Editing/Standardisation: Medicine Melancholy
Original Translation: Medicine Melancholy
Iris
Three days until the Great Harvest Festival starts.
“…sria-sama… Irisria-sama.”
A light tap on my shoulder brought my drifting consciousness back to the surface.
I was momentarily disoriented, unsure of what I had been doing. Then I glanced at the numerous small bottles spread across the vanity and remembered—I had been getting my makeup done by a court lady.
“…Sorry, did I fall asleep?”
“No, it was just a few minutes. Here, your makeup’s all finished.”
She held up a mirror before me as she spoke.
She wasn’t Lenny-san, the handmaid who had always been by my side back then, but one of the court ladies His Majesty had assigned to help with makeup and attire.
“With a natural beauty like Your Highness Irisria, I’ve kept it minimal, as you requested. What do you think?”
At her words, I gazed into the mirror and let out a soft sigh of admiration.
The makeup was subtle: brown shadow around the eyes, a hint of blush on the cheeks, and a touch of pale pink on the lips.
Even with such a light application, the makeup gave my face—still carrying much of its youthful innocence—a slightly more mature and sophisticated air.
To be honest, I don’t know much about makeup.
For one, cosmetics in this world are luxury items, not widely used by the general public. Secondly, I was never the type to wear makeup in my previous life and felt a certain resistance to the idea. Lastly—and this might sound enviable to many women—I never felt the need for it.
As a result, I’d only ever applied makeup myself to conceal dark circles under my eyes. But seeing how much a simple touch-up could transform my appearance, I idly wondered if I should at least learn the basics while staring at my reflection.
My current hairstyle was a half-up braid, with two sections of hair braided on either side and tied together in the back.
The dress I had been made to wear after much deliberation this morning was a party gown in white. The bodice was boldly designed, exposing the shoulders and back. To offset the potential provocativeness of the design, a matching bolero and an exceptionally thin shawl were draped over my arms. The skirt, with its flowing drapes, grew longer toward the back, and intricate lace embroidery adorned its edges.
The gown was undoubtedly beautiful, but as someone who’s a commoner at heart, I couldn’t help but wonder how much it had cost. The thought made my head spin.
Though I was inwardly nervous about wearing such a formal dress for the first time, I had the sinking feeling this was just the beginning.
I could only imagine what outfits I would be required to wear during the main festival, and the thought filled me with trepidation.
The reason I was dressed up like this, even down to the makeup, lay in an announcement from last night:
“A tea party for the visiting guests will be held tomorrow afternoon in the second-floor hall.”
Participation was optional, but as first-timers, we were advised to at least make an appearance. And so, here we were.
Having finished dressing, we made our way to the tea party venue.
Our group consisted of His Majesty Alfgard, High Highness Julius, Nii-sama, myself, and our escorts, Reiji-san and Angelica-chan.
The Queen was absent, busy with preparations for the main festival. Lenny-san was similarly occupied, and Leonhardt-sama had stayed behind as her bodyguard.
As we descended the spiral staircase toward the venue…
“Big Sister Irisria, you look absolutely amazing!”
So exclaimed His Highness Julius, with sparkling eyes as he turned to me.
Last night, after dinner, we had a leisurely chat at his request until he fell asleep, and it made me smile at how well we had gotten along.
“Thank you for your compliment, His Highness Julius. You look every bit the dashing young gentleman yourself.”
“I-Is that so? I’m glad…”
Blushing slightly, His Highness Julius beamed with a delighted smile.
Even when dressed in formal attire for the occasion, he looked utterly adorable. I resisted the urge to hug him and hid my thoughts behind a polite smile.
“Ugh, it’s frustrating, but I have to admit Your Highness Irisria looks beautiful… Not that I’m jealous of your gorgeous dress or anything!”
“Ahahaha… Thank you, Angelica-san.”
Her words carried a hint of envy, and as she averted her gaze with a huff, I offered a polite smile.
It was no secret that the ‘Saints’ like her were restricted to wearing their usual ceremonial robes for public appearances, leaving them little opportunity to dress up.
“Well, there’s no need to bother yourself with that. My wife went to great lengths to prepare a dress for you, Miss Angelica. Be sure to try it on later.”
“Oh… Th-thank you, Your Majesty…”
“Haha, no need for thanks. It’ll please her as well.”
Watching the heartwarming exchange between His Highness Julius and the others, I felt hesitant to join in, so I slowed down and matching my pace with Reiji-san and Nii-sama, who were walking slightly behind the group.
“Uh… Iris… That dress, kinda… suits you well, I guess.”
“Same goes for you too, Reiji-san.”
Reiji-san’s awkward compliment made me smile softly as I returned the sentiment.
Dressed in a formal suit prepared by Leonhardt-sama, Reiji-san fidgeted with his cravat, clearly uncomfortable with the attire.
It was at this moment that Nii-sama chimed in.
“Reiji, you should address her properly as ‘Your Highness Irisria.’ And Iris, use ‘-sama’ instead of ‘-san.’”
“Oh… Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
“Y-yeah… My apologies.”
We both hastily corrected our forms of address, having been reminded repeatedly that informality between us was no longer appropriate given our current positions.
Incidentally, Nii-sama, being who he was, could still call both of us by our first names without issue. I couldn’t help but feel it was a little unfair.
As we continued walking, we finally arrived at the hall located in the shared space on the second floor. This large room, connected to a terrace, was filled with tables laden with light refreshments. A number of people were already gathered in small groups, engaging in lively conversations. These were undoubtedly key figures from various nations and their attendants.
The moment we stepped into the room, countless eyes turned toward us.
It was likely that the guest list had been communicated in advance, and our attendance should have been expected.
As expected of high-ranking individuals, their reactions were restrained, with only mild murmurs breaking the decorum. Nevertheless, the curious and scrutinizing gazes made me falter for a moment, my steps instinctively halting.
“I’ll be stepping away for a while to prepare for tomorrow’s discussions. During that time, I’ll leave Julius in your care. Julius, listen carefully to your older siblings and Miss Angelica and be a good boy, alright?”
“”Yes, have a safe trip, Father.”
With that, His Majesty took his leave, waving to Prince Julius, who cheerfully saw him off.
At the same time, several individuals, likely involved in the upcoming discussions, also headed toward the terrace. The slight reduction in attention allowed me to exhale a sigh of relief.
“Well then, shall we grab something to eat?”
Angelica-chan suggested as she tightly held His Highness Julius’ hand and led him toward a table piled with fruit dishes. We followed after the two of them.
…However, as we moved, curious and piercing gazes continued to prickle at us from all directions.
Yet, it seemed that either out of restraint or caution, no one approached us directly. Occasionally, I caught whispers like, “How elegant…” which only made me feel embarrassed. My face grew hot from the attention, making the situation increasingly uncomfortable—
“I-R-I-S-CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!”
“…Fugyu?!”
As if someone just kicked down a door, the tense atmosphere was shattered in an instant as a sultry voice rang out.
The next moment, I was enveloped by something soft, and my vision went dark.
Startled, I quickly pried away the soft object clinging to me… When I took a look at it, standing there was someone I recognized from when this world was still just a game.
“…L-Long time no see, Kikyou-san. Please, stop suddenly hugging me like that!”
The person clinging to me was a young woman who appeared to be in her late teens or early twenties.
She had long, jet-black hair and wore an outfit reminiscent of a Japanese shrine maiden. Her appearance was that of a demure, elegant priestess. However, the generous swell of her chest beneath her attire was anything but subtle.
…Another person with an amazing figure to add to the group!
Suppressing a pang of envy, I shoved the feeling into the depths of my heart and forced a smile.
“This is the first time we’ve met face-to-face since the discovery of unique classes, isn’t it?”
“Yes! I heard you were also transported here, and it got me so worried! I’m so glad to see you’re doing well!”
Kikyou-san smiled warmly, exuding a relaxed, laid-back aura that seemed to dissolve any tension around her.
Much like Nii-sama and I, she was a player awarded with a semi-canon position in the game by the developers for her achievement in a contest.
Specifically, she was one of the “Shrine Maidens” in charge of hosting important events in the Eastern Islands Union… Back in the game, she was one of the top players representing that region.
“Judging by your attire, your role from the game seems to have carried over into this world as well?”
“Exactly! Oh, it was such a hassle. When I woke up, I was drowning in the sacred spring where I’d been taking a screenshot before logging out. Everyone was calling me ‘Shrine Maiden-sama!’—it was utter chaos!”
She sighed dramatically, placing a hand to her cheek in a gesture that might have seemed pensive if it weren’t for the exaggerated flair.
“…But you seem to have adapted quite well to your current role, haven’t you, Kikyou-san?”
After all, before spotting us, she’d been chatting casually with other Shrine Maidens. She seemed entirely at ease.
“Do I? Well, it was confusing at first, but I’ve come to enjoy the respect and prestige this life brings. Though the work is demanding!”
Being a Shrine Maiden in the Eastern Islands Union is equivalent to being a noblewoman from a dukedom in another continent.
The Eastern Islands Union was a country made up of small tribes where rituals and prayers still held important political significance. The revered Shrine Maidens performed said duties in grand shrines managed by the state.
Moreover, as the elders of the major tribes acting as the Union’s head never leave the country, it’s also the Shrine Maidens’ duty to act as the representatives and the face of the Union.
Just as I was thinking about how challenging it must be to suddenly be thrust into such a role—
“But! The worst thing is that there are no opportunities for romance in this job! No joy, no thrill! They’re always going on about modesty and decorum—ugh, it’s driving me mad with frustration!”
…Well, so much for worrying about her.
As I gave her an unimpressed look, she clenched her fist dramatically and started grumbling about her woes. Despite her striking appearance as a serene Japanese beauty, the disparity between her appearance and personality was jarring.
“…His Highness Saulquez here doesn’t have a partner decided yet, does he? If it were a marriage proposal from a prince of another country, even the esteemed elders wouldn’t have grounds for complaint. So, what about someone like me? Perhaps I could serve as a bridge between our two nations… don’t you think?”
“My apologies. It’s an exceptionally charming proposal, but as I am still uncertain about my own future standing, I fear accepting such an offer at this time might cause unnecessary inconvenience. For now, may I suggest that we approach this matter positively and revisit it at an appropriate time?”
“Aww, you’re always no fun, Saul-san…”
Kikyou-san grimaced as Nii-sama politely rejected her while smiling and putting his hand on his chest.
“Then… How about you, Your Highness Julius?”
Suddenly, she shifted her attention to His Highness Julius, who had been happily eating fruit punch between Angelica-chan and me. Sensing the predatory glint in her eyes, the young prince flinched and quickly hid behind me.
Adorable. Wait, no, that’s not the point.
As his older sister—cousin, technically—it was my duty to protect him from suspicious people like this.
“Such a cutie! How about it, Prince Julius? Would you like to do something fun with your big sis—ack!”
Before she could finish her sentence, Nii-sama and I flashed polite smiles that firmly conveyed: Not happening. Behind us, Angelica-chan glared at Kikyou-san intimidatingly while shielding His Highness Julius.
“If you try anything inappropriate with His Highness Julius, I’ll use every means at my disposal to ensure you’re removed from this place.”
“Oh my, I’m glad that we’re on the same page, Big Sister Irisria. As His Highness’ fiancée, I wouldn’t hesitate to approach the Church and suggest some sort of sanctions against this woman.”
“I-I was just joking… Sorry…”
“Alright, let’s leave it at that then.”
Seeing Kikyou-san pale and apologetic, I softened my expression.
“You should stop. She—er, Her Highness Irisria—is completely smitten with her new younger family member.”,
“I see… Thanks for the heads-up.”
Kikyou-san replied, shoulders slumping in resignation when Reiji-san quipped in from the side. But did Reiji-san really have to say the last part?
“Oh, you’re always welcome too, Iris-chan. Same-sex marriage is recognized in the Union, after all.”
“Yes, yes…”
At this point I was already so done with her antics, so I simply let that one go.
Somehow, Kikyou-san was bi, a lolicon, a shotacon and a fujoshi at the same time. She didn’t say it aloud this time, but earlier she looked a little too suspiciously at Reiji-san and Nii-sama as they stood together… Anyway, it seems she’s still the same hopeless romantic she’s been, and I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
“Now then, it’s all well and good for the young ones to enjoy themselves, but how about letting us join in too?”
A new voice called out from behind.
The casual tone belonged to a Demon man with fiery crimson hair that seemed ablaze.
At the sight of him, I quickly composed myself, shaking off the relaxed atmosphere from my earlier interaction with Kikyou-san.
“”First things first… I hear my foolish little brother owes you a debt. Let me thank you for looking after him.”
“Not at all. It is we who should be grateful to Hika… His Highness Scarlet for saving us in a dangerous moment. We could never consider it a burden.”
“Oh, really? That’s good to hear…”
Muttering something under his breath about how his brother had disappeared the very same day after showing up for the first time in years, he scratched his head in exasperation.
“Allow me to formally apologize for the delay in greeting you. I am Irisria Norglacier, niece of His Majesty Alfgard of Norglacier. It’s an honor to meet you… Your Majesty the Emperor Felix.”
With that, I lifted the hem of my dress, curtsying lightly and offering a polite smile.
“Ah, no need for that. We only just arrived ourselves, and besides, let’s keep things informal while we’re here. And hey, since you’re my adorable wife’s cousin, that makes you practically family, doesn’t it?”
With a playful wink, he brushed off the formality.
His name was Felix Flamberge.
In this world, he was Hikami-san, or rather Scar-san’s older brother… Even though he came across as a friendly older brother type at the moment, he was the Emperor of the Flamberge Empire, a gigantic country that unifies the entirety of the southern continent.
“Now then… someone else wants to say hello, right?”
“Y-yes…”
At the Emperor’s urging, a Highborn woman with white wings stepped hesitantly from behind him.
She appeared to be in her late teens, likely not yet twenty. Her silk-like silver hair was cut in a precise length, framing skin as pale as porcelain and a beauty so striking it took my breath away.
At first glance, her expressionless face gave an impression of coldness. Indeed, her exceptional ice magic and aloof demeanor had earned her the title Ice Queen.
“Prince Saulquez… Princess Irisria… It’s an honor to meeep…”
She… stuttered. No, more than that—she outright bit her tongue.
The resounding sound of teeth clashing made everyone freeze as she clutched her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears. Her composure cracked entirely, and the room was enveloped in awkward silence.
“Honestly, what are you so nervous about? Look, ‘Northern Princess’ or not, she’s clearly a gentle girl.”
“B-but… meeting my cousin for the first time… What if I mess up and she dislikes me? I don’t think I could recover from that…”
Contrary to her regal appearance, she was shy and nervous, like a kitten encountering strangers.
Though her tall stature made it less obvious, she always positioned herself slightly behind the Emperor as if using him as a shield.
She was… how should I put it, very timid and shy.
In the game, there was an event where she, who was in love with the Emperor but was running away, demonstrating her shyness to the fullest, and there was a reconciliation event between her and the Emperor who was pursuing her… That was how most players came to know her.
She was Iscuol, eldest daughter of His Majesty Alfgard and now Empress Consort of the Flamberge Empire.
“Big Sister Iscuol!”
“Julius?”
“Yes, it’s me! It’s been so long!”
“You’ve grown so much in just over a year, Julius…”
As she embraced her younger brother warmly, her icy reputation melted away entirely, leaving behind only the image of a loving elder sister.
APM - Translation 