Chapter 3: A Matchmaker’s Worst Nightmare

Miggy had faced a lot of problems in his life.

Getting scammed by an online shop? Been there. 😩

Forgetting to clock in at work and losing a day’s worth of pay? Done that. 😭

Accidentally sending a flirty message meant for his best friend to his boss? Never living that down. 💀

But nothing—absolutely NOTHING—compared to his current predicament. 😱

[New Mission: Assist Adrian in successfully courting Rin. Failure will result in an unknown penalty.]

The words flashed ominously in his mind, and Miggy wanted to scream. 😵‍💫

How was he supposed to help the most overbearing, smug, and downright dangerous duke win over a pure-hearted protagonist?! This wasn’t some dating sim where he could just pick the right dialogue options! He was dealing with real (well, sort of real) people with real emotions! 😭

Rin was still looking at them suspiciously. “Cain, you don’t have to—”

“He has already agreed.” Adrian’s smirk widened. “And I’d hate to see him go back on his word.”

Miggy knew a threat when he heard one. 🫠

A loud internal wail echoed in his brain. Why me?! 😫

But he had no choice. The system’s missions weren’t something he could ignore, unless he wanted to find out what “unknown penalty” meant. And knowing how these transmigration stories worked, it was probably something horrible—like losing all his noble privileges, being thrown into a dungeon, or, worse… having to become Adrian’s personal assistant. 😨

Miggy shuddered. Nope. Not happening. He needed to survive.

He let out a fake, enthusiastic chuckle. “Of course, I’d love to help! Anything for true love!” 💕

Rin narrowed his eyes. “Cain…”

Adrian placed a hand on Miggy’s shoulder, his grip just a little too firm. “Good. Then let’s begin.”

Oh no. Oh NO. 😰

———

Helping a cold, calculating duke woo a sweet and oblivious protagonist was as miserable as Miggy had expected. 🤦‍♂️

The first step of Adrian’s plan? A romantic outing. 💑

Miggy had suggested something simple, like a walk in the royal gardens, but Adrian, being the extra villainous male lead that he was, insisted on something “grand and unforgettable.”

Which was how they ended up on an extravagant boat ride along the crystal-clear waters of the kingdom’s lake, complete with a string quartet, gourmet desserts, and a literal flock of doves being released into the sky. 🎻🕊️

Rin, bless his clueless heart, just blinked in confusion. “This is… a lot.”

Miggy could feel Adrian’s eyes burning into him. Fix this, the gaze seemed to say. 😑

Miggy coughed and elbowed Rin lightly. “Isn’t it romantic? Imagine floating under the stars, music playing, just the two of you basking in each other’s company…” 🌙✨

Rin tilted his head. “But… you’re here too.”

Miggy nearly facepalmed. “Yes, well, just imagine I’m not.” 🤦‍♂️

Adrian sighed, rubbing his temples. Clearly, this was not going as planned. 😤

[Mission Progress: 5% - Minor Setback Detected]

Miggy wanted to throw himself into the lake. 😩

———

The second attempt: A heartfelt love letter. 💌

Simple, classic, effective. At least, that’s what Miggy thought.

He sat with Adrian in the duke’s grand study, parchment and quill ready, as Adrian dictated.

“Dearest Rin,” Adrian began, voice smooth and deep. “From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew my world had changed forever.”

Miggy nodded. Alright, solid start. “Go on.”

Adrian’s gaze darkened, his expression turning intense. “Every breath you take is a melody in the grand symphony of my life. Your mere presence sets my soul aflame, burning with a passion that refuses to be extinguished.” 🔥

Miggy choked. “Hold up—what?” 😳

Adrian frowned. “Is that not romantic?”

“It’s… a lot,” Miggy admitted. “Maybe tone it down? Rin’s a simple guy. Try something sweet but less… intense.”

Adrian looked at the parchment, considering. Then, after a long pause, he smirked. “Very well. Write this: ‘Rin, you are tolerable. I do not dislike you.’”

Miggy stared at him in horror. “What kind of love letter is that?!” 😨

Adrian raised a brow. “It’s honest.”

“IT’S TERRIBLE.” 😱

Adrian shrugged. “Then fix it.”

Miggy groaned, massaging his temples. This was going to be a long, long mission. 😓

[Mission Progress: 15% - Mild Improvement]

———

By the end of the day, Miggy was mentally and emotionally drained. 😵

Rin was still oblivious to Adrian’s feelings, Adrian was still the most infuriatingly difficult man to work with, and Miggy… was questioning every life decision that had led him to this point. 🤔

As he collapsed onto his bed, exhausted, the system chimed in his head.

[Daily Bonus: Progress Achieved - No Penalty for Today!] 🎉

Miggy let out a relieved sigh. At least he wasn’t getting punished. Yet. 😌

But as he closed his eyes, he had a sinking feeling. 😬

Tomorrow was going to be even worse. 😭

And he wasn’t ready for it. 😵‍💫

———

Meanwhile, in another part of the estate, Rin sat by his window, deep in thought. Something about the way Cain had been acting lately felt… off.

He hadn’t told Rin much about his conversations with Adrian, and Rin couldn’t shake the feeling that Cain was hiding something.

A cold breeze drifted through the open window, rustling the curtains.

“Cain…” Rin murmured to himself, frowning. “What’s really going on?”

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