Chapter 12

I was still sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the door that had just closed behind King Domiano. The atmosphere in this room felt heavier than before. My heart was still pounding from the anger that hadn’t fully subsided. I knew the argument would have major consequences, but that didn’t stop me from blurting out everything in my head.

“What an outrage,” I muttered, still feeling irritated. How could a father think more about power and matchmaking than the well-being of his own child? Even though I wasn’t really his son, I could feel the burden Dean had borne over the years.

Dean... this man whose body I now occupy. He grew up without his father’s genuine affection. I can feel the emotional wounds he’s endured. I don’t know how deep that pain is, but from the debate, I can see a glimpse of how much King Domiano’s obsession with power is. To him, Dean is not a child. Dean is just a tool to maintain power and status.

I let out a long sigh, feeling sorry for him. “Dean, I swear, I won’t let you get caught up in this arranged marriage,” I said to myself. I knew that if Dean was still alive, he probably didn’t have much of a choice. But I’m different. I would use this opportunity to change Dean’s fate, even if it meant defying King Domiano and going against the will of those supernatural beings.

Although there’s a part of me that whispers that I want to give in to Junigo and Jade’s charms. It was really tempting, I couldn’t lie to myself, those two really captivated me but I was determined that I had to stay strong. I must resist that temptation, not only for the sake of defending my pride, but also for Dean’s freedom. A match between a human and a supernatural being like them is not something that should be forced.

“I won’t let them control my life... or Dean’s,” I whispered to restore my spirit.

A few days passed since the argument. King Domiano didn’t come to see me again, as if he wanted to give me some distance after my scathing words. But of course, that doesn’t mean he’s giving up. This morning, a servant entered my room, informing me that King Domiano wanted me to attend an important dinner meeting with kings from other kingdoms.

“Dinner meeting?” I asked, a little surprised.

In the fantasy stories that I often read as well as in comics I often hear and see about dinner meetings between several members of the Royal family. I was quite impressed that I witnessed and attended such an event in person this time, it was very, very unpredictable but in fact I was experiencing it now.

“Yes, Mr. Dean. King Domiano asked you to attend as the crown prince and sole heir of the kingdom,” the servant replied politely. “The guests are very special, and he hopes you can attend.”

I sighed. Of course. He wouldn’t let go of the chance to show off his son before the royals. After all, with everything that happened, I couldn’t dodge it anymore. This kind of meeting might be important for maintaining the kingdom’s image and power. Although I felt reluctant, I had to attend and stay there.

I hope the old man doesn’t think anything of it, but I’m sure he just wants to show me off in front of his fellow nobles as well but not for any other purpose because I’m sure he won’t renege on the match he has made between me and Jade and Junigo.

That night, I got ready in my royal regalia. The mirror in front of me reflected Dean’s figure, handsome and graceful in a luxurious black robe with elegant silver embellishments. Although it’s not my body, I can’t deny how stunning Dean looks. His stern face, his shiny black hair, and his eyes that seem to sparkle under the candlelight.

Dean’s face is really very charming and beautiful, if only I lived in my real body and I was side by side with Dean then I would definitely fall in love with Dean But in fact I became ‘Dean’ myself. I’m really enjoying this beautiful face but on the one hand I’m also struggling because of it.

“This is strange,” I muttered, smoothing the collar of my robe. “Attending a meeting as the crown prince... it feels like role-playing in a big play.”

After a while, a servant picked me up and led me to the grand dining hall. There, several kings from neighboring kingdoms had already gathered, each with their own dashing and authoritative-looking prince. King Domiano sat in the seat of honor at the end of the table, looking calm and full of authority.

The moment I walked in, all eyes were on me. I could feel their gazes, a mixture of admiration and curiosity. The princes whispered to each other as I approached the table.

“You really stole the show, Dean,” I muttered under my breath as I took a seat near King Domiano.

I didn’t wonder why people were watching me or rather Dean’s face not so closely because Dean’s hot beauty was indeed extraordinary.

The conversation began. The kings talked about politics, trade, and alliances, while I just listened, trying to understand what was happening around me. However, it didn’t take long until one of the princes turned the conversation to me.

“Mr. Dean,” said one of them, a young man with brown hair and a charming smile. “You were absolutely stunning tonight. Has anyone won your heart yet?”

I didn’t expect that someone would actually say something like this directly. I felt quite strange about the man’s behavior but I tried to restrain myself so as not to show my uncomfortable attitude in front of him.

I stared at him for a moment, feeling uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation. Before I could answer, the other prince added, “Yes, a crown prince like you must already have someone special, right?”

I smiled stiffly, not sure what to answer. I knew they were just joking or teasing, but I didn’t like this kind of attention, especially in an already complicated situation like this.

However, before I could respond, King Domiano opened his mouth, staring at them with a sharp yet proud gaze.

“He’s been betrothed,” King Domiano said in a calm yet authoritative voice.

As I suspected, there was no way he was going to miss this opportunity and in a way he also wanted to protect me from people who wanted to target me because he had already prepared me for someone else.

The other princes and kings immediately fell silent, listening intently. I could feel my chest beating faster. What was he going to say?

“My son, Dean, has been matched with an angel from Aetheris Palace and a demon from Abyssaroth Palace,” he continued.

The room instantly became silent. Everyone looked shocked, their eyes widening at King Domiano’s words. They looked at each other, not knowing how to react. I could see that some of them even looked frightened upon hearing that the arranged marriage involved an extremely powerful supernatural being.

I could only sit there, restraining myself from showing any overreaction. King Domiano’s words echoed in my head. “A match with an angel and a demon.” A match that was absurd, unheard of, and obviously very dangerous.

The kings and princes seated at the dinner table seemed to be trying to hide their shock, but from the look in their eyes, I could see that they all had great respect-and perhaps even fear-for King Domiano. This was not just a matter of political power, but also a matter of alliance with a terrifying supernatural being.

I wanted to protest, wanted to say that this was all wrong, that I didn’t agree with this arranged marriage. However, I couldn’t say anything in front of everyone. This was not the place, and my words would only make the situation worse.

I clenched my jaw, trying to calm myself down. This meeting wasn’t over yet, and I knew that after this there would be more pressure coming. But this kind of pressure alone makes me feel quite depressed. I’m sure I’ll be in the spotlight of many people with such a shocking fact like this. Who wouldn’t be surprised to hear of a human being being matched with majestic beings like Junigo and Jade?

I hope there will be no other response other than that of amazement and curiosity. I’m afraid some or a few of them have negative feelings or negative responses about this news that they just found out.