Top's System The Reluctant Top

A lavish banquet hall, buzzing with the chatter of nobles. Kei sits at a long dining table beside Prince Auren, who avoids eye contact and nervously pokes at his food.

Kei

(whispering to himself) Castles, dragons, and... awkward princes. Great. Just great.

System [Xue]

(in his head): Oh, stop whining. You’re doing fine. Besides, he’s already intrigued by you. Look at those flushed cheeks.

Kei

(mutters) More like terrified. He looks like he’s about to bolt any second.

Auren

(quietly, without looking up) Is... is everything to your liking, Sir Kei?

Kei

(startled) Uh, yeah. The food is great. Really.

Kei catches the curious stares of other nobles at the table, all clearly interested in his interactions with Auren.

System [Xue]

Careful, darling. Everyone here has an agenda, and they’re watching you like hawks.

Kei

(in his head) You think I don’t know that?

Auren

(still quiet) I’m glad you’re enjoying it...

Auren’s voice trails off as a loud, boisterous laugh cuts through the room. The nobles turn to see Duke Morwin, a burly, self-important noble, approaching.

Duke Morwin

(grinning) Prince Auren! And who is this fine gentleman beside you?

Kei

Oh great, here comes trouble.

System [Xue]

(amused) Careful, Kei. That’s Duke Morwin. He’s as slimy as he is powerful.

Kei

(forcing a polite smile) Sir Kei, at your service.

Duke Morwin

(narrowing his eyes) A foreigner, hmm? What brings you to our court, Sir Kei?

Kei

(thinking quickly) I’ve heard tales of your kingdom’s splendor and wished to see it for myself.

Duke Morwin

(chuckling) Splendor, you say? Then perhaps you’ve come to seek the prince’s favor?

Auren’s face turns crimson as he looks down, clearly uncomfortable.

Kei

(calmly) Prince Auren’s reputation precedes him. It’s only natural to wish for his company.

Duke Morwin

(grinning slyly) How diplomatic. I’ll be keeping an eye on you, Sir Kei.

Duke Morwin claps Auren on the shoulder, making him flinch, before walking away.

System [Xue]

(dryly) Well, that wasn’t suspicious at all.

Kei

(to Xue) You think?

Auren

(softly) I’m sorry about Duke Morwin. He’s... blunt.

Kei

(leaning closer) No need to apologize, Your Highness. If anything, I should thank him for giving me the opportunity to defend your honor.

Auren’s eyes widen, and he stares at Kei for a moment before quickly looking away.

Auren

(blushing) T-Thank you...

System [Xue]

(snickering) Smooth. Didn’t know you had it in you.

Kei

(grumbling) Shut up.

Later that evening, Kei and Auren are walking through the castle gardens under the moonlight. The atmosphere is quiet, and the tension is palpable.

Auren

(breaking the silence) Sir Kei... why are you really here?

Kei

(startled) What do you mean?

Auren

(looking down) You don’t seem like the type to visit a kingdom just for its splendor. Are you... seeking something?

Kei

(in his head) Crap. Think, Kei.

System [Xue]

(mockingly) Careful, darling. One wrong move, and the mission could crash and burn.

Kei

(sincerely) I came here because I wanted to meet you, Your Highness.

Auren

(blinking in surprise) M-Me?

Kei

(nodding) I’d heard stories about the kind, noble prince of this land, and I thought... maybe we could be friends.

Auren stares at Kei, his expression softening. For the first time, he meets Kei’s gaze directly.

Auren

(shyly) Friends... that would be nice.

System [Xue]

(smugly) Well done. He’s opening up.

Kei

(to Xue) Don’t jinx it.

Suddenly, a guard rushes into the garden, interrupting the moment.

Guard

Your Highness! Urgent news from the border. The enemy kingdom is advancing.

Auren

(tense) I’ll be there immediately.

Auren turns to Kei, his timid demeanor replaced by a flicker of determination.

Auren

l’m sorry, Sir Kei. I must go.

Kei

(nodding) Of course. I’ll be here if you need me.

As Auren hurries off with the guard, Kei watches him leave, feeling a strange mix of admiration and concern.

System [Xue]

(cheerfully) Oh, things are about to get interesting. Ready for your next challenge, Kei?

Kei

(sighing) Why do I get the feeling this mission just got a lot harder?