Maybe this is a shortcut…

Following the conclusion of the Firelight Ball, Royal Academy has begun to prepare for a science fair. Naturally, you’ve already paired up with Darius, intending to see the end of his route.

You groaned as you continued down the hallway, arms straining 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 of the kingdom that Darius is currently setting up. Eyes glued to the bucket to ensure no spillage, you hurried down the hallway. A second trip to grab more water wasn’t something you were looking forward to, especially if you wanted to spend more time with Darius. Reaching the end of the long hallway, you made a sharp turn towards the direction of the chemistry lab.

Bam!

Winded by a collision, Alethea blinked, gathering herself. To her right, a large red bucket laid upside down in a puddle of water, but her attention was drawn to the person before her.

Having fallen flat on your face, you had just begun to pick yourself up before freezing as your gaze met Alethea’s. Her royal blue dress was completely soaked, damp and dark against her skin. From her hair, water droplets fell, following the curve of her cheek down before being absorbed by the neckline of her dress.

Ah, Darius’s friend.

Placing your identity just as she registered the dampness of her dress, Alethea stood up, futilely brushing at her dress in an attempt to press out some of the water. Ignoring the issue as water simply soaked deeper into the fabric, she turned her attention back to you, still frozen in shock on the floor.

Would it be appropriate to help them up?

Acceptable actions in Itzkali were something that Alethea was still getting used to, so similar yet dissimilar to her own kingdom. Whereas some actions would’ve been acceptable in Trynnia, the same would be unacceptable in Itzkali. Since she transferred to Royal Academy at the request of her parents to get to know her fiance better, every action she’s taken required much thought so that she doesn’t offend anyone accidentally.

Unable to remember what was 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. Holding her hand out, she let the handkerchief fall onto your arm, wanting you to dry yourself off with it. While she was completely wet, you’ve managed to dodge most of the water, leaving only your face and arms wet.

Now, how do you tell them 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?