Chapter 3: Dinner with the Devil (or the Prince, Same Difference)**
The prince's private chambers were... intimate. Way more intimate than I expected from a "dinner to settle a bet."
Heavy velvet curtains in deep emerald blocked out the moonlight, candles floating in enchanted orbs cast a warm golden glow over everything. A low table was set for two—crystal goblets, silver platters of roasted quail, honey-glazed fruits, and a bottle of what looked like very expensive wine. No servants. Just us.
Elias was already there, lounging against a cushioned chaise in a simple black tunic that hugged his shoulders perfectly. His golden hair was loose now, falling in soft waves, and those emerald eyes tracked me as I entered like a predator sizing up... well, not prey anymore. Maybe something more interesting.
"You're punctual," he said, gesturing to the seat across from him. "Another surprise."
I sat carefully, trying not to knock anything over with Valerian's long limbs. "I figured showing up late would be rude. And I've had enough of being rude for one lifetime."
He poured the wine himself—red, deep as blood—and slid a glass toward me. "To fair fights," he toasted, clinking our glasses. His gaze never left mine.
I took a sip. It was smooth, rich, and probably worth more than my old apartment. "To not dying young," I added under my breath.
He heard. Of course he did. "You keep saying things like that. 'Die young.' 'Change of heart.' Care to explain?"
System: [Mission reminder: Do NOT confess you're from another world. Bonus: Get him to laugh again. Current favorability: +5 (Mild Interest). Don't screw this up.]
I set the glass down. "Let's just say I had a really vivid nightmare last night. Woke up realizing a lot of my choices were... terrible. And maybe I don't want to keep making them."
He studied me over the rim of his goblet. "The nightmare included me, I assume? Since you suddenly want to sit beside me at banquets and spar without poison."
I laughed—nervous, a little too loud. "You were in it. You were... holding a sword to my throat. Very dramatic."
His lips twitched. "Accurate, probably."
We ate in surprisingly comfortable silence for a bit. The food was incredible—tender, flavorful, nothing like the instant ramen I used to live on. Elias asked questions: about my estates (I bullshitted based on novel memory), my training (more bullshit + muscle memory), why I hated the king before (I pivoted to "misguided ambition, now regretting it").
Then he leaned forward, elbows on the table. "Tell me something real, Valerian. No games. Why the change?"
I met his eyes. Those eyes were dangerous—beautiful and piercing. "Because... I looked in the mirror and hated what I saw. Not just the face. The person. And I thought, maybe it's not too late to be someone else."
For a second, the room felt smaller. His expression softened—just a fraction. "Most people don't get second chances."
"Maybe I got one anyway," I said softly.
He exhaled, almost a laugh—but not quite. "You're either the best actor I've ever met... or something impossible happened to you."
Before I could respond, the door burst open.
Sir Rowan—tall, dark-haired, armored even at this hour—stormed in, face thunderous. "Your Highness! I heard you invited the duke here alone. After what he—"
Elias stood smoothly, voice calm but edged with steel. "Sir Rowan. This is a private dinner. You were not invited."
Rowan's eyes flicked to me, burning with jealousy. In the novel, Rowan was the loyal knight, secretly in love with Elias, always glaring at the villain who tormented the prince. Now he looked ready to draw his sword. "This man poisoned your wine once. Framed your allies. And now you're dining with him like old friends?"
I stood too, hands raised. "I didn't poison anything tonight. Scout's honor."
Rowan sneered. "You have no honor, Voss."
Elias stepped between us. "Enough. Rowan, leave. Now."
The knight hesitated, fists clenched. "Your Highness... be careful. People like him don't change."
Elias's voice dropped. "People can surprise you."
Rowan shot me one last venomous look, then stormed out, slamming the door.
Silence again.
Elias turned back to me, rubbing his temple. "He means well. But he's... protective."
I raised an eyebrow. "Jealous, you mean."
He blinked. Then—finally—a real laugh. Short, surprised, warm. It lit up his whole face.
System: [Bonus achieved! Favorability +30. Current: +35 (Growing Fondness). Warning: Rival route activated. Rowan favorability toward host: -70 (Hostile).]
Elias sat back down, still chuckling. "Jealous? Perhaps. He's been at my side since we were boys."
I sat too, heart pounding. "And now the villain's crashing the party."
He looked at me—really looked. "You're not acting like a villain tonight."
"Maybe I'm auditioning for a different role," I said, half-joking.
His gaze lingered on my lips for a second too long. "Keep auditioning. I might let you stay for the sequel."
We finished dinner with lighter talk—sword forms, favorite books (he likes poetry; who knew?), the absurdity of court life. When the candles burned low, he walked me to the door.
At the threshold, he caught my wrist again—like last time, but gentler. "Tomorrow. Ride with me at dawn. No swords. Just... talk."
I swallowed. "I'd like that."
He released me slowly. "Goodnight, Valerian."
"Goodnight, Elias."
As I walked the dark halls back to my chambers, the system chimed:
[Major plot deviation detected. Original chapter progression skipped. New branch unlocked: Redemption Route → Possible Romance Route. Proceed with caution—happy endings are rare for transmigrated villains.]
I grinned into the shadows.
Who said villains can't get the prince?