| Chapter Five |

It wasn’t exactly that Aristidis had a terrible past.

Of course, since Y/n had knowledge from the game, he knew exactly what each love interest’s past depicted—specifically, the Crown Prince’s. His past really showed how Aristidis became the way he was; though his parents never physically hurt him—they were just emotionally not present. It wasn’t like they hated him—but his birth had been the result of an arranged marriage, and they never went out of their way to take care their young child.

Young maids took care of that duty; but none treated him as an equal. Because of the weight of Aristidis’s position, many tried to curry favor with him, as well as looked up to him as someone above them. He longed to have someone who would understand him; to be someone’s equal. This wasn’t exactly in the game—in fact, the game had never mentioned anything about Aristidis wanting that—an equal relationship. Yet, after hours playing the game, Y/n grew to understand the yandere prince’s hidden longing.

Aristidis in the game—did not have an equal relationship with Angelina. Angelina, from the start, was enamored with the Crown Prince. However, it became evident to Y/n that Angelina's infatuation with the Crown Prince was not based on a genuine connection but rather on an idealized version of him. She saw him as a prince, a figure of power and status, and failed to see the person he truly was. The Crown Prince was fascinated with her; her actions, her words, her appearance. Perhaps he was obsessed with her, but he never loved her; for his desire to have an equal relationship was never truly sated.

(Hours—days—months, Y/n spent playing the game. Every single waking moment. It was his only solace from his bleak, dreary life in the hospital.)

And now..

He was outside.

With the Crown Prince.

Y/n knew—what he was getting himself into. Essentially, he was fulfilling the Crown Prince’s emotional wishes—being an equal to him; something even Angelina couldn’t quite fulfill. And would that lead to anything? Perhaps a strong friendship.

A relationship? Of course…not. They were both men.

“You look so..” Aristidis trailed off, “you look so enthralled.”

Y/n stopped in his tracks, looking slightly embarrassed.

“I’ve never seen any of this before—this food stands, these boutiques..” He murmured, “it’s all so—as you put, enthralling. And you were the one who dragged me here, Your Highness, I believe you have no right to comment.”

“Truly spoiled,” Aristidis tilted his head, “have you really never seen any of this? Or is this truly too low class?”

“I was a bit of a shut-in,” Y/n didn't bother to mince words, shooting the Crown Prince a glare, “you can’t judge. You are a Prince. The firstborn and only son of the Imperial Family—you must have been raised in luxury.”

He was a shut in. That wasn’t a lie. Confined in the hospital walls, all Y/n had was the game.

“You have a point,” Aristidis smirked, “to answer your little jab, yes—I was indeed raised in luxury. Why? Are you jealous?”

“No. Simply annoyed you dragged me here,” Y/n grumbled, “when I could be doing—much more—well, productive things.”

Looks like Y/n wouldn’t be able to find his sister, after all. Thanks to someone.

“Hm?” Aristidis hummed, “like what? Improving your chess skills to beat me, perhaps? I certainly hope so.”

Y/n narrowed his eyes playfully, a competitive spirit igniting within him. "Oh, you think you're unbeatable in chess, do you?”

Aristidis raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Did I not prove that already?"

He certainly had.

How unfair.

“Well…” Y/n really couldn’t refute that, and reverted back into his polite voice—“did anyone tell you manners were essential for..the future ruler of the Empire? I’m afraid you might have forgotten, Your Highness.” He emphasized on the last two words.

“Oh, I certainly didn’t,” Aristids said smoothly, “but of course—because I believe manners are very important, guiding a lost person through the city square is also very essential. You came here for a reason, didn’t you? And this is your first time here, is it not? You will only get lost.”

Again, Aristidis was correct.

Y/n sighed, conceding. He couldn't deny that he was still unfamiliar with the city square and would likely end up lost without proper guidance.

"Alright, Your Highness," Y/n replied, simply feigning a defeated tone, "I suppose I can't argue with that logic. I'll accept your gracious offer to be my guide."

Aristidis smiled, his lips curling up—was that triumph in his expression? Why, that—

Y/n couldn't help but roll his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He had to admit, Aristidis had a way of turning even the simplest interactions into a playful competition.

"But," Y/n continued, his voice laced with mischief—and vengeance, "just because you're guiding me doesn't mean I won't try to find my way back on my own. Let's see if you can keep up, Your Highness."

Aristidis raised an eyebrow, his competitive nature reigniting. "Challenge accepted, Livio. Let's see if you can outwit the future ruler of the Empire."

Why do I realize now all of our interactions just lead to a competition—utterly meaningless ones?

It was almost like a game of cat and mouse; Y/n ducked and tried his best to lose to Aristidis in the city square streets, but it proved to be impossible. Y/n was about to lose—again.

Y/n ducked into a narrow alley, a relieved grin on his face as he thought he had finally eluded Aristidis. But to his surprise and horror, the Crown Prince appeared at the other end of the alley, blocking his path.

"Nice try, Livio," Aristidis said, a glint in his eyes. "But you forget, I've spent my fair share of time navigating the palace corridors. You'll have to come up with better tricks if you want to outsmart me."

“This is not fair,” Y/n accused, “you must be cheating.”

“If I remember correctly, someone suggested the game,” Aristidis chuckled, “and that someone is accusing me unfairly now.”

Y/n couldn't help but smile softly, realizing the irony of the situation. "Touché, Your Highness.”

It was annoying.

“At least you have self-awareness.”

“Of course I do. I have manners,” Y/n reminded in a polite tone, meant to aggravate the Prince, “I grew up in a well-endowed household, after all.”

Aristidis—contrary to Y/n’s expectations, laughed. A bright, fond smile curled up on his lips. “Impeccable manners, how could I forget? It's just one of the many things that make you so utterly charming, Livio."

Was he being sarcastic?

"Flattery won't get you anywhere, Your Highness," Y/n retorted, though he couldn't hide the hint of a blush creeping up on his cheeks. "But I suppose I should have expected no less from a future ruler."

"Ah, but flattery is just another weapon in my arsenal," Aristidis leaned forward. "And you, my dear young master, are no stranger to using your own charm to get your way."

What even is he blabbing about?

Y/n rolled his eyes playfully, unable to deny the truth in Aristidis' words. "Well, if you want to play dirty, Your Highness, then prepare yourself, for I have a few tricks up my sleeve too."

"Oh, I'm intrigued," Aristidis said, leaning in with mock seriousness. "Do tell, Livio, what grand scheme do you have in mind?"

Y/n smiled.

He knew what he had in mind.

“Come to think of it…there is a boutique up close. I was wondering—if you would so graciously and politely introduce me to it. I do need more clothes, after all.”

Y/n failed to notice the gleam in Aristidis’s eye, as he merely nodded his head.

“Of course, Livio,” Aristidis said sweetly, “I would be more than happy to.”

—

It backfired.

Of course it did.

Y/n’s earlier plan? To find the most ugly fashion apparel known to mankind and then proceed to make Aristidis pay for it. It was working so well at first.

Entering the boutique, Y/n had pretended to browse the racks of clothes, while Aristidis followed closely behind. Y/n picked up particularly vibrant and eccentric clothes, holding it up to himself with a teasing smile. It was also ridiculously expensive, which made it all the better.

"What do you think, Your Highness?" Y/n asked, feigning seriousness. "Do you think this would suit me?"

Aristidis raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, absolutely, Livio. It's a perfect match for your... vibrant personality."

Y/n chuckled, secretly pleased that his plan was working. He continued to select the most outrageous and daring outfits, holding each one up for Aristidis' approval. The Crown Prince played along, providing commentary with a perfectly straight face.

"This one," Y/n pointed to a neon collection of clothes, "for those days when I want to make a bold statement."

Aristidis smiled approvingly—and Y/n was startled by how well he was receiving this. "Indeed. You'll..certainly be the center of attention wherever you go."

This continued on and on; and Y/n finally snapped.

“Are you really going to pay for all this? Knowing just how strange they are?”

“I wouldn’t put anything past you,” Aristidis merely replied, another smile beginning to form on his face, “after all, this is nothing to me. You could request anything you want—and it would be easy for me to get you what you wanted.”

He really was bragging now.

Y/n blinked, his expression faltering for a moment. He hadn't expected Aristidis to call his bluff so effortlessly. But he wasn't one to back down easily.

"Well, Your Highness," Y/n replied, regaining his composure, "I'm afraid my taste in fashion might be a bit too eccentric for your refined sensibilities. Perhaps I should stick to more conventional choices."

This was when it backfired.

“Well, if you truly say so—” Aristidis gave a mocking sigh, “then I suppose I should step in.”

There was a blur of movement before The Crown Prince dragged Y/n out of the store—for the second time, dragging him—and pushed him towards another store. This time, the clothes here were much classier; and they had everything, all beautifully made. Accompanying it were accessories, jeweled cufflinks and matching gems.

Compared to the ones Y/n had purposefully made Aristidis enter, this was night and day. Y/n was also subtly aware of the whispers surrounding the two of them now; despite Aristids wearing a hood, and covered attire, though not many knew his true identity, it was obvious he was a noble. And Y/n was obviously the son of the count’s identity.

But now Aristidis threw off his hood. The shopkeeper—a distinguished elderly man, gave a gasp, bowing immediately.

“Your Highness,” He greeted nervously. It was obvious he had heard of the rumours crowding the Prince; that he was a bloodthirsty psychopath, Y/n was sure.

“Allow my companion here to indulge in whatever he wants," Aristidis said smoothly, “anything is alright, as long as it suits him.”

Y/n's eyes widened in disbelief as the shopkeeper nodded, clearly excited to make sales. Aristidis had manipulated the earlier situation to this, and now Y/n found himself in a..dilemma he hadn't anticipated.

"You can't be serious," Y/n protested softly, his voice a mixture of surprise and amusement. "You're actually going to pay for all of this?"

Aristidis wrapped an arm around Y/n’s waist—it was an affectionate gesture, and Y/n yelped. "Consider it a gift, Livio. After all, that was the most interesting afternoon you gave me.”

The shopkeeper made a bewildered noise, before masking it under a cough.

Y/n tried to ignore it.

“I can’t believe you are..actually doing this,” Y/n whispered, “it’s so..”

Why was Aristidis going so far? To prove a point? Was it really necessary?

Y/n’s heart dropped when he saw the expression on Aristidis’s face—if he had tried to dismiss it earlier, he certainly couldn’t now. It was an expression of undeniable fondness—a softened gaze, a gentle touch…

Oh. Y/n was stupid to not realize it.

What had he expected, when he had waltzed in and taken the original female lead’s place?

Aristidis’s voice was unlike before—there was no more playful, indulgent tone. Instead, it was soft and tender.

“I told you, Livio,” Aristidis whispered, “nothing is too difficult when it comes to something you want.”

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