CHAPTER 44

TITLE: I was only an EXTRA but the Villain and Male Lead tries to pursue ME?!

WRITTEN BY: B_A_DG_R

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY: B_A_DG_R

...

CHAPTER 44

It's already the second day of the Match-Up event and Anne hasn't been showing around. It makes us so worried about her, if cellphones are already invented here then I can contact her or atleast know where she is.

Even her roommate, Hilary; told me that she didn't know that Anne just went home last night almost at curfew and left as soon as the sun rises. What's going on with her? Did the Match-up event stressed her out too much?

Or is it because...she's seeing someone?!

Nah, Anne wouldn't do that and if she did; she would tell us about it...

But it's not impossible that my theory is true!

I gaze at the topmost seats in the arena where the emperors, empresses, prince and princesses are sitting and saw that the seventh prince, Khalil and Anne's seats are still empty.

"Is everyone ready for the first event?!"

The arena shook like a mild earthquake when the moderator of the Match-up event shouted with all his might.

His gift might be an Enhancer one, one that enhances the volume of his voice.

"Ready!!"

Everyone cheered and the crowd goes wild. It seems like I'm inside an arena of a NBA match or a concert by an idol by how this all feels.

"Alright, for the first event! We will have all the students from Aidel first then Donato and lastly from Bogdan!"

So the first match will be students from Aidel for the preliminary match and students from Bogdan will be the last ones who will fight.

You see, according to the novel. It goes by this! For the first day, they will introduce all the participants from three empires.

For the second day: Students from the same empire will have to have as much points as possible. How? They will have a ring similar to a boxing match ring where they will score points by how many students you threw out of the ring.

For the third day: They will have a sparring match by group. The group who will win will advance to the next day.

For the fourth day: Those groups will now be remain into by twos. Unlike the previous day where they can choose their group, the duo will be grouped by the emperors.

For the fifth day: The final day is where the duo will fight each other and at the same day will fight with the remaining students from the same empire. Too bad, students from different empires can't fight since each emperor will award a noble title to the one remaining student from their empire.

The male lead and Cain will participate in this event on their third year. Of course, unlike other royalties who cannot participate; the male lead disguised as Eros is allowed to.

I remember in the novel how people shouted 'boo!' at Cain and even throws a bunch of stuff towards him even going as far throwing a brick to his head which cause it to bleed.

Cain was just forced to come there by his father even though he hates the thought of the emperor watching him especially when fighting Eros.

"Delie? You look spaced out again, are you feeling unwell?"

Phia seems to noticed me thinking hard again and thought that I'm spacing out because I'm feeling awful.

"No, just thinking of something"

"You know Delie, it's not good stressing yourself out too much...you need to take care of yourself psychologically too"

"Yes, thank you"

I'm a nursing student before but stressing myself is not new for me expecially when I'm cramming for the upcoming exams.

"By the way, the Bogdan students will have their round after Donato right?"

I asked Phia.

"Yes, our participants will join last"

I saw a bunch of male and female students from Aidel who are now gathering inside the ring while the mediator is announcing their names as they enter.

Looks like it will take a while...

"Ummm...I just need to go somewhere, brother's and Arthur's match is later so I'll come back as soon as possible"

I stand up from my seat and told my friends that I'll leave for a while.

"What? Again? Can I come with you?"

As expected, Kayle wants to come with me again but I glance at Valerie and signal her to stop Kayle who is right beside her now unlike yesterday.

"No, you stay here"

I mouthed 'Thank you' to Valerie who just nodded.

"But Delie!"

"I'll be back!"

I was already leaving their sight when I yelled at Kayle that I'll be back.

Jeez. Kayle really acts like a clingy child, I wonder when he'll grow up and can finally stay still without me on his side.

When I was finally out in the arena, I went to the back side of it right exactly where I met Arthur yesterday. That's why I don't want Kayle to come with me since my purpose is to give the embroided handkerchief to Arthur that I made last night.

I was waiting silently and took the handkerchief out from my uniform's pocket and examine it.

This handkerchief...is so ugly!

Why did I even think of giving it to him?! The scene that flashed in my mind before where Delie is giving Arthur two handkerchiefs from the library and also from this place is very pretty. Why can't I do the same?!

Right, I'll just tell Arthur I left it and...and...I'll tear this apart!

I was about to tear the ugly handkerchief that I made before someone called my name.

"Delie?"

Eek! Hide the handkerchief!

I don't have time to put it back on my pocket and rather hide it behind my back.

"Oh...Hi Arthur!"

I grinned so much that it looks fake.

He is wearing a black sleeveless tutle neck shirt with a bunch of belts surrounding it and one of his neck, black cargo pants, black ankle boots and short black fingerless gloves.

It is the outfit used by participants together with the symbol of their empire on the back of their shirt.

"Hello, what are you doing here?"

"I was just passing by..."

I definitely didn't go here to meet you...yeah definitely.

"I see...then what about the thing behind you?"

Gah!

"Heh...nothing!"

I hid it back to my pocket but my clumsy hands acciddentally didn't shoot it properly that it dropped on the floor.

"What's this?"

Arthur was quick to use his gift which is the manipulation of wind to flew the handkerchief right to his hand before it finally drops on the floor.

Gahh!!

I sighed and finally decided to tell him.

"It's...it's the handkerchief..."

I tried to look behind to hide my embarassment as he tried to look at it.

"Hmmm..."

Arthur stop that 'hmmm' of yours, please.

"I know it's ugly and has a very simple design but..."

Before you say anything and say it's ugly. I's rather hear it from myself first.

"It's cute! I like it!"

Huh? What did he say?

"What?"

"It has a big yellow star in it and a smaller one beside, also there's a 'Good luck' in it! Thank you, Delie!"

He smiled.

What a pure soul! You're too kind Arthur!

"No, thanks..."

I told him giving a sigh of relief.

"By the way, what does it mean?"

"Pardon?"

"You know, why did you embroid two stars?"

Does it really have a meaning? I only did it since I think it is the easiest to embroid!

"Umm...I think the big star is you and the small star is me?"

I told him like I'm even questioning myself. What do you expect? I just made that meaning up.

"I see! The big star is me which means that it will shine brighter together with the small star, also it's like you! You are making me shine brighter"

Arghhh! Arthur, stop it! Other than it sounds cheesy, it also makes me guilty! I shouldn't have made this ugly handkerchief!

"...Thank you"

Was the only two words I can say.

"Arthur, why are you here agai-"

David went to Arthur wearing similar clothes.

You know, by these two wearing these clothes made their muscles more visible in the arm area. David and Arthur are more built than I thought.

"Pfft! Is this the handkerchie--?! Hey!"

Before David could finish I step on his foot to shut him up.

"Let's get going for our warm up"

Arthur patted David's shoulder who nodded trying to stop his cries since I'm still stepping on his foot.

"Good luck then!"

I smiled at them sweetly before Arthur drags David with him.

Phew! Glad that ended!

I even remember asking Daphne some help last night and she suprisingly helped me after insulting my design then told me that she is not helping me but instead returning the favor I gave to her.

I'm happy for her to realize that she doesn't need to sulk by the idiot prince's absence although she's still head heels for him.

"Just what in the world did Daphne see in that good-for-nothing crown prince?"

I asked myself wondering while I'm walking back towards the front of the arena.

"And who is this good-for-nothing crown prince?"

Someone who was leaning on the outside wall of the arena asked me when I pass by him.

"You know, the flirty good-for-nothin--"

I turn to look at him and gulped when I saw him.

He is smiling creepily with his arms crossed as he was busy leaning on the wall.

Why didn't I realize that it was him?

"Can I talk to you for a moment?"

He asked me looking down to meet my face.

"Good day, Your Highness...no, I need to go back"

I smiled and look away.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to"

"Fine...I won't bother you for three days if you just talk to me for a moment"

"You think I'll agree to that? How about forever?"

I wave and walk away from him.

"Five days!"

He yelled at me.

He looks serious...maybe it's a good offer.

"One month!"

I yelled back.

"What? That's too much!"

"Fine, then three weeks!"

"Five days!"

"Two weeks!"

"One week?"

"Hmmm..."

"One week with a free food"

I nodded.

"Sure!"

He just want to talk and nothing else, right?

One week without the male lead following me around is a great relief.

"What do you want to talk about anyway?"

"Follow me first"

He gestured me to follow him.

"How do I know you're not taking me somewhere suspicious?"

Is he going to kidnap me and torture me until I told him everything he suspects that I know?!

"If you think I'm going to do something to you, I'm not...don't worry"

"Really?"

"I'm a man of my word"

...

I followed male lead to the shopping place inside the academy, like I said before; this academy is more like a community than a regular school. Only a few people are here compared to the usual busy days since most of the students are in the huge arena right now. Although, there's a lot of foreigner here shopping for souvenirs.

I saw some are girls from Aidel and Donato, they were staring at the male lead and also see him as attractive even though he is still disguised as Eros, what more if he is in his real appearance? His silver hair and pretty purple eyes.

"That boy looks hot, doesn't he? Should we approach him?"

"Hmmm...but I think he is with his girlfriend, maybe she'll get mad"

"Pfft! Girlfriend? She looks more like an assistant to him than a girlfriend"

Grrr!!

I glared at those girls and they seem surprise at my sudden death glare.

"Eek! She heard us!"

"So maybe she is really his girlfriend?"

No, I'm not! I'm pissed off at the part where they said that I look more like his assistant.

"Haha...your glare reminds me of Cain just now"

The male lead chuckled.

I don't even know how did he saw that I glared at them since he is walking infront of me while I'm following him behind.

"Is that so? I just copied my mother"

My mother likes to make scary glares and faces that I've been practicing it several times how to do it too.

"Then your mother must be cool..."

He sounds amused.

"You mentioned Cain...do you perhaps know how is he doing right now?"

Since I haven't seen him since the library incident where he saw me eavesdropping on Daphne.

"Do you miss him?"

"...Maybe?"

To be honest, I also don't know. Is it because of my plan to gain friendship points or just simply as a true friend?

"I see, I think he did too"

"What?"

"To tell you the truth, I barge inside his dorm room right through his window when I saw him eating a bunch of chocolate desserts and reading a bunch of books; expectedly he was angry when I trespassed and I immediately left anyway but before I left he asked me about you"

"Really?"

He did?!

"Not exactly...he just asked me like 'How is that girl doing?' without even looking at me"

"I see..."

OMG! Even though it's just a very simple question about me, he still asked about me!

"Just don't tell him I told you so, he'll probably get mad"

This male lead obviously just wants to troll us which makes me wonder if he is saying the truth.

"We're here"

We stopped at a small shabby dessert cafe that looks like it's been decades after it was painted. I can even see some cracks on some walls and the signboard is already squeaking in rust.

"Are you lost?"

I asked him.

"Nope, we're really here"

He gave me a cheeky smile before entering the dessert cafe. He gestured me again to follow him inside.

I heard a loud creak on the floor when we entered the cafe.

"Welcome, why have you come--"

There was an old man who was facing his back behind us turns to looks at us but suddenly stops when he saw male lead.

"Hey!"

The male lead gave him a smile.

"Ahhh..."

The old man turns to look at me this time and went back to the male lead.

"Don't worry, she's a friend"

The male lead gave him a nod after he glanced at me from behind him.

"Since when did we become friends...?"

I muttered narrowing my eyes while the male lead is looking at the old man.

"Alright, is there something you need?"

What does he mean when he asked him if he needs something? Isn't this suppose to be a dessert cafe?

"Ginger Bread, two"

The male lead said those words which made the old man lead us to an hidden door.

"What is this?"

I panicked tugging the male lead's uniform.

"Don't worry, don't worry! Like I said...we are here to talk and eat"

I can't trust that creepy smile of his!!

"...Maybe I'll just go back"

I pretended to whistle and step one of my foot backwards.

"Where to do you think you're going?"

He gave a creepier smile even closing his eyes as he pulled me.

"Back?"

"Hahaha!"

He laughs suddenly, the old man is just silent and is just bowing his head not saying anything.

"Haha...look I really need to go back"

I fake laugh with him.

"Do you think I'll let you leave after you knew about this secret passage?"

His smile is getting wider!!

"...Fine fine!"

In case something happens to me after I enter the door, I'll make sure to kick him in the crotch quickly.

We enter the door and I saw a cute gingerbread like room with few people inside.

"What the...?"

This...this isn't a scary room at all!

"Welcome back, Your Imperial Highness!"

Another man bowed to the male lead as soon as he saw us enter. The other people inside also greets him and bow.

"I told you that you don't need to be so formal! I'm here to treat someone for a dessert!"

The male lead's eyes pointed at me.

"Okay, I'll guide you both to the best seat for two"

...Just where the heck am I?! Earlier, this place looks like a rundown cafe from the outside. What's with the secret door?!

And why the heck do they know that he is the crown prince?!

"Are you wondering why they know me?"

I nodded still bewildered at the situation I'm in now.

"This is actually a secret place made for me and some trusted nobles"

So this is like his secret hideout? So the shabby cafe is just for show. No one would dare to go inside a shabby dessert cafe especially since there's a lot of better ones.

But earlier, he sounds like he's taking  me to a scary hideout where you can buy illegal stuffs and all. He is laughing right now, maybe he's just making fun of me?!

"Are you not afraid that they might expose your true identity?"

"Sometimes...but I'm the crown prince, they should know the consequences of opening their mouths"

He took off a ring that serves as the power for his disguise which made his dirty blonde hair back to silver and black onyx eyes back to purple ones, his original appearance.

I don't want to admit but damn he looks more handsome now than his Eros form. His silver hair is really pretty! It looks like it's glowing! Cain's hair is pretty too, it is so black. His eye color is my favorite color that's why I find prrtty too but I think Cain's blue eyes are better...

Wait, why am I even comparing them anyway?!

"I like how you stare at me..."

He noticed that I'm staring longer at him as I should be.

"Ahhh..."

I don't have a rebuttal, it's true though.

"I don't mind, I know I'm attractive anyway...be grateful that you are one of the few people who saw my appearance"

"Yeah, yeah sure...I'm grateful, Your Highness"

I even bowed my head a bit with a sarcasm.

"Now, you won't tell anyone about this right?"

Gosh, I never felt so nervous about someone right now. The way he told me those words is a sign that he is threatening me too.

If I say anything about him, I will also face those consequences.

"Don't worry, I won't tell a soul to anyone...that I can promise"

Besides, who cares.

"I'm glad you understood...now, how about you order something?"

He called the man who was waiting for us to order. He gave me the menu of the desserts and asked me to order something.

The man already gave him a tea while I'm still scanning the menu.

"Do you want the chocolate shortcake or the small cupcake?"

The man asked me.

Heh, do they think that I'm like the rest of girls who only eat small amounts of dessert?

"I'd like some eight pound chocolate ice cream sundae"

The man was surprised at my order which also made the male lead to spill his tea while he's drinking it and cough a bit.

"Are you sure young lady? Even three people can't finish it all"

"Yes, I'm sure"

I give him back the menu and the man looks at the male lead. The male lead just nodded smiling at him.

Why are they so surprise?

"I know you like chocolates but I didn't know you like it that much"

He started laughing.

"What's so funny? Is it your first time seeing someone love chocolate this much?"

"No...Cain is the same, I'm still wondering why he suddenly become so obsessed with chocolate; I asked him before but he only said 'None of your business'"

Is it because of Cordelia giving him before? Which reminds me...

I also gave someone a chocolate at Christmas Day. The day dedicated to honor the three founders...Sans, Tardin and Clause.

It was seven years ago but I really don't remember that boy's look that much since my mind is occupied by a lot of things right now and one of them is this male lead.

What happen to that child, I wonder.

"Here it is!"

The man finally gave me my order. The chocolate sundae is so tall that it covers the male lead's face from me.

"Thank you!"

I quickly took the spoon and take a scoop to taste it.

"So good~!"

I'm in heaven!! This is really good!

"May I taste?"

He asked me as he was busy watching me eat. He seems to enjoy watching me, eh? Oh my! Should I start a mukbang show?

"Sure, it's your treat anyway"

Before I can react, he suddenly took the spoon from my hand and took a scoop to eat some.

"It's good"

He even lick his lips after he ate it. To others, he might look so sexy but...he used my spoon.

I remember him doing the same the heroine in the novel and Cordelia reacts to their indirect kiss.

This male lead is obviously trying to flirt with me.

"Excuse me? Can I have another spoon?"

I called the man earlier which made the male lead acciddentally drop the spoon.

"But you already have one"

He told me looking at the spoon he accidentally dropped.

"You think I'll use it again after you put it inside your mouth?"

You already have your saliva in it, gross.

The man gave me a spoon and I continue to eat the sundae.

"Anyway, didn't you say that you want to talk to me about something? What is it?"

Do you want to gather information from me? An information you can use?

"Nothing, I just want to hang out!"

He laughs.

"Are you kidding me?"

Is he trolling me or something?

"Nope, just want to talk...just think of this as a date"

Eww. Is he serious?

"I bet a lot of girls already went here with you"

I snorted at him.

"Not really, you already know that this place is one of my hideouts...you're the first girl I went with here"

I gave him a 'really' look which made him chuckle.

"Why don't you invite your fiancee?"

He became silent after I ask him that. I know you really don't like this engagement but shouldn't he atleast make her feel neglected.

"If I have time"

This good-for-nothing male lead! He should have just invited Daphne instead of me.

"...Am I really the first one here?"

I raised one of my eyebrows as I ask him that.

"Not really..."

And there we go, see? I'm not really the first one.

"Then who is?"

"...My sisters"

I paused for a moment after he told me that the first girl or girls he went here with is with his older sisters.

"Oh...when?"

"About a few years ago before they got engaged"

He sounds so sad when he was telling me about it.

"Hmmm.."

"They even tried dressing me up with a bunch of clothes before and even put some make-up and hair accessories..."

"But aren't you allowed here inside the academy?"

Since you're still a little kid at that time.

"I'm the crown prince, I can do whatever I want.

How boastful...

"Okay then, Your Highness! So you miss your sisters and you miss having fun with them? Is the reason why you want to talk to me is to ask me what I should do if I'm on your state?"

He nodded.

"Right"

"By the way, why not ask them to spend their whole day with you? I know they misses you too"

I told him still eating.

I heard him sigh, maybe he doesn't have anyone else to talk to about these matters. I know the male lead is an ambitious young man who only uses people but when it comes to his feelings, he is really not good with it like how he didn't realize that he is already in love with the heroine.

"Maybe you're right, thank you...I don't even know why I'm telling you this but you are the first person who popped in my mind, I don't know why..."

He sounds serious looking down at the tea he has been drinking.

"You don't have any friends, don't you?"

He flinched for a bit after I asked him that.

"Aren't you...?"

He gave me the sweetest look, oh god...please! Anything but the puppy eyes!

"Ermm...if you think so then fine"

I tried distracting myself and not look into his pleading eyes. He smiled.

"Thank you, I noticed that you have been following Cain around! Do you like him?"

I almost spit my food by his question. What's with the sudden question?

"No, I just want to be his friend"

I replied to him honestly.

"Why?"

"It's a secret~!"

I imitated his tone of voice whenever he tries to make fun of me before he chuckles.

"You're cute"

He reach his hand towards my face and remove something near my lips.

"Wha--"

Before I can protest to him, he already has it in his mouth.

"Delie-cious"

He told me.

Ugh! This flirt!!

Without knowing it, I smack his face with my hand. We just spend our time talking about non-important things while continues to flirt with me.

"I'll leave now, thank you for the treat"

Wow, I feel so full from that giant ice cream.

He laughs and suddenly pat my head wearing his disguise as Eros back.

"You're welcome, how about try calling me by my name...?"

He noticed that I had not been calling him by his name.

"Eros?"

He shook his head.

"Not that name"

What? He wants me to call me by his REAL name?

"Tsk, fine...I'll call you Eros outside! Come closer"

I gestured my hand to tell him to come closer which he did without hesistation trying to adjust his height to mine.

"Here"

"...Angeal, thank you"

I whispered quickly pushing him slightly to get him out of my face before I completely runaway from him.

I didn't know what he looks like when I run but I happen to see Derrick walking towards him. Anyway, I need to get back to my friends and watch my brother and Arthur's match!

~3rd Person POV~

Eros was completely frozen after Delie whispered his name right infront of his face.

He was suppose to gain some affection from her by how he tries to flirt with her to sway her heart.

"...But what is this feeling...?"

He can feel his chest tightening and heart beating rapidly.

Eros doesn't know that instead of making Delie's heart swayed by him, it was actually him who got swayed.

"Your Highness?"

Being distracted by his thoughts for the first time, Derrick was already behind him muttering from his back.

"It's just you, Derrick...what is it?"

Eros tries to calm himself since he can still feel his heart beating fast.

"His Majesty calls for you..."

Derrick said looking down.

"Then it must be important, is he in his room from the arena?"

"Yes, Your Highness..."

Eros went to the room that was in the back stage of the arena where only members of the same imperial family can enter. He look back and forth to make sure that no one is around before he removes the ring from his finger revealing his true appearance as Angeal De Abel.

"Angieee!!"

He was immediately hugged by his two elder sisters as soon as they saw him enter the room. His father and mother are also inside.

"Lavinia...? Gwendolynn? What are you two doing here?"

Angeal who was surprised by his two sisters asked them as he slowly removes himself from their embrace.

They were suppose to be in the other empires' room.

"How rude! It's been a year since we last saw you and you sound like you don't care about us!"

Gwendolynn, the second sister pouted.

"You are not our baby Angeal anymore, he has become more rebellious..."

The eldest sister giggles before pinching both of Angeal's cheeks.

"Hey! That hurts, stop treating me like a kid!"

Angeal remove his eldest sister's pinch from cheeks. 

"Angeal, how are you? I'm worried!"

The empress, Cybele De Abel stood up from her seat to hug her son.

"Mother, I'm fine"

The empress suddenly kiss her son on both cheeks treating him like a little child.

They still think that Angeal is confining himself in the palace and they have no knowledge of him lurking around the empire.

"You're still a teenager so that's why I'm worried"

She cups her hands on his cheeks.

"Hahaha! He won't grow up if you three still treat him like that!"

The emperor finally speaks laughing at them.

"Mother, sisters...I need to talk to father for a moment"

"Sure...just be quick!"

The empress and the two daughters went out at Angeal's request. The two smile from the emperor and the crown prince faded dropping their act as a lovable father and son.

"So old man, what do you want?"

Angeal asked the emperor who just put both of hand under his chin on the table they are using.

"You are still a great actor, my son"

He smirk as he was talking to Angeal who just chuckled with a straight face.

"What can I say? I got it from you"

"I'll get straight to the point, Angeal...I heard that you've been approaching the young lady La Eclaus; Do you perhaps know something about her?"

Angeal flinch for a second but hid it as quickly as possible to not harbor some suspicions from his father.

"Of course not, why would I know anything about her? I just think she is cute~"

He remembers that his father still doesn't know that he is aware that the lady La Eclaus might be associated to the saintess his father feared the most.

"Is that true?"

The emperor's purple eyes narrowed looking straight at his son activating his gift of fear.

Angeal has a hard time fighting the gift of his father so he tried answering confidently as much as he can.

"It's true; Is there a reason for me to lie to you, Your Majesty?"

"You better be telling the truth Angeal, you know the saintess will ruin our lives...if you know something just tell me right now"

"Don't worry, father...your son will not let you down"

Angeal bowed his head infront of his father who nodded.

"Alright, that's all...I just want to know about you and that young lady; If you like her then I might even bestow her to you as another consort if you want"

Angeal shook his head.

"No need, I don't have any plans for that girl anyway; Now, I'll come back again...Your Majesty"

After Angeal had finally shut the door and put his disguise back. He begins to walk away from the room with a gritted teeth.

(How the heck did that old man knew?!)

His plans is suppose to be a perfect one! If his father knew about his plan, he might do everything to stop it. Angeal knows that his father doesn't even really care about him but is just using him. 

(What's the point of hiding myself from people? The point of disguising myself as another person? And what is the point of acting as a good son to mother and brother to my sisters?! Was this all just an act? I don't know anymore...)

Angeal's mind is full of questions right now. He is worried that his plans might not go well.

(Why do I even need to display myself as an antagonist to Cain? I'm the reason why my own aunt is dead...and...)

Angeal who is already disguised as Eros went to sit back to the arena sitting together with the other students.

(If you like her then I might even bestow her to you as another consort if you want)

The same words is repeating in his mind after he saw Delie again watching with her friends.

He already has many problems right now but why...why does he feel more problematic right now?

(I...I don't know what to do anymore...just what is wrong with you Angeal?)

Eros exhales a large amount of air as he watch the match of the event unfolds.