Chapter Text
“I know it is our first meeting but I would like to be upfront and honest with you,” said a young boy.
On a sunny afternoon in a luscious garden, two boys were sitting across one another, dining under a gazebo. Their circular table had a standard set menu of afternoon tea and snacks. The boys looked relatively similar in age, yet one was a few inches shorter than the other. The taller of the two was dressed regally with short wavy hair and a stone-like expression; his butler behind him standing still and observing. The other boy, who had just spoken, was also dressed nobly with short straightened hair and shimmering, determined eyes. His attendants were standing a good distance away with uncomfortable looks.
“And what would that be,” the other boy asked.
“Prince Yoo Joonghyuk, I am the villainous fiancé. It is my role to cause conflict between you and the person you’re destined to be with. They are the protagonist. Because of my actions, you will call off our engagement and achieve a happy ending with them.” The smaller boy explained in utter poise and confidence.
Yet Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t understand anything for the first time in his life. He was the firstborn crown prince of the Kaizenix Kingdom. Today was his first meeting with one of his marriage candidates, Kim Dokja - the only son of the Prime Minister, Duke Hades.
“Can you explain what you are talking about?” Luckily Yoo Joonghyuk kept his face neutral while his butler, who had a convincing human-like appearance, was staring bewilderedly at the other boy.
“Certainly. Let me start from the beginning…”
Kim Dokja went on to explain that he had memories of a previous life. In that life, he was born in a country called South Korea where he was playing a visual novel game. (He had to describe to Yoo Joonghyuk that the game was like an interactive story with moving visuals and text.) From his memories, he realized that the world they are living in right now was the novel he had played. Yoo Joonghyuk would meet his life and death companion - the protagonist - and fall in love with them. Out of jealousy, Kim Dokja was supposed to harass the protagonist. However, Yoo Joonghyuk would not withstand that behavior and called off their engagement and ruined Kim Dokja’s household.
“To put it simply, I must fulfill my role of being a “villain” in order for you to obtain your happiness,” Kim Dokja finished in a frighteningly calm demeanor despite revealing that he would meet a tragic end.
Yoo Joonghyuk wasn’t sure if he fully grasped the situation. He had dealt with many potential marriage candidates - some were nervous that they couldn’t properly talk or face him; some had tried to placate or fawn over him; some sounded like they were parrots or puppets of their parents. All were ineffectual. All were boring.
This was the first candidate that left him stumped. This didn’t seem like some strategic move a noble parent had forced their child to do like the others. It sounded more like a child with an overactive imagination and was obsessed with what they read to reenact it. Nevertheless, it also felt absurd. He didn’t fully believe that he would cancel a politically advantageous engagement for something like love, given how detached he felt towards anything.
Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at his butler, Bihyung, who bafflingly shrugged. The man once told Yoo Joonghyuk that he never played or acted like a normal human child. Perhaps, he should go along with it.
“Why are you telling me this now,” he asked.
Kim Dokja went on to explain how he had read many novels before. Having seen far too many characters in similar situations trying not to fit in their villainous role had deviated the original plot. He didn’t want that. Instead, he should try being honest about his circumstances right from the beginning.
“Because you are a person that values honesty and usefulness. Even if you don’t believe me, you can’t say I didn’t try to tell you the truth.” Yoo Joonghyuk was surprised because the first part was true. He thought this child was strange yet couldn’t help but be more engaged. “Like I said before, I wanted to be completely honest with you. I trust you and I want to make sure where our relationship stands. We must fulfill our roles in order for you to reach the best outcome. Rest assured, I will become the ugly villain that you will defeat,” Kim Dokja said proudly with a hand on his chest.
“Ugly?” Yoo Joonghyuk gave Kim Dokja a once-over. Bihyung cleared his throat loudly, causing Yoo Joonghyuk to quickly correct himself. He knew he shouldn’t have done that; it was an improper and rude gesture. He was about to apologize but froze when Kim Dokja adored a lovely rosy color on his face. Is he embarrassed, thought Yoo Joonghyuk.
“Look at the time! I should be taking my leave now!” The boy excused himself from the table. His servants rushed over to his side, worrying about the sudden outburst.
“Let me escort you-” Yoo Joonghyuk offered but Kim Dokja adamantly refused.
“No need! I can see myself out!” As he walked away, he turned back to Yoo Joonghyuk with the same determination as before. “I know what I said may seem confusing to you and you have every right not to believe me, but I hope in the near future that you will understand. I will do everything in my power to make you happy, Prince Yoo Joonghyuk.” Kim Dokja properly bowed and left with his servants following in tow.
The atmosphere was a lot more quiet now, less lively. “Bihyung, what do you think about him,” asked Yoo Joonghyuk.
“I never thought I would see a weirder kid than you,” Bihyung said honestly.
Yoo Joonghyuk scoffed. “I will ignore that comment for now.”
He must be in a good mood. He didn’t deny it, Bihyung thought.
“He is strange,” Yoo Joonghyuk continued, “I never thought I would meet a noble who was so…” The first word that came to his mind was selfless, but he decided against it. “…contradictory.”
“Contradictory?”
“Villains in stories usually have selfish goals, right? Yet, his goal seems to be my ‘happiness’ at the expense of his own benefit.” But why, Yoo Joonghyuk thought. He noticed how most of the snacks on the table were left untouched. Kim Dokja hardly ate a healthy portion and mostly drank tea.
“That’s true, or so he says. It's too soon to make conclusions yet, your highness. What do you wish to do about this?” Bihyung refilled Yoo Joonghyuk's tea cup.
“Let’s keep an eye on him.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, drinking his cup to hide an amused expression. “This could be interesting.”
After meeting all of the marriage candidates for the next few weeks, the choice was clear on who he picked. A formal letter was sent to the Prime Minister's house and then soon a public announcement was made. The news had spread widely among the aristocracy and commoners.
With certainty, Duke Hades and Kim Dokja were invited back a month after their first meeting.
Coming to greet the guests, Yoo Joonghyuk and Bihyung had coincidentally run into Hades, exiting out of the lavatory. The duke respectfully bowed before the prince.
“It is good to see you again, Duke Hades,” greeted Yoo Joonghyuk.
“It is good to see you too, your highness. Thank you for inviting me and my son back to the palace.” Despite the pleasantries, Hades’s tone was cold. The prime minister had been known to be a strict and no-nonsense man, yet Yoo Joonghyuk remembered Hades had always been courteous to the royal family.
Yoo Joonghyuk tried to ignore it as he resumed walking in the hallways with Hades and Bihyung following behind. “I am pleased that my engagement to your son is moving forward.”
“Yes, it is a… significant occasion.”
He couldn’t even say joyous, Yoo Joonghyuk thought. “How did your son take the news?”
Hades’s face twisted into discontentment. “Very well. He was quite happy.”
“And how about your wife, Lady Persephone?
Hades sighed. “She was overjoyed too.”
He was outnumbered, both Bihyung and Yoo Joonghyuk thought at the same time. “And are you happy with our engagement?”
“As long as Dokja is happy, then I will be too.” Hades said in a defeated tone that practically confirmed the man was feeling the opposite.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t see why, because an engagement with the royal family was very beneficial for them all. He always prided Hades as a smart and respectful man. However, he had heard that Hades was rather soft when it came to his wife and son.
“How has your son been faring?”
“Very well. Dokja has been taking up a lot of reading lately. He is determined to read all the books in our library.” The fond memory seemed to uplift Hades’s mood a little.
So he still hasn’t changed. Yoo Joonghyuk did wonder during their time apart if Kim Dokja was still going off with the “villainous” idea.
They finally arrived at the guest room where Yoo Joonghyuk was greeted with Kim Dokja and an unusual addition. A fluffy cloud with a small horn sat perched on the boy’s shoulder, eyes closed and small mouth drooling.
Unbothered, Kim Dokja bowed gently. “It is an honor to meet you again, Prince Yoo Joonghyuk. I am very grateful to have been chosen as your fiancé.”
Yoo Joonghyuk stared at the cloud. It had yawned. “Likewise, Lord Kim Dokja.”
[I thought other spirits couldn’t enter the palace.] Yoo Joonghyuk activated a special telepathic message to Bihyung. It was a channel only the two of them could communicate privately.
[Yes, it’s still true! I made sure of that.] The small cloud had awakened from slumber, rubbing its tiny beaded eyes. [Only stray spirits can’t get in so this one must be bound to a human.] Bihyung deduced, rubbing his chin. Logically, it had to be Kim Dokja, however, the boy made no acknowledgment of it. [Should I send it away?]
Yoo Joonghyuk saw how the tiny creature acknowledged Bihyung’s presence and gave a happy wave. Technically, it wasn’t doing any harm. [No. Let it stay for now.]
“Your highness,” Kim Dokja asked. Although the telepathic messages could be sent at rapid speed quicker than spoken dialogue, Kim Dokja felt concerned at the staring.
“My apologies. I was distracted by how-” Yoo Joonghyuk shifted to the little spirit- “cute you are now since we last met.”
“C-Cute?!” Yoo Joonghyuk finally looked at Kim Dokja who sported the lovely shade of red across his cheeks. Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk's careless remark wasn’t so far off.
However, Hades crouched in front of his son with a serious expression. “Son, do not be fooled by him. Of course, you are the cutest in the world, but do not be easily swayed by boys like him. He will take advantage of you if you let your guard down.”
Kim Dokja was speechless, blushing more. Bihyung wanted to laugh but held back his tongue. [Does Duke Hades have a vendetta against you or is he too overprotective of his son?] Yoo Joonghyuk predicted it was both.
Not wanting to show animosity, Yoo Joonghyuk spoke up calmly. “May I speak to Lord Kim Dokja privately, Duke Hades? I would like to talk about my birthday celebration that is coming soon.”
Hades held back a displeased tone but not his expression. “Alright. I do need to discuss with the king about the engagement agreements. Excuse me.”
With the boys finally seated and alone, Yoo Joonghyuk wanted to know if Kim Dokja was aware of the spirit but ultimately decided to wait for him to acknowledge it. It went back to peaceful slumber on his shoulder.
“Please help yourself to the snacks.” Yoo Joonghyuk had Bihyung had laid out a nice assortment on the table. “These are His Majesty, the King Consort’s favorites.”
Kim Dokja picked up a small cookie and nibbled it. Yoo Joonghyuk felt satisfied seeing how wide and amazed the other boy’s eyes became.
“This is delicious,” he finished happily. “Is His Majesty, the King Consort doing well?”
“Yes. The delivery went smoothly. My little sister was born without any problems.”
“That’s great to hear! I hope I can meet Mia soon.”
Yoo Joonghyuk paused. There wasn’t a public announcement yet since it coincided with the engagement. “How did you know my sister’s name?”
Kim Dokja nibbled down a second cookie. “From my past memories. It mentioned your sister in your storyline.”
Yoo Joonghyuk eyed Bihyung who helplessly shrugged again. “Do you really know the future? Are you a prophet?” Or is this a fluke?
Kim Dokja tilted his head. “Prophet?”
“Prophets are humans with special precognitive abilities to see probable outcomes and future events. Normal humans believe they are myths but they do exist, just keeping their identities a secret,” Bihyung explained. Yoo Joonghyuk had met a prophet before quite some time ago. She was extremely rude and haughty towards him, therefore he did not like her at all.
“Oh. I guess you could say I am something similar to that, but I wouldn’t call myself a prophet. I’m just the villain,” chuckled Kim Dokja.
There were other ways the boy could have truly gotten that information. Yoo Joonghyuk has yet to determine if this is a good thing or a troublesome issue. “Are you still determined to be my ‘villainous’ fiancé?”
“Yes! Rest assured that my goal has not changed. I will help you achieve your happy ending.”
Kim Dokja’s cheery attitude made Yoo Joonghyuk a bit irked. “Why does my ‘happy ending’ require you to be a villain?”
“My role is meant to serve as a reason why you should be with the protagonist. I am the conflict. You will be miserable being my fiancé because of my horrible attitude. It will justify why you are drawn to the protagonist.”
Yoo Joonghyuk crossed his arms, unsatisfied. “And how are you going to be ‘villainous’? This could be a problem for me if my fiancé acts improperly.
Kim Dokja faltered, hovering his cup up awkwardly. “…I’m still figuring that out. I’m supposed to be abusing my power as your fiancé, insulting the knights, and attacking people.” However, Kim Dokja grimaced at the ideas and his hand was unknowingly trembling. “Maybe I should just do some light bullying like being arrogant and stuff. I don’t want to get physical because… I know how much that hurts.”
Yoo Joonghyuk seethed. “What do you mean by that?”
Kim Dokja's cup was set back down on the table in a sharp clack. “Oh, it’s nothing! It’s all in the past. Please forget what I said.” Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t want to forget, but he couldn’t press further. The forlorn look on Kim Dokja’s face didn’t suit him. The way he was talking animatedly, even running off with the ridiculous idea of being a villain, was much more preferable. “Anyways, I’m still researching what I should do. I’ve been reading a lot to get some ideas.”
“Your father did mention that. Do you like reading?”
A shiny glimmer appeared in Kim Dokja’s eyes. A happy gasp escaped his lips. “I do! I love stories so much! They helped me throughout my past life.”
Good, looking much better, Yoo Joonghyuk thought, trying to hide his satisfied expression by drinking tea. “I should take you to visit the palace library one day. We have every book that you could possibly need.”
“Really?! Thank you!” Kim Dokja’s smile radiated the room. Yoo Joonghyuk felt vindicated that smiles suited Kim Dokja more.
“Now I would like to discuss with you about my birthday celebration.” With a snap from his fingers, Bihyung handed Kim Dokja a list of papers. “As my fiancé, you will be required to attend lessons, learn your responsibilities, and have proper conduct. In social gatherings, please be on your best behavior.”
Kim Dokja flipped through the papers; his eyes becoming wider with endless streams of notes and procedures. “Okay. But I don’t think it will be necessary since you’ll break off our engagement in the future.”
Yoo Joonghyuk furrowed his eyebrows. Despite wanting to argue, he held back and opted to play along in order to gain more information. “And when would that be?”
“During our last year at the Star Stream Academy’s graduation ceremony.”
“And when do I meet this ‘protagonist’?” The grip on his teacup was tightening.
“The first day of enrollment. I think when you were 14 at the time.”
Bihyung spoke up, sensing his master’s patience waning. “Well, since it’s so far in the future, you will still need to play the part of a proper fiancé. Lay the foundation out for ‘the protagonist.’”
Kim Dokja gasped. “Oh! You’re right! I should make things easier for the protagonist once they’ll be in my place.”
“Your highness…!” Bihyung spoke abruptly before clearing his throat. Yoo Joonghyuk finally noticed the cracked handle on the teacup in his grip, dangling for dear life. “Apologies. The cups appear to be weak. Let me take that and prepare a new one.” Bihyung offered his hands yet threw a pointed look. [Please calm yourself. You’re scaring your fiancé.]
Yoo Joonghyuk saw Kim Dokja finally looking concerned. Even the little cloud on his shoulder awoken from its slumber. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes.” Yoo Joonghyuk turned away to hand Bihyung the broken pieces. A vein forming near his jaw. “I look forward to celebrating my 12th birthday with you soon.”
With a nervous smile, Kim Dokja nodded but his face soon paled. “Wait, your 12th birthday? And that means I’m… already 12…”
Now Yoo Joonghyuk looked concerned. “Is something wrong?”
Kim Dokja’s breathing became more erratic. The little cloud was also on the verge of crying, feeling its owner’s trembling shoulders. With petrified eyes, Kim Dokja had to scream.
“No…! My mother is going to die!”