Io

"Me? Liking Chevalier Michel? Pfffft-- no, not in the slightest. Why do you ask?"

"I... No, forget it. Its nothing..."

My room:

One of the things I love the most about this Ikemen game above the others is the level of detail in background design.

Like these— when you look through the window in Belle's room in the city, you can see the castle in the distance. Like... Up and far from her place.

I've never repaired on it, not even when reading Chev's romantic ending. Is so beautiful...

Passionate, playful, mischievous and a complete tease but still a true gentleman. His wish is my command.

I've had a brainrot over this man since ever

Charles is so mischievous and cute but Faust is just... So Faust. I mean, he is a complete tease but oh my, when he gets serious he is irresistible.

Jin Grandet — Chapter 23

「Just... Clavis with a sword. Help, I'm melting」

Chevalier cannot be jealous about anything...

Well-- almost. Perhaps.

Then we have this bitch [no grudge, I love him too]. Who will try to see Chev mad no matter how hard.

1st Birthday

Clavis: That's why I'm so worried about you, my dear. I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sure you've never had to deal with a bloodthirsty man.

“But if you're going to fulfil your duties as Belle, you certainly have to see Chevalier in all his misery.”

“I thought I may give you a little present so you won't be completely shocked when the time comes, hm?”

(What was that...?)

I had a bad feeling. As I braced myself, Prince Clavis walked to stand by my side, holding out his hands with an exaggerated gesture.

Clavis: Well, gentlemen. Isn't this the time for us to put an end to the "hide-and-seek"?

(.........)

Prince Clavis voice echoed in the balcony as he talked to something I wasn't able to see.

(Is anyone... there?)

As if to confirm my suspicion, several bushes shook and a bunch of men with swords emerged, running like wild beasts.

(ーー.........!)

Prince Clavis embraced me by the shoulders, almost in a protective way.

On the other side of the garden, Prince Chevalier closed his book and stood up quietly.

MC: .........

Clavis: You must witness this, Belle. This is why he's such a cruel and merciless beast.

Clavis smiled happily the moment Chevalier drew his sword.

It happened in a matter of seconds.

The trajectory of his sword sending rose petals soaring like a whirlwind through the air.

Suddenly, the beautiful garden transformed as the many colours of the roses stained with the single crimson colour of blood.

( ...... What is happening...?)

Every time the fierce men swung their swords, their blows were defiled in return.

None of them were a match for "a cruel and merciless beast". The violence was overwhelming.

MC: Ah ......!

The scene was so horrific it made my feet fall back on their own accord.

I was scared. I wanted to escape. I didn't know what to do.

Ignorant to such feelings, Prince Clavis grabbed my hand.

Clavis: Ooh, why are you trying to escape?

MC: Prince... Clavis...

Clavis: You are a "Belle". You're an intermediary.

“You can't look away, no matter what happens. That's your role, isn't it?”

MC: What...?

(I'm here to choose the next king.)

(No matter what happens, I must accept the facts and... I can't look away from the princes.)

(But this is ......)

The instinctive trembling of my body can't be helped, I couldn't stop it by my lone effort.

Prince Clavis tightened his hold on my miserably trembling hand.

Clavis: You're as cute as a little rabbit right now, but you can't afford to be frightened like this, can you?

“At least for me and Chevalier, this is merely routine.”

MC: How can this be... part of your everyday life...?

Clavis: You don't understand this world, do you?

“But you will learn. ...... Is not part of my taste to stain a woman with blood, how could I?”

Prince Chevalier moved closer to where we were, slashing people on his way, and Prince Clavis used his white coat as a coverage to prevent blood from spilling over me.

I felt an unfathomable fear, beyond discomfort, by the sight of him laughing at the scene as people were being cut down to death in front of him.

(How can you be laughing at a time like this...?)

Sariel's warning echoed in the back of my head.

Clavis: Well, once again, welcome to these den of beasts, Belle.

“Even a little girl like you can amuse me a little, can't you?”

In the garden, where blood spilled as petals danced across the floor, Prince Clavis continued laughing.

Jin: I'll keep a close eye on you to see what will your choice be.

(Uh!)

Jin's eyes fixed on mine as he leaned over me, closing the distance enough for his breath to touch me.

My heart beating harder on my chest as I took on his exquisite features so close to mine.

Jin: Hmm...? Taking a closer look, you've got quite a pretty face, don't you think?

(This man, what the hell is he talking about...)

With an inviting look focused on me, his deep bronze-coloured eyes narrowed.

Jin: You were staring at me so intently, perhaps, you've now become interested in me?

Prince Jin hoarse voice sent a shiver down my spine. His lips so close to mine that it felt as if they could touch at any moment...

Jin: Shall I bring you to my bed and make love to you tonight? What do you say?

Following my sudden impulse, I lifted my left hand in the air—

MC: No, thank you!

And slapped Jin.

Unaware this was the man who was destined to steal my heart...