Hestia's POV

My hands trembled just seeing the name written on the back of the envelope. Dread crept up on me as I stared down on a purple orchid sealing the paper, which is from a person I'd rather not cross paths with.

"Oh my gosh, did His Imperial Highness really send that?! He must've fallen in love with you, ojousama!!" My personal maid, Rica, squealed that I just blankly stared at her. It was after a few days since that day that I learned her name.

"He sees me as a chess piece he could get rid of in convenience so please do not speak of this matter in that tone." I coldly warned her.

*hiccup

"I'm sorry, ojousama."

"Good."

I tore the envelope open exposing a murky scented paper like that of decomposed blood that I almost threw it in disgust. Swallowing all my discomfort, I painstakingly read the content.

'Hestia Ceres Mantissa-ojou,

First of all, I will not apologize for this abrupt interruption. I want your presence here in Daemonorops, Sese-chan might be delighted if a girl her age would accompany her all the time.

Do not tell her that you're befriending her for surveillance or I might actually do something to the Mantissa Dukedom. You probably heard of Countess Machiavel, right? It might happen to the Duke too.

I received a report that you're slowly learning swordsmanship, so I want you to protect her in my absence. If you're worrying about your halted lessons, the Captain of the Royal Knights of Daemonorops can help you.

PS: Do not tell Sese-chan about my 'true' self. Also, I informed the Duke and Duchess about this so you only have to prepare for your departure.

Yours truly,

Maxentius Eliècer Pristine Lixivius von Coelacanth'

You demon, I'm questioning the Heroine's image of you!! Are you really the gentle prince of the otome game?! This is fraud!!!!

"Rica-chan, prepare my clothes. I'm going to Daemonorops."

"Yes, Hestia-sama."

***

"Take care, Hestia~~"--Okaasama

"I will miss you, my dear daughter..!"--Ottousama

"I will pray for your safe journey, imōto!"--Oniisama

"Bye everyone!!" I waved my handkerchief with a orange phoenix rising from the ashes embroidered on it at them as my carriage slowly moved away from the gate.

I did not bring any maids or knights with me, but as mentioned by Maxentius-ouji in the letter, my parents agreed to the conditions immediately.

Did they actually think I'm gonne be together with the prince? I'd rather die!!

Without my awareness, I fell asleep leaning against the tinted windows of the vehicle but woken up by a sudden shake of my shoulders. I opened my eyes, my vision still blurry and my body sluggish, a faint picture of a boy greeted me.

"Hello, you must be Hestia Ceres Mantissa-ojou from the Mantissa Dukedom of Coelacanth."

"... ah, yes." I replied lately and rubbed my eyes.

*gasp

Dark blue hair like the unclouded night sky and twinkling gray eyes like a pair of diamonds, it's the main capture target of 'Hey Milord, Lemme Capture Your Heart!! II'!! Omg, omg!!

"Charmed?" His mockery snapped me out of my daze.

"O-Of c-c-course n-not..! I mean you're handsome and all-- wait, scratch that..! It's just..! Anno... Just..!" I stumbled on my words.

Why am I acting like this?

"I've decided, you'll be my fiancée."

"Ehhh?!!!"

What the heck?! What just happened?!!

"I like submissive girls, but I most likely prefer someone like you. I'll tell ottousama later on when we arrive that you'll be the future Marchioness of Daemonorops. Look forward to it, my future bride~"

"I never agreed to it..!" I denied.

"I don't need your opinion." He coldly struck my words down as he carried me like a sack of potatoes. Embarrassment was displayed on my face and I kept struggling to break free from his tight hold.

"Let go of me, you damn dragon!!"

*chuckle

"Quite the language there, Tia."

*bathump bathump

What was that?

"Yo-You..! Let go of me, this instant!!" I repeatedly punched his back.

"And if I won't?" He teasingly asked.

"I will..! I will..! I will kill you..!"

*hahahahahaha

"I didn't you could be a joker, my tsundere bride~~"

"Shut up!!"

"Ah, you're just too cute~~ Should I stake a claim on you before anyone else~?"

"What the hell are you saying?! I am not an item to be acquired, I'm my own person for your information!!"

"Right, right~~"

He's not listening at all. Even if I have information about the sequel, I still don't know about the capture targets' personalities. Hah, why did I have to die before playing it?

But wait, I'm still in this uncomfortable and embarrassing situation! What to do?

"Put me down, you annoying dragon!!"

"Not gonna happen, I have strict orders from Nehemiah-ou to bring you safely to the palace. Don't you know that this route, despite only known by high-ranking nobles ans royals of Daemonorps, is being resided by monsters running amok?"

"Wait what? So Maxentius-ouji sent me here to die?!"

"Your reactions are really..." He laughed and wore a serious expression, like a predator looking at his prey. "... interesting."

*gulp

'Name: Caedmon Julius Cretaceae

Age: 345

Race: Dragon

Attitude: he's the seductive type, but sometimes possessive the further you go through his route.'

Why did it have to be recalled at this moment?! Just why, Centifolia-sama?!

"Done struggling, my dear Tia~?"

"What did you just say?!" I asked in annoyance, feeling slightly hot on my cheeks.

"Whatever do you mean, my dear Tia~?"

"Stop that!!"

"Stop what?"

"What you just addressed me, moments ago..!!"

"Which one?" He asked, feigning ignorance that I fumed in anger. "Aww, my cute tsundere bride is angry~~"

"Tch, I hate you!!" The smiling face of the young noble dragon was replaced by a cold one.

"Can you please repeat that, Tia?"

*hic 2x

Did I push his buttons too much? But he kept pulling my strings as well!! It's only fair..!! ... right?

"I'm sorry my dear Tia, but even if you hate me, you're still the official bride of the Future Prime Minister of Daemonorops."

"I don't need that title." I aloofly declined.

"But your parents already gave you to me."

"Ehh?"