You steeled your nerves, to stop yourself from trying to back out. After all, this scene is just moments away from the reality, the reality where you will now have to live your life fully acting as the antagonist of this crappy ass novel.
Unconsciously, you gripped your hold on the delicate glass of your drink, teeth biting the inside of your cheek. Mentally thinking of the specific lines you have to utter in the future, you try to distract yourself from messing up your future lines as villainess. In other words, you started to disregard the surroundings in favor of trying to placate your quickening breathing.
After all, a little self rehearsal of your lines wouldn't hurt right? You couldn't possibly miss important parts in the event while mentally zoning out.
You failed to see your partner's crimson eyes watching.
But as always, like the fate is against you, your little rehearsal is cut short when you saw the Second Prince approach the center of the room, drawing everyone's attention very effortlessly.
The air in the grand ballroom seemed to shift as the Second prince, Lucian-Espen Alessandro blah blah, you forgot his name since it's far too lengthy, began to speak. He didn't even have to wait for people to silence themselves, they all stopped to pay respect to the prince.
And you did too, for a different reason because he looked so good in his formal clothes you had to take a sip of your drink to stop your jaw from slacking to the ground. The face he had doesn't help the case.
Well also because he's probably one of the least normal characters in their bunch, compared to asshole Hezekiah of course. He's probably your tenth favorite character in this novel.
“Welcome, esteemed guests,” the Prince began, his voice carrying over the crowd and throughout the room.
His voice was smooth, commanding attention with an effortless elegance that matched his regal bearing. You had to admit, even in a world of clichés, he lived up to the stereotype of a manhwa royalty. Handsome, tall and has that seemingly secret side that has readers speculating.
Blond hair fell in soft waves framing his face, and his striking blue eyes sparkled with the authority and charisma of someone who owned the room and likely half the Empire. Of course, how could someone not be confident when you're practically a prince?
“It is with great pleasure that I host you this evening to celebrate a momentous occasion, the culmination of the sponsorship selection process.” The light of the chandeliers above cast a subtle glow on his figure, almost as if the universe itself had conspired to make him appear even more dazzling. He was handsome, annoyingly so.
Just when you thought Hezekiah is the most handsome man in this universe, this man had challenged his position.
“Wow… He’s totally my type…” You thought silently as you watched the smiling prince address the room with the grace people of his position usually have.
You felt Hezekiah stiffen beside you but you didn't pay him no mind, after all why would you look at him when you have your favorite face to stare at? And so, you just did that, watch the prince with laser-focus eyes.
You noted the subtle tension rippling through the room as he continued his speech. After all, the prince wasn’t just hosting a party, he was about to unveil the results of an event that had sparked countless speculations and debates among the nobles.
“This sponsorship is not just a title but a privilege,” he continued, his tone warm but firm. “The candidates were tested rigorously- intellect, skill, and character were all measured. Tonight, I am proud to introduce to you the three individuals who have earned this esteemed position.”
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. You couldn’t help but feel at awe. He has this subtle dramatic flair and you like it.
The first name was announced, a nobleman’s son named Joseph Hozel. Of course it's to be expected, but you didn't doubt the result. Polite applause rippled through the crowd as he stepped forward, his posture exuding practiced arrogance.
The second name followed, Arlott Grey. A man who has striking Green eyes, another noble scion, equally predictable.
And then came the third name.
“Adeliza,” the prince announced, his voice reverberating through the hall.
The room waited with bated breath for the last name to follow. But even if two seconds went by, the prince no longer spoke. No last name followed.
And just like that, this murmur swept through the attendees like a sudden gust of wind.
“A commoner?” someone whispered, their voice laced with disbelief.
“Surely not,” another scoffed, unable to comprehend or accept the fact that a commoner had managed to penetrate through the ranks.
It was almost comical, the way the collective arrogance of the aristocracy faltered in the face of such a revelation. But you didn't care about their theatrics and waited with bated breath for the female protagonist to step forward.
Your gaze darted toward the center of attention, and there she is, Adeliza.
She was breathtaking, even by your high standards. She didn't fail you at all, she was just like you expected to be of someone who possesses extreme ethereal beauty.
Soft pink hair cascaded in perfect waves down her back, catching the light like strands of spun sugar. Her violet eyes sparkled, wide and innocent, under the warm glow of the chandeliers. Her delicate features and doll-like appearance seemed almost otherworldly, and you could practically hear the sound of hearts breaking across the ballroom.
Adeliza looked nervous, her hands clasped in front of her modest Blue dress, but her inherent grace kept her from faltering. The murmurs grew louder, and for a moment, you thought someone might outright challenge the prince’s decision.
But then came Prince Lucian’s smile- a subtle curve of his lips that wasn’t entirely warm. It was sharp, predatory even, and it silenced the room in an instant. The message was clear: Disrespect Adeliza, and you disrespect him.
It was silent but you know what to do, you've read this scene several times before. Placing your drink on the table beside you, you started to clap for her. The applause that followed was reluctant but present. Nobles clapped out of obligation, their smiles forced and brittle. You had to give it to Lucian; the man knew how to command a room.
Your attention, however, shifted to Hezekiah. His expression, carefully schooled to remain neutral, betrayed him in a single glance. His eyes softened as they rested on Adeliza, a genuine smile gracing his usually cold features. He looked at her like she was the only person in the room, and it was painfully obvious.
Your stomach churned, not out of jealousy, of course, but at the sheer predictability of it all. Fate was moving the pieces into place, and you were watching it unfold in real-time.
“Let the ball commence."
----
Date : 1/1/25
Ey my new year's resolution? Update a ton. Though idk what I was writing here, wrote this half asleep mao
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Black Roses II Yandere Reverse Harem X Reader
Fanfiction(Updates almost regularly) You, who's an self-titled book lover, suddenly reincarnated as the cruel villainess of your most hated novel in the entire history. Cliché wasn't it? But here's the twist. You played your part with your best abilities, wi...
