| Chapter Two |

Theo was the best possible event route Y/n could hope for.

His bad ending was tame compared to the others; one that resulted in a mere breakup. Elliot’s was also pretty feasible—but Y/n would prefer if Angelina managed to avoid the [Betrayal] Route if things ended badly. If the game route didn’t go as planned, Elliot would backstab Angelina in a desperate attempt to curry favor, but it would do the very opposite.

And it was just his luck.

Only today Y/n realized that the game was already in motion; Angelina was set to meet Aristidis Ambrose for tea to discuss diplomatic relations. It would trigger their first meeting, which was something Y/n did not want.

I can simply intercept it, though.

In their father’s message, Lord Aragon—the count—only asked for someone to meet the Crown Prince as an envoy. He did not specify who. In the novel, Livio was simply too busy to make time, so Angelina had gone. But now Y/n was free; and would be able to spare time. Which meant he would be able to successfully disrupt their meeting, and prevent the destruction route.

“I can meet the Crown Prince later,” Y/n said hastily, “don’t busy yourself with such trivial matters. You must be very busy now—preparing for the academy.”

“That would be good,” Angelina gave a sigh of relief, “I was wondering how I should fit things into my schedule. And I must say, I’m terrified of His Highness! Have you heard the rumors flitting about?”

“Well..”

Y/n had only heard the squealing gossip of the maids, murmuring about how good-looking Aristidis was. He was seen as one of—if not the most desirable male in the Empire, partly because of his prestige and good looks. He was also said to be rather an enigma—no one daring to approach him because of his position. But Y/n had never outrightly heard anything bad about him.

But of course, he must be a little mentally deranged if he’s a yandere.

“They say his smile is like a dozen knives. They say with just a flick of his hand, he can command the deaths of those who wrong him! I wouldn’t want to meet someone like that.”

Good. Just stay with Theo, Y/n internally pleaded.

“He can’t be that bad..” Y/n mumbled, knowing his words were more to convince himself rather than his sister, “he can’t be some psycho that will cut down people just to get what he wants, right?”

No. He’s precisely that.

“Whatever it is, it’s just a meeting. It’s purely business.” Y/n reasoned, “focus on yourself. Your debut is in a few days time. Don’t worry about this.”

“If you are sure..” Angelina looked skeptical, shrugging, “just don’t let me catch you injured—then I’ll definitely say I told you so.” She gave a good-natured grin and nudged him on the shoulder, before leaving.

Y/n blinked. That was an unexpected side.

Well, I better get going, Y/n thought listlessly, I’m not particularly scared, or afraid.

Perhaps it was the fact he viewed this not as his own life; but merely standing in in an outsider’s world. Perhaps it was because he viewed it as a mere game; most of the fear had been ebbed away. However, there was still a feeling of uncertainty.

Y/n pushed aside any lingering uncertainties and focused on the task at hand. He made their way through the opulent halls of the manor, guided by servants who directed him towards the designated meeting room—with giggles and nudges, he noticed.

Livio was quite a popular guy in the game, wasn’t he..

As he walked, Y/n mentally rehearsed his strategy, reminding himself to stay calm and collected. Whatever it was, he had to stay poised; and to not let anything slip away that might give away the fact about his true identity. Though Y/n didn’t think Livio had actually spoken to the Crown Prince in the game before, prior to this moment. At most, they had just glanced at each other in the academy halls.

Upon entering the meeting room, Y/n was met with a scene of grandeur; The Crown Prince, looking over the documents with a serene expression, stood at the head of a long, polished mahogany table. The room was adorned with exquisite chandeliers, gilded decorations, and intricate tapestries that depicted historical scenes. The Crown Prince’s face was like a work of art in its own—from the long eyelashes—unfairly long, one might add—the gentle slope of his nose, and his petrifying gaze, he was every bit as the game described. He looked up as Y/n entered, a pleasant smile on his lips; one that made Y/n a little startled.

Cordial and friendly, and even a little playful. Was this really the person in the rumors…?

The game had described him to be a rather playful person, despite his manipulative and cunning ways..

“Son of the count, Livio. I appreciate your timely arrival.” Aristidis shuffled the documents, “and I’m sure you are aware—this is a meeting to discuss the diplomatic relationship between our Empire and the neighboring one. I was under the impression your sister would be coming instead.”

“…She was busy, Your Highness.”

Y/n had to tread carefully.

“Hm, is that so?” Aristidis hummed, “I could have sworn your father alerted me that she was to come. But it’s no matter.”

Y/n forced a composed smile, trying to conceal any unease that crept within. The Crown Prince's piercing gaze seemed to penetrate Y/n's thoughts.

"I apologize for any confusion, Your Highness," Y/n replied, his voice unwavering despite the slight tremor within. "I am here to represent my family's interests and offer any assistance I can in these diplomatic discussions."

Aristidis leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes. "Well then, proceed. We have much to discuss regarding the upcoming negotiations and the matters at hand." Y/n was acutely aware of the fact that Aristidis was studying his every movement; his eyes wary and alert. It filled him with apprehension; and his throat felt dry. If he wasn’t nervous earlier, he was now.

As the meeting progressed, Y/n found himself somewhat managing himself just. He listened intently to the Crown Prince's insights and observations, while also sharing his own perspective and suggestions. All the problems stated was mainly things prevalent in the world on came from, after all. It wasn’t nearly as hard as he had expected—he had plenty of knowledge from the game. It was refreshing, in its own way. Stuck in a hospital for nearly all his life previously, this was…new.

“Your view impresses me, Livio,” Aristidis said smoothly, “tell me, why have I never heard of your strength in such matters? Did you keep it under wraps?”

“You could say that, Your Highness,” Y/n managed a small smile, “I was…practicing. At home.”

“Is that so? I applaud your enthusiasm.”

Despite the initial surprise, Y/n began to realize that the rumors and the portrayal in the game only scratched the surface of Aristidis' character. He possessed an uncanny ability to read between the lines, his playful demeanor masking a shrewd mind capable of understanding the complexities of politics.

Y/n found himself drawn into a subtle power play, each word carefully chosen and every move calculated. He matched wits with the Crown Prince, skillfully presenting arguments and counterarguments, all while maintaining a level of cordiality that was expected within the confines of the meeting room. If it went for his knowledge from the game, he might as well have been doomed. He might as well have had his fate sealed.

Aristidis was a surprisingly easy-going person, and it was odd to think of that, considering Y/n knew the kind of person he would morph into. It was easy and comfortable to laugh with him—and to discuss matters. Soon, their words delved into personal anecdotes, shared interests, and even moments of lighthearted banter. Y/n was horrified at himself for letting his tongue run.

What happened to being poised?

“He is such an idiot,” Y/n went on, “I can’t believe the mere nerve of him. Waltzing into my room like that, pretending everything’s fine, but I just know he’s secretly looking down on me! Can you even believe it?”

“And then?” Aristidis said, obviously amused by Y/n’s little rant. He crossed his arms, and the documents had been long forgotten on the table. Not that it mattered; for they had already covered much of the material.

Y/n couldn't help but smile at Aristidis' amusement. Despite the serious nature of their initial conversation, it was…refreshing to let go and vent about the frustrations of everyday life. Y/n took a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing. Of course, this was a situation that had happened before he was transmigrated here; and he had plenty to say.

"And then," Y/n said, shaking his head, "he had the audacity to offer me unsolicited advice on how to handle a situation I've been dealing with for months. As if he knows better than I do. It's infuriating—does he think he knows better than I do?”

Aristidis chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, I know the type," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Those who always think they have the answers to everyone's problems. I experienced quite a lot myself, being the Crown Prince.” His expression was a little pensive, “so it is quite—new—for me to talk with someone who rather gets it. Most people just..”

“Ask for your hand in marriage or blatantly ogle you?” Y/n suggested.

“I can’t really dispute that—”

“Try to curry favor with you?”

“That’s true in its own way.”

“Look at you terrified thinking you’ll kill them?”

“I can’t refute any of them,” Aristidis admitted, “but the last one..” A more sinister look crossed his features just then. “I won’t say anymore about that matter,” Aristidis smiled, though it didn’t quite reach its eyes. Y/n had expected that kind of reaction; after all, beneath that playfulness and surprising cordiality, Aristidis was essentially a psychopath. Y/n suspected the only reason why he wasn’t dead right now was because he had simply amused him; or treated him like an equal.

It was a tiny calculated move on Y/n’s part, he had to admit, the game had always said that Aristidis wanted an equal. That he wanted someone he could genuinely talk to—as being the Crown Prince, he was constantly robbed of it. And when he found a small semblance of it, he would never let go. Y/n had simply treated Aristidis like he was someone normal; but Y/n was actually surprised and mystified he enjoyed the interactions.

As Y/n observed the subtle shift in Aristidis' demeanor, a shiver ran down his spine. Y/n had heard whispers and rumors about Aristidis, about the atrocities committed in his pursuit of power, but now he was facing it firsthand.

Y/n's instincts told him to tread carefully. He had unknowingly stumbled into a dangerous game—quite literally, where every word and action held consequences.

Maintaining a composed demeanor, Y/n met Aristidis' gaze. “Some things are better left unspoken,” Y/n said steadily, “I am sure—you, of all people, know that.”

Aristidis' smile returned, but there was a lingering intensity in his eyes. "Indeed,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "But wouldn’t you like to know, Livio?”

He emphasized the word, and Y/n swallowed.

“Not particularly. Save those gruesome details for another day.”

Y/n's response was carefully measured, an attempt to maintain a sense of detachment and self-preservation. This interaction fascinated him—Aristidis at first glance, was simply a playful and intelligent person; yet that masked a more..sinister side that stemmed from his upbringing. If Y/n didn’t know how he would turn out, he was sure he would have been long dead. However, whatever he said seemed to work; for Aristidis gave a chuckle, his expression shifting to that of mirth.

“Let’s not talk about such boring topics, shall we?” Aristidis changed the topic smoothly, “how did it become such a morbid topic? It was so enjoyable just now. It's the first time I really had a..”

A normal conversation, Y/n noted silently. That he knew too, from the game. Aristidis had never been approached so..normally before. Y/n had used that to his advantage.

Y/n couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and intrigue as Aristidis redirected the conversation to lighter subjects. It was a welcome respite from the dangerous undercurrents that had momentarily surfaced. He had successfully managed to navigate the treacherous waters, at least for now.

Everything seems to be working for now, Y/n thought, relieved—the destruction route is now successfully prevented.

Y/n had forgotten the one thing he had brooded over earlier—the Crown Prince wanted someone to talk to. And when Aristidis found a small semblance of it, he would never let go.

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