Episode 4

He took a couple of steps toward her, maybe if she was there, like him, she remembered everything and had come to ensure he was doing things right. After all, if he changed his future, hers would too, freeing her from the confinement for slaying those innocent people. He really didn't know how the shadow witch ended up causing such problems.

- Ra- Raven...

The girl turned around, taken aback to see the blond young man.

- Who are you? How do you know my name?

- You don't remember? Aren't you here to see me?

She let out a chuckle at the questions, thinking this boy must fancy himself quite the charmer to believe a girl would come to see him exclusively.

- I have no reason to come see you; I don't even know who you are.

- I'm sorry... but then why are you here?

Clearly, she seemed unaware of anything—indicating he was the only one who remembered everything.

- I was brought here by a friend. She wants to meet the prince\, thinks he'll fall for her. Silly girl.

- Well... it could happen.

- I sure hope not\, from what I know\, the prince is just a fool.

- Hey! You...

With that and no intention of continuing the conversation, she turned to leave, but the blond followed her from a distance, still eager to understand what was going on.

- Stop following me\, if you have something to say\, say it.

The girl halted and spun around to face Aiden.

- I'm sorry\, it's just that\, I feel like I know you\, that's all.

- I doubt it\, this is my first time here.

Raven resumed her walk. Aiden would have followed, but Miller appeared, looking for him—it was time for the emperor to make the announcement, and Aiden was to be officially named the crown prince. Aiden said he'd come in a moment but lost sight of the girl, so he quickly returned with Miller.

In the throne room, Emperor George Barnett spoke, and when Aiden approached, he beckoned him to his side and, after a brief speech, declared.

- From this day forward\, I\, Emperor George Barnett\, officially name my eldest son\, Aiden Barnett\, as my future successor.

- Thank you\, Father\, and to everyone\, I pledge to do everything within my power to be a worthy emperor in the future.

The crowd applauded and proceeded to congratulate Aiden and greet the emperor and the empress.

- Also\, as he is of age\, I expect there to be many eligible candidates for his future wife. As you all know\, every noble young woman of marrying age is welcome as a candidate.

For Baron Rose, this was a prime opportunity—his daughter was renowned for her beauty, and likely she could be chosen. Aiden continued socializing with the nobles, all eager to present their daughters, until Baron Rose managed a moment with the prince. However, as he greeted him and began to engage in conversation, Aiden's attention shifted elsewhere; he saw Raven again, talking with another girl—presumably the friend she mentioned. When the girl noticed him, she smiled excitedly and greeted him.

- Your Highness\, my name is Vivian Brooke\, it is a pleasure to meet you.

- The pleasure is mine\, Miss Brooke. If you don't mind\, I would like to borrow your companion for a moment.

The girl looked puzzled and glanced at Raven, who simply shrugged at the prince's request.

- D-don't worry\, go ahead.

- I don't think there is anything I need to discuss with His Highness; perhaps you should invite my friend to dance.

- Eeehh? R-Raven! Don't say that\, please forgive her\, Your Highness\, she's not used to these kinds of events.

- Do not fret. Miss Raven\, may I have a word with you in private\, please?

Raven looked at her friend who nodded; it wouldn't be polite to turn down the crown prince’s invitation. With a slight sigh, she agreed. Aiden offered his arm to guide her to an empty balcony, and he even closed the windows to ensure privacy.

- So you are the prince. I don’t take back my words about you being a fool.

- I don't expect an apology from you.

After all, in the future, she was always forthright, direct in her speech—something he'd always appreciated, for she never held back from telling him the hard truths, even when he was the emperor.

- Let’s make this quick. Miss Raven\, I want you to pretend to be my fiancee.

Raven looked at him, bewildered by such a request, unsure why the prince would ask this of her.

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