The sun barely peeked over the horizon when I heard the shrill ringing of the castle's ancient brass bell—a sound so loud it could wake the dead. Given my current predicament, that was both terrifying and appropriate.
Today, the second member of Rael's romantic harem was arriving.
I blinked at the ceiling and whispered to myself, "Please don't let it be worse than the knight."
After yesterday's near-dance-induced heart attack with Kael Seraphim, I was beginning to suspect the universe had a twisted sense of humor.
Arrival of the Charming Rogue
The great hall filled quickly with the sharp clang of boots and the distinct scent of leather and musk. This was no shining paladin in gleaming armor. No, this was someone darker, more dangerous in a different way.
I spotted him immediately.
A tall man with unruly jet-black hair, a mischievous grin, and eyes that gleamed with a blend of cunning and reckless charm. A rapier hung at his side, and his midnight cloak fluttered like a shadow refusing to be tamed.
"Jarek Voss," I muttered, consulting my notes.
"Rogue extraordinaire. Skilled thief. Lover of chaos. And apparently, Rael's second 'potential soulmate.'"
Rael, who had been brooding in his throne room, stepped forward. His golden eyes narrowed dangerously. "He's trouble."
I smiled weakly. "Yeah, that's the point."
Breakfast Catastrophe
Despite the brewing storm outside, we convened for what was supposed to be a civilized breakfast.
Rael sat rigid at the head of the table, Kael on one side, and Jarek on the other. I was in the middle, balancing a tray loaded with steaming food and nervous hope.
Jarek's eyes scanned the room like he was hunting for a mark. Kael looked like he wanted to bolt for the hills. Rael simply stared, the aura of power making the chandelier flicker.
I swallowed. "Breakfast, gentlemen."
Within moments, knives were drawn. Not in rage, but in some bizarre, competitive form of greeting between Kael and Jarek.
"Put those away," I ordered, my voice trembling.
Rael's low chuckle echoed. "Let them dance. It's entertaining."
The rogue grinned at Rael. "You always did like a good fight."
Kael shot daggers with his eyes—figuratively this time.
Negotiating Peace
I took a deep breath and clapped my hands. "Enough. You're here to win his heart, remember? Not his death sentence."
Jarek leaned back, flashing a rogue's smirk. "Love is the ultimate heist, isn't it?"
"Except the prize might kill you," Kael muttered.
Rael raised an eyebrow. "Is that your attempt at humor, knight?"
Before I could intervene, the system pinged:
> [Conflict Level: MAXIMUM.]
[Recommended Action: Deploy Charm Offensive.]
I cleared my throat and addressed the table. "How about a game? A test to find common ground?"
They both looked intrigued, if only for a moment.
Game of Wits and Hearts
The game was simple: each had to share a secret or a truth they'd never told anyone.
Kael spoke first, his voice surprisingly soft. He confessed about a childhood scar he hid beneath his armor—a memory of failure he feared would make him weak.
Jarek smirked and then admitted he once stole a loaf of bread to feed a starving child, not for profit but because he couldn't stand injustice.
Rael's eyes softened slightly, a crack in his cold armor.
Even I felt the tension ease.
Unexpected Bond
By the end of breakfast, the impossible had happened: the three men were talking without swords drawn.
It was a fragile peace, but it was peace nonetheless.
The system chimed once more:
> [Emotional Stability +7%.]
[Leora's Sanity +5%.]
I collapsed back into my chair, exhausted but hopeful.
One down, four to go.
But the day was far from over.
Rael pulled me aside later, his voice low and serious. "If any of them hurt me—physically or emotionally—you'll pay."
I nodded, hiding my panic.
This was going to be the most dangerous job I'd ever had.