Arc 1: Welcome to Bath Cafe Hot!

Chapter 1 I’m Not Interested in Breaking off My Engagement!

“Lydia! I’m breaking off our engagement!”

The royal evening party was drawing to a close when her fiancé told her that he was breaking off their engagement.

The weak looking young lady clung to her fiancé’s right arm with a confident expression on her face. She was receiving curious looks from everyone around.

She couldn’t help but think about the hellish situation.

Ah, she wanted to get this farce over with and take a bath at home. She wanted to soak in the bathtub without thinking about anything and just be empty.

I, Lydia Hamilton, have memories from my previous life. They are memories of working as a member of society in a country called “Japan”.

After building a successful career and working hard at work, my daily relaxation was taking a bath. Soaking in a bathtub at the end of the day was the best relaxation and the only way to relieve the fatigue of everyday life.

However, her love of baths was her downfall, and in her previous life, she died after falling asleep in the bathtub. 

My last memory is of feeling sleepy and a blurry bathtub in front of my eyes, so there’s no doubt about it.

I had planned to take paid leave next month and go on a trip to Tokorozawa hot springs. What a shame.

The next time I woke up, I was born as the eldest daughter of the Duke of Hamilton.

I was surprised and confused at first, having been reincarnated as a baby in a different world from a thirty-something office worker. I was bewildered by the differences in culture and common sense.

Still, I got used to it as I lived my daily life. I think humans have an amazing ability to adapt.

The thing that surprised me the most when I started living in this world was the existence of magic.

In this world, there are five types of magic, which are used for various purposes.

Most people who can use magic are aristocrats, and as the daughter of a duke, I was able to use fire and water magic after a certain incident when I was eight years old.

Apparently, people who can use magic of two attributes are very rare. Seeing my talent for magic, the royal family soon asked me if I would marry them.

 My partner is Lord Cedric, the first prince of this country. As a duke, I couldn’t ask for a better partner, and my family was overjoyed.

A date for us to meet was quickly arranged.

However, Lord Cedric didn’t seem to like me, and as soon as we met he said this:

“I don’t want to be engaged to such a strong-willed woman! I want to marry a quiet, beautiful blonde with blue eyes!”

“…”

Wow.

With all due respect, I was taken aback by the royal family.

However, I cleverly hid my disappointment and kept a smile on my face.

With my social skills, no matter what they say, I don’t get upset, I don’t care, and I don’t resist.

I know how to behave towards someone of higher status.

Anyway, let’s end this peacefully and quickly.

 With that in mind, I didn’t blame Cedric for saying something rude, and instead kept a smile on my face throughout our meeting.

I thought that the meeting would go smoothly and that the marriage proposal would not go ahead.

Or so I thought.

But then, for some reason, the royal family requested that we go ahead with the marriage proposal.

It seems that the king really wants to incorporate my magical talent into the royal family. They wanted me to become the future queen.

They also said, “Lady Lydia was always smiling, so she must like my son. Some of her comments were rude, but my son is good-looking and has an established position, so this is the perfect marriage proposal.”

It was just a polite smile, but…

What a shame…

In the end, the head of the Duke’s family didn’t go against the royal family, and I became the first prince’s fiancée.

Even so, I wasn’t pessimistic about my engagement.

 Cedric is still a child, so there will be plenty of opportunities for him to change. If we make an effort, we might be able to become good friends. That’s what she thought positively.

And so she spent the last eight years as Cedric’s fiancee, but…

At present, a quiet, blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty was clinging to Cedric’s arm.

“Lydia, it seems you bullied her. She came to me crying and asking for help!”

Wow.

They say a child’s soul is formed by the age of three, but I didn’t expect him to be this unwavering… In the end, it seems his personality and preferences hadn’t changed.

“It seems you bullied her! You ugly devil driven by jealousy!”

Ahh, I looked up to the sky, wishing I could take a bath.

I wanted to soften up in the bathtub and escape reality.

The evening party was almost over and I was about to go home. I wished it would just end quickly.

 “You have three crimes! Everyone, listen to this person’s evil deeds!”

I think I’ll use my secret aroma oil today. The one that smells of roses. I’m really tired right now.

“First, spreading rumors about her. Second, hiding and destroying her things. Third, planning her assassination. All of these are your crimes. As for the third reason, I got the plan, so you can’t deny it!”

“…”

“What do you think, Lydia?”

…No matter what, I don’t remember doing any of the things Lord Cedric said.

In fact, the handwriting on the plan is clearly not mine, so maybe he didn’t check it properly? Are you blaming me with such a smug look on your face without even checking it…?

I’m really going to take a bath now (omitted)

“Why don’t you say something!”

Well, if we check the handwriting, we can prove that I didn’t plan the assassination…

 Is there anything I could gain from explaining my case?

If I could prove my innocence, there’s a chance that my engagement to the prince would continue.

The king would want to bring my magical talent into the royal family at all costs, and the broken engagement would probably be forgotten.

Lord Cedric would probably be suspended for a few months for causing trouble, but that would be it.

I don’t think he’s going to change his mind just because he’s been suspended.

In conclusion, there’s nothing to be gained by proving my innocence.

Actually… I’m really tired, so I want to go home and take a bath!

I made up my mind.

“I understand. I plead guilty.”

“Huh?”

The hall was abuzz with commotion. I could hear the voices of disapproval from the nobles who were watching the situation.

However, I continued speaking fearlessly.

“I will accept the annulment of the engagement, so let’s proceed with the matter through the Duke’s family from now on.”

“What?”

Lord Cedric grabbed my arm.

“W-wait! You’re breaking off the engagement?! Do you really want to?!”

I gently shook off Lord Cedric’s hand and smiled.

“Really? I’ve never had any feelings for you, Lord Cedric.”

I curtsied and left the hall.

“Good day then.”

Well, I’ll hurry home and take a bath.