building, Bella said.

“Ah, you don’t need to carry me like this. Now that we’re inside, I can walk on my own.”

“Walking in a long, wet dress is more difficult than you might think. It’s fine. Just tell me where your room is.”

His tone was gentle. Captivated by his voice, Bella told him the location of her room.

It felt like she was on a date with him. She even felt a flutter of excitement.

Since she was the one controlling the Princess while playing the game, the Princess was essentially her digital daughter, her persona, and herself.

The male leads dated the Princess, but in reality, they were dating her too.

The five male leads were the Princess’s loves, but also her loves at the same time.

Of course, now that she had entered the game, Natalie was the real protagonist.

So Bella planned to just watch Natalie’s romance from the sidelines. Until the day the ending came.

But even with a separate protagonist, she couldn’t help but feel her heart race at these small events. After all, she had loved all five male leads.

‘Though it seems there might be only four now.’

Blake carried Bella all the way into her room before setting her down. Bella bowed her head in gratitude.

“Thank you so much.”

“Don’t mention it.”

And then Blake, without leaving Bella’s room, locked the door from the inside.

“…Huh?”

Bella blinked blankly for a moment, unable to comprehend his actions. The shock came in the next instant.