Otome Secret Route

Maybe this is a shortcut...

Following the conclusion of the Firelight Ball, Royal Academy’s next event was a school wide science fair. Participation was optional, but many students, under and upperclassmen alike still participated for a chance to be selected for research with one of the professors. Naturally, you chose to pair up with Darius, intending to use this event to get closer to him.

Turning down an unfamiliar hallway, your arms strained with the weight of a large water bucket. In your experiment to find a more efficient filtering system for the kingdom, you were tasked with getting the water needed for the small scale model that Darius is currently setting up. Each brisk step you took was followed by a hesitant half step backwards as you attempted to ensure that no water spilled out of the bucket. While you wanted to get back to the science room as fast as possible, a second trip with the bucket was not a trip you wanted to make. So, you jerkily continued down the hallway, making a sharp turn at the end.

Bam!

Winded by a collision with an unidentified large red object, Alethea blinked, suddenly finding herself on the floor. To her right, what could now be identified as a large red bucket laid upside down in a puddle of water, the pool slowly growing larger and larger.

You sat up with a groan, looking up for your bucket before freezing as your gaze met Alethea’s. Her royal blue dress was soaked through, dark and damp against her skin. Water droplets pooled and fell from the ends of her bangs, following the curve of her cheek down before being absorbed by the neckline of her dress.

Ah, the one that’s always around Darius.

Placing your identity as her fiancee’s friend, Alethea stood up, brushing at her dress in an attempt to press out some of the water. When her ministrations simply caused the water to soak deeper into the fabric, she stopped, focusing on you instead.

Would it be appropriate to help them up?

Appropriateness was a thought that preceded each action she took ever since her transfer to Royal Academy. For example, whereas any physical contact between strangers was unacceptable in Trynnia, in Itzkali, it was accepted, even expected in the right circumstances. While she would’ve liked more time to study up on the customs and language of Itzkali before transferring, her parents had already booked and scheduled her trip the day she accepted their request to transfer.

Unable to remember what would be considered an appropriate amount of physical contact, Alethea decided on another action instead. Reaching into the pocket of her dress, she pulled out a handkerchief. Fortunately, it had avoided the worst of the water and so, you could use it to dry yourself off. With a flick of her wrist, Alethea tossed the handkerchief at you, careful to keep a distance so she doesn’t drip any water onto you.

Now, how do you say that there’s no need to return the handkerchief?

You watched as Alethea frowned, her eyebrows knitting together in frustration. Her lips moved slowly, muttering something to herself and your heart dropped at the sight.

It’s not a grave mistake to spill water on a princess...right?