I will not die a Villainess's death

Chrome was the crown prince of Akatsuki. And as per his position, he boasts the best information network that was available to anyone in this world.

It did not help that his kingdom was entitled as the land of wizards and it had all the privileges that came with the title. His people were capable and swift in getting all kinds of information.

But even he could not say that he got all the right information all the time. And the proof of that was happening in front of him.

"Adam, you can let me go now. I swear that nothing would happen if you let me go."

He watched the white-haired crown prince's finance (now ex-fiance) try to get herself out of his grip.

He had heard a lot of rumors about Elysia's relationship with the other crown princess and the priestess-to-be. Some of what he had heard seemed to be true while the other part could not be further away from the truth.

It did seem like these three knew each other very well and there was a love-triangle brewing between them.

But the target in the news Chrome got seemed to have been wrong. Even an idiot could see that both Crown Prince Adam and saintess-to-be Eve were fighting for Elysia's favor.

'Though Elysia seems uncomfortable by all this. Does she know what is going on here or is it her instincts making her look that way?'

Whatever the truth was, Chrome wanted to help Elysia out. But every time he ever tried to take a step toward Elysia, either Adam or Eve blocked him.

Their glares were asking Chrome to keep his distance and they seemed not very fond of him.

"Let me stay like this for a while. I'm afraid that I will end up doing something bad if I am let go now. My instincts are too awake to not be dangerous right now."

Adam panted these words out as he rested his head over Elysia's shoulder. He had assumed the same position as before even after sitting on the sofa.

Elysia looked like she wanted to say something but she ended up sighing in the end. However, instead of letting Adam do as he wanted to, she signed Eve to move near her and positioned Adam's head in Eve's lap instead.

"If you want to lean on someone then use Eve, please. I have too much work to do and I also need to meet Head Priest Yohan before we head out. He needs to hand over the Holy Grail to me."

Elysia reminded as she stretched her limbs. It was difficult to make out any of her body shape in her dark dress. It was made for comfort and not a show-off. But the pair in front of Chrome were unable to take their eyes off her.

'How did this not reach my ear? Is everyone in this kingdom blind? There is so much adoration in those eyes that it is making me sick to see.'

Chrome had never seen such a scene before and he suddenly felt the need to munch on some snacks while enjoying the scene.

"B-But we just met."

Adam's whine went unheard as Elysia pretended like he did not exist. The half-dragon did not waste any time in picking his head up from the shoulder he had been forced on and stood up as well.

So did Eve who refused to look at Chrome.

"Why don't I accompany you to meet father? I want to have a talk with him as well about some important matters before we head out. I hope it won't be a problem for you?"

Elysia had a troubled expression on her face. It seemed as if Elysia seemed not too thrilled at the idea of having Eve accompany her.

Chrome waited for the refusal to come but it did not come. Instead, Elysia just sighed before giving Eve an indulging smile.

"Of course. Let's head out before we miss Head Preist Yohan. I don't want to keep everyone else waiting for the ceremony."

Chrome watched Elysia leave with a detached expression. She had not refuted Eve's offer even when she had been uncomfortable with the other female. She had not even refuted the Crown Prince's unnecessary demands.

Had it been any other lady, they would have not even listened to someone who abandoned them and broke off their engagement. Elysia was a little too passive in these matters.

"Is it always like this? It seems like Elysia is a little too submissive when it comes to your demands."

Chrome was only making an observation but the reaction that he was able to pull out of the other Crown Prince thrilled Chrome.

It was a chilling glare that dared Chrome to say even a single word more and he would die. Chrome found himself swallowing his saliva unconsciously.

He knew he was playing with fire here but the danger of his situation made his blood pump faster inside his veins. Chrome felt alive as he faced off against the other prince.

"I am warning you to watch your words. You might be a guest here but this is not your nest. You will die if you don't watch whom you are offending."

'Oh, a threat all of a sudden? It seems like I struck more than a few nerves.'

Chrome swallowed before he decided to continue the game. None of that nervousness was showing up on his face though.

"But it is true, right? If you asked Elysia to jump, do you think she will ask 'how high?' Hey, do you think she would follow my demands like that as well? I want to…"

Chrome's life flashed in front of his eyes as he dodged the blame that was coming from his hands. He was lucky that he had sensed that danger at the right time.

He looked up at the other prince but Adam did not look like he felt any guilt about what he had just done.

But it was his eyes that were asking Chrome to watch his words even more carefully.

"Are you interested in her? If you are then you should curb your desire right now. I am sure your life is much more precious than egging me is."

'Oh, so he did realize that I was trying to get a rise out of him.'

Chrome was satisfied with the reactions he had managed to pull off this far. He had even gotten a warning for his efforts which was unfortunate but not as unlikely as one would think.

But all this was excellent information Chrome had missed before. It seemed like Crown Prince Adam did not 'dislike' Elysia but adored her to a point where it was impossible to get out of.

There was possessiveness and obsession in his eyes that was unrivaled.

'Well, not quite unrivaled. It seems like his competition is the very person these words ship him with. What a twist of fate this turned out to be. I wonder how it will affect the future.'

Chrome was curious about how things would unfold. Especially when he knew that Elysia Dirac would leave for Akatsuki sometime soon.

It was something their oracle had foretold ever since Chrome had been little and it had increased his curiosity about the Dirac family. It was also why his family had encouraged him to befriend Lucas Dirac.

"Oi, I am warning you. You might be living with the Dirac for now but don't try to get closer to Elysia than it is necessary."

"I will try to stay away. But my dear prince, there are things we can and cannot control in this world. And as for Elysia and me being closer? This only time can tell."

Adam's eyes narrowed as he heard those words and Chrome felt threatened by his aura.

The magic inside the room was thick enough to cause many people to faint. Even Chrome was only able to hold out because of his sheer massive willpower.

'It seems like I found the anger spot of Crown Prince Adam. I am glad to be on the same side as him. But man, how can a human body hold this much power inside it?'

The more Chrome saw of the trio, the more he was impressed by them. He knew that they would be invaluable allies to him.

His initial purpose behind this visit had been to make friends with Lady Eve since she was close to Crown Prince Adam and then foster friendship. Elysia had not been a part of the equation.

But it seemed like Chrome would have to adjust his plans a lot.

'Sorry, Elysia. I mean you no harm but I do need your help. It is a matter of my kingdom's safety and prosperity.'

Chrome heated to pose as the villain but he had no other choice now. He would do anything for his people. And that did include Elysia as well.

If he had his way, then Elysia would be well out of danger once the real waves started.