[2] Chloe von Chevalier, A Request

"Is this really okay...?"

"Yes! Today, Lord Yannis looks more magnificent than ever!"

The servants praised me, but this outfit clearly didn't suit me - a white formal suit with shoulder pads and gaudy accessories. If there were a 'charisma' stat, this would trigger debuffs.

"No, no, this won't do! Get me something else!"

"Wh-what?! Understood!"

My loud refusal angered someone. The servants, pale-faced, hastily began preparing another set of clothes.

But come to think of it, Yannis always wore this in 'Eternal Heart,' didn't he? Maybe the servants were considerate enough to provide it for me. Ah, I did something out of character…

However, today is crucial. I can't afford to fail, so I'll indulge myself a bit.

And so...

"Yeah... yes! This is it!"

"Oh, if it pleases you..."

Changed into a cleaner outfit, I nodded in satisfaction, and the servants couldn't hide their relief.

[In the outfit, Yannis's Image]

With a modest appearance, maybe her impression will be better...

"Oh, I forgot my handkerchief."

I informed the maid, and she promptly fetched a handkerchief for me.

"Ahaha... I suddenly remembered after a long time."

Yannis's childhood memories overtook me for a moment.

I couldn't help but smile as I gazed at the dragon-embroidered handkerchief. It was the same one I gave to the boy with the clean bobbed haircut, who was crying and trapped in the palace room. I forgot his name, but I wonder if that boy is still doing well…

"Well, it's about—Ah, is it already that time?"

Oops, I shouldn't be lost in thought at a time like this. I hurriedly made my way to the reception room where the king awaited.

And then...

"Oh, Yannis. You kept me waiting."

"S-sorry for the late entrance."

The one who greeted me with a slightly amused expression was King Eival Von Eldoria.

[Eival Von Eldoria Image]

Although he seemed dignified and had a kind impression, this man, for some reason, three years later, summoned me and the other three princes and declared, "The one who brings the world's greatest fiancee will be the next king."

He may appear normal, but you never know when he'll go crazy, so I can't let my guard down until the main story of 'Eternal Heart' begins.

"Hmm? Yannis, what's wrong?"

"Eh?! Oh, no, I'm just a little nervous..."

Uh-oh, I got a little spaced out. Focus, Yannis, focus.

At that moment, a middle-aged man and a girl who were sitting opposite King Eival stood up slowly.

"Lord Yannis, it is an honor to meet you."

The girl gracefully curtsied.

Platinum-silver hair that cascaded like a waterfall, sapphire-like sparkling blue eyes, and soft cherry-colored lips that contrasted with her translucent white skin.

Her name is Chloe von Chevalier.

[Chloe von Chevalier Image]

The daughter of the Chevalier Dukedom, the largest noble family owning a third of the Eldoria Kingdom's territory. Until just before the start of the 'Eternal Heart' main story, she was my fiancee.

Yannis, in the main story, immediately after King Eival's declaration, does an unbelievably rude action and breaks off the engagement with Chloe all for the sake of choosing a better woman.

Naturally, Duke Chevalier is furious, and with Chloe's brother, the young lord, and other noble factions, they raise a rebellion against the kingdom.

Facing a crisis of the kingdom's survival right from the beginning, the protagonist resolves it safely, earning recognition from both the people of the kingdom and the nobles of the kingdom from the non-rebel faction.

In short, this is where Yannis's role as a pawn... play... begins.

By the way, in one of the routes, Duke Chevalier is executed for treason, and Chloe is also executed as an accomplice.

All because of Yannis, the worst of the worst.

There is a tutorial scenario prepared for Yannis's engagement-breaking scene, and Chloe also appears in the game.

But... in my previous life, I fell head over heels for that unfortunate beauty.

With only one still image, no expression variations, and only three ellipses for dialogue, and not even a voice.

Even so, it didn't matter to me.

From the day I knew her, I played the tutorial dozens of times just for that one scene, sent daily emails to the development label requesting her as DLC, tweeted praise to her once a day on social media, and promptly crushed any derogatory posts about her on bulletin board sites... though there weren't many opportunities. She was too minor.

That's how much I was infatuated with Chloe.

So now, being overwhelmed by emotions and tension, I find myself unable to say anything. Well, I was originally terrible at talking to girls.

"...It seems Lord Yannis doesn't fancy my daughter."

"What?! I-I apologize! Her... beauty was just so overwhelming that I got nervous..."

Stared down by Duke Chevalier, I hurriedly apologized. Of course, there was no lie in my words.

"Hahaha! Is that so! It's good to see you're pleased!"

...

While King Eival laughed in a good mood, Duke Chevalier did not hide his displeasure, despite his daughter being praised. It seems he's against my engagement with Chloe, but considering my reputation, it's only natural.

"Very well! It would be easier for both parties to speak without us around. Yannis, guide Miss Chloe through the palace."

"Yes."

Nodding to the king, I approached Chloe.

"L-Lady Chloe, if you please...!?"

"Ah..."

"What!?"

Despite being the third prince, I knelt and offered my right hand to her, but I messed it up by accidentally biting my tongue.

However, my unexpected action left Duke Chevalier wide-eyed, unsure whether he should be open or not.

"Cough... Let us proceed."

"Yes..."

Covering up my tongue-biting mistake with a cough, feeling the warmth of her small hand gently placed in mine, we left the audience room under the watchful eyes of the king and the duke.

...

"Here, in the palace, it's an exceptionally beautiful place, with various flowers blooming throughout the year," I guided her through the palace courtyard, my voice slightly trembling. Well, my crush is holding hands with me, so, of course, I'm nervous.

My palms are sweating; it's pretty bad. What if she finds it gross?

But...

"..."

Nothing, no reaction at all.

Throughout the explanation, Chloe remained silent. I wished I could say something interesting, but for someone who was socially inept, it's mission impossible.

"Ah, right. Since we're here, shall we have tea on the terrace?"

Feeling uneasy, I proposed that to break the awkward silence. However, she just followed silently, showing no interest.

Haa... I guess no matter how hard I try, I can't change my fate as Yannis. Not only am I destined to die, but the girl I should be engaged to doesn't even look at me in this situation.

It's discouraging, to say the least.

Lost in my gloomy thoughts, I snapped out of it and shook that thought away.

What am I doing, giving up so easily? If I keep going like this, not only will I face my bad end, but Chloe will also be executed because of my engagement with her.

Wait!

"Chloe!"

"Huh?"

Caught up in the heat of the moment, I raised my face and called her name, surprising her.

"Let's have tea on the terrace!"

"..."

"Come on! You don't have to be so serious all the time. Let's enjoy the moment."

"...."

I tried my best to lighten the mood, but she remained silent. Well, it's not like I'm great with socializing, but...

"It seems you two are enjoying yourselves. May I offer you some tea?"

Before I knew it, a servant approached us and offered tea. Chloe still didn't say anything, but I accepted the tea, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Thank you."

I exchanged a glance with Chloe, but she continued to stare at me with her icy gaze.

This is tough.

Eventually, the atmosphere became too heavy for me to bear.

"Th-this is nice tea, right, Chloe?"

No response.

I cleared my throat awkwardly, feeling the weight of the silence.

"U-uhm... so, we're in the palace courtyard, which is especially beautiful all year round with various flowers blooming."

I desperately tried to start a conversation, but she remained silent. What a tough crowd.

"..."

I sighed inwardly. The awkwardness was suffocating. How do people even do this socializing thing?

"Ugh, I know I'm not the best prince, causing trouble for everyone, being selfish, and all... So, I understand if you don't like me..."

"..."

My initial enthusiasm faded, and I mumbled the rest of my words with a barely audible voice.

"But, on the other hand, this engagement is something the royal family proposed, and I understand you can't refuse it, given your position and Duke Chevalier's opposition."

"...What is Your Highness Yannis trying to say?"

Finally, she spoke, her eyes narrowing with a hint of anger.

"Ah, well, you see... Give me three years! In that time, I'll become a man worthy of you! If, after three years, you still find me unworthy, I'll personally ask His Majesty to dissolve the engagement!"

"..."

"...Give me a chance, will you?"

I finally requested her, going as far as looking at her with determination. It was a sight to behold, especially for the infamous Third Prince Yannis, to look so determined like this to a noblewoman. But if it can change our fate, avoiding a bad ending, and maybe, just maybe, let me be with her, then it's worth it.

"..."

In the silent tension, her gaze bore into me.

And then...

"Understood."

"Wha—"

"I'll look forward to His Highness Yannis's appearance three years from now."

"T-thank you!"

I heaved a sigh, relieved and overjoyed. Thinking that maybe there's hope for me yet!

"Ahh, Your Highness Yannis, it's time."

"Oh, right..."

I had forgotten about the palace staff around us. How embarrassing. I thanked the servant and watched her leave in a hurry, probably looking down on me for my pathetic display. Well, now I have to deal with the awkwardness of facing the staff.

"Chloe, let's go back."

"Yes."

With renewed determination and Chloe's hand in mine, we returned to the reception room where King Eibar and Duke Chevalier awaited.

"Yannis, have you deepened your relationship with Lady Chloe?"

"Uh... well, sort of."

I gave a vague answer. I mean, how do I explain this weird situation?

"Your Highness, it's time for us to leave."

"Goodbye."

"Farewell."

And with that, Duke Chevalier and Chloe left the room.

"Yannis, you should get to know Lady Chloe better. It's an important connection."

"Right, I'll do my best."

After their departure, I continued to stare at the closed door, still holding onto the warmth of Chloe's hand. My hands clenched into fists, filled with resolve and determination.

In three years, I'll become the man she deserves, and I'll make sure that I change our fates. This is just the beginning of my story. I'll show it that even I the most hated character can survive with his survival strategy in this Romance RPG world.

Believe it. (A/N: Dattebayo!!)