Third person POV
"We've arrived." Obi smiled as Akuma released her hold on his arm.

"This isn't the medical wing. This is one of the unvisited gardens of the palace..." Akuma raised a questioning brow towards Obi's and his possible antics.

"Precisely!" Obi snapped his fingers.

"How?! You have gloves!" Akuma shouted with utter bewilderment.

"And did you forget your's?" Obi blinked and pointed to her hands. "Didn't you have bracelets to go over too?"

"Ah...!" Akuma paled and laughed nervously.

"I took them off to pour myself a glass of water when the maids left since it was uncomfortable..." Akuma flushed in embarrassment.

"I'll go get them for you! It would be a waste of time for both of us to walk back! Stay here!" Obi grinned, humoring Akuma with a bow.

"Yeah, yeah. Scram and hurry back." Akuma rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh as Obi quickly dashed away from the garden.

Akuma walked towards the classic rose flower bushes and couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

'I wonder what would I look like now if I would have received help and been raised as a proper princess... But I suppose there's no time to dwell over such thoughts of a long and lost past.' Akuma plucked off a few petals and dressed the tops of the bush with the soft petals.

"What is Obi up to leaving me here all alone? He said he would take me to Ryu but hardly anyone would pass by here." She grumbled to herself in disappointment.

"... Akuma."

"...!" Akuma whipped her head around, startled at the soft heard voice.

"Ah... Ryu..." She breathed out, stunned and lost in thought as she stared deep into his gorgeous blue eyes. Her cheeks grew a hue of red like the roses.

Silence engulfed them during this short moment of discomfort. They were both stunned and full of shy feelings rather than an unpleasant discomfort.

"Sorry. Did I startle you?" Ryu blinked with a hint of bashfulness from the prior statement.

"Just... a little bit..." Akuma stroke strands of her hair behind her ear. "What brings you here?"

"I, I wanted to see you before you attend the party. But I was worried since it was already the time of its start." Ryu shyly look up at her face, awed at her enchantment.

"Ah!" Akarui blushed even more, her right hand jolting up to her face.

Realizing that it was right for her turn to speak, she cleared her throat and shyly smiled.

"I do not care about being on time! I would rather spend time with and arrive fashionably late!" Akarui justified, taking a step forward.

"Is that so." He replied.

"A-also perhaps because I too wanted to see you!" Akarui confessed quite oddly.

Ryu blinked a few times and smiled as if enchanted by her adorable yet honest embarrassment. He felt this fiery sensation in her chest. A feeling of jealously. How could someone as gorgeous as her not catch glances of others when she is to arrive at the party. Arriving late will only enhance the chances of being paid attention to more.

"Do you not want to attend?" Ryu asked with curiosity.

"Oh but of course! High societal gatherings are all just filled with gossip and ladies trying to rip each other's throats with words!" Akuma scoffed, forming a fist at the thought of entering such nonsensical battle. "Though I'm not one to talk since I've never exactly been to one myself..." She let out a sigh.

"I doubt they will succeed if they attempt to humiliate you." Ryu honestly stated, a light smile plastered on his face. He knew that her fiery personality will not let people speak as freely with such nasty words.

"Ha! You're quite smart Ryu~!" Akarui smirked, bopping his nose in the delight of his statement.

"...!" Ryu blushed and smiled helplessly. "Just be careful if they set up a trap..."

"I will." Akarui confidently grinned and closed her eyes. "After all, I am not a fortress made to be reckoned with!" She reopened her eyes with a beautiful glint that startled Ryu's heart with fascination and wonder.

"Mm... Though I'm worried about glances you'll get by other men..." Ryu blurted out, his eyes glued to Akuma's.

"Are you jealous?" Akuma blinked with an expecting gaze. She urged closer to him and grinned.

"Ah?! I, I didn't mean to say that out loud!" Ryu's face exploded in a brighter shade of red than her dress, the roses, and her eyes. As she grew closer to him, he averted his gaze.

"Well it's not like you can take it back either haha!" Akuma pleasantly smiled, her hand drawing closer over to Ryu's bangs. She brushed them over to the side quite gently and reluctantly made him feel obligated to look her back into her eyes.

"I, I..." Ryu fumbled around for words. "Well, you are beautiful and you look really pretty today too..." He hid his blushing face with his arm.

"Ryu. If you show me such expression when I tease you and such, how will I ever sleep calmly at night?" Akarui blushed, pursing her lips.

"Eh?! Ah, well, I...!" Akuma placed her hand over his lips and frowned.

"*Sigh*" Akuma gave an unpleasant expression.

"...?" Ryu quickly blinked multiple of times, questioning the sudden change, yet ever so slightly thankful, for his heart was about to burst.

"You creepy stalker. I know you're hiding." Akuma scoffed, her irritation leaking into the tone of her voice.

"Ah~! Sorry sorry! I was about to walk away but then you discovered me!" Obi walked out from behind the wall, throwing his hands up.

"Ah!" Ryu's face burst back into flames with embarrassment rushing over his head.

"Are you sure? You could have even been watching us from the start!" Akarui growled, ready to launch a punch at him. Unfortunately, he was her escort to the party, so his life is necessary at the moment.

"Don't say such things~! I went to retrieve your gloves and accessories!" Obi held up the items and handed them over to Akuma to handle it herself as it was his opportunity to step back a few steps.

"*Sigh* Whatever. I'm sure you were writing away in that damned journal of your's yet again." Akuma slipped on the gloves and had Ryu help her attach the bracelets around her wrists. Though it seemed like Ryu had some trouble with his shaky hands.

"Well, I hope you two had a swell time. We need to arrive there as soon as possible. I met master along the way and he chewed me out." Obi chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah. I understand." Akuma shrugged it off. "Well Ryu, I'll see you another time!" She smiled, brushing her hair to the side.

"Mm. See you later." Ryu nodded his head and felt quite disappointed that their encounter didn't last much longer.

"Oh, I'm also not done talking prior to our interruption." Akuma smirked and walked off ahead of Obi.

"Eh?!" Ryu blinked with wide eyes.

"Don't let the opportunity slide later!" Obi whispered loudly enough for Ryu to hear, causing the boy to uncontrollably contain his nervousness and flustered appearance.

Once they were quite the distance away from the garden, Obi then began to talk.

"You were rather quite bold." Obi chuckled, glancing down towards Akuma. "Hah?" Obi blinked, taken aback.

"Ahh~! Why did I say such a seductive thing!" Akuma was burning red. She slapped her cheeks and took a deep breath.

"You hopeless romantic." Obi laughed.

"Oh shut it!" Akuma punched his side. "And walk slower!"

"We're already walking at a slow pace..." Obi sweat dropped, unsure of how to face the two royal princes soon enough with their tardy appearance.
—————

"Ready?" Obi looked over at Akuma before entering the garden.

"As if I have a choice." She scoffed, taking his arm as they entered the garden.

Immediately as she stepped foot into the light of the sun, gazes and heads turned her way. She kept a neutral expression and walked towards the two crown princes of Clarines, who were accompanied by Prince Raji.

'Everyone's eyes look as if they're about to pop.' Akuma had laughed it off in her head and concealed a grin that wanted to taunt the nobles.

"Pardon me for me tardiness, your highness the crown prince, Izana, and your highness, Prince Zen." Akuma let go of Obi's arm and pulled the edges of the dress as she bowed with an elegant expression. She had received a quick crash course of etiquette yesterday while choosing gowns for the two events.

"What matters is your attendance. You look stunning Lady Akuma." Izana gave a small bow, taking her gloved hand to land a kiss upon it.

'What the hell? There was absolutely no need for that!' Akuma fumed but hid it under her gentle like expression. Still, her right brow had twitches ever so quickly.

"Haha, you flatter me yourself." Akuma folded her hands and gave attention to Raji.

"Greetings Crown Prince, Raji, of Tanbarun. It is a pleasure to meet once again." Akuma bowed once again, stunning everyone at the party with her elegance and beauty that could surpass an average noble lady just with this moment.

"That rumored vulgar lady has already met the Crown Prince of Tanbarun?" A lady whispered behind her fan to another.

"What strange hair and eyes...! If you were to sell them, I'm sure it would be worth fortunes!"

"She only looks pretty like an ornament to have around."

"If she is that well connected then I should attempt to make her mine. Crown Prince Izana seems to favor her too."

'Hah... How annoying. If I could right now I would have shut their mouths.' Akuma gritted her teeth behind her smiles.

"Yes, it is wonderful to see you again Lady Akuma." Raji bowed and thankfully for Akuma, he did not kiss her hand.

'My cheekbones are already hurting!' Akuma screamed internally in her thoughts.

"I'm sure you have yet to explore the garden Lady Akuma. Please do venture around and make sure to seat yourself anywhere to try the new tea we had imported." Zen told Akuma, hinting at the idea that she needed to socialize with a few nobles but could also hide away from talking at moments she wanted to.

"Ah yes, the garden looks absolutely beautiful. I'll make sure to take the opportunity to do so your highness."

"We won't hold you for long. Go ahead and socialize with ladies for we may bore you." Izana grinned at Akuma, urging her with his strong like eyes.

'This brat is trying to throw me out into the lionesses den!' Akuma made sure to beat the living sh*t out of him in her mind knowing that it would be treason if her thoughts were let out to the public.

"Bore me? Haha, what nonsense! If anything it intrigues me!" Akuma lightheartedly laughed it off, waving her hand.

Both Zen and Raji sweat dropped, seeing Izana's intention right away. They simply couldn't find an exact place to but in.

Izana smiled with the unknown hint of pressure and irritation at the fact that she would not comply with his plans. He laughed with "pride" by her statement and grinned more.
—————

'Damn... He got me...' Akuma paled, wanting to hang her head down.

"Haha. That was quite the sight." Obi muttered to Akuma who was sitting down before him at a vacant table.

"Tell me about it..." Akuma sighed behind her fan.

'I assumed there would be people flocking around me after hearing them whisper.' Akuma took a sip out of her cup.

'Though it seems like they're hesitant as by rumors, I'm a wicked and bloodthirsty monster. It would be troubling how to calculate my importance by the rumors versus me casually walking up to and chatting with all three princes.' Akuma placed down the cup and waved for Obi to bring his head closer. She put up her fan and began talking with a quiet voice.

"Aren't all eyes on me right now? What kinds of vulgar rumors are there of me?" Akuma raised a brow, closing her fan.

Obi shielded his moving lips with his hands and answered her questions with his talent for gathering information.

"Aside from the ones about your violent nature, you are rumored to be a concubine of the King or the Crown Prince. After all, no one is aware of your background, but have been allegedly thought to be a fallen noble or from a faraway country."

Akuma cracked the folded fan in her hands in annoyance and anger at such ridiculous rumor. A concubine! This girl who has not yet reached adulthood?!

"Hah... What funny rumors." Akuma scoffed, hiding her unpleasant frown with a drink from the tea.

'Though they only guessed one thing correct... I am a fallen noble from a faraway country. An unloved princess even...... I wonder what is of that place now?' She sighed as she removed the cup from her lips. She waved her hand for a maid and gave her the useless fan, which the maid said she will return with a new one.

"That's not all." Obi raised his hand again. "Many still think you're without a suitor since you're not an adult. I'm sure you will receive letters of marriage interest after today and the banquet. At least from a baron's house."

Akuma raised her hand to cover her since she had broken her fan.

"Are there no rumors of me having a lover?" Akuma inquired, surprised that no word has gotten out that she has been dating a young herbalist near her age.

"I haven't heard much so. The only ones I know who are fully aware are the knights."

'That doesn't make sense. It's not like the knights are unable to gossip.' Akuma took a cookie and chewed at it.

"Akuma, some ladies are headed to your table."

"Greetings. I am Third Lady Melody from the count's house of Clarines." A young girl, perhaps maybe 18, with brown hair and brown eyes, spoke, bowing lower than normal to supposedly flaunt off her necklace that dangled.

'Third daughter? What power do you think you even have?' Akuma mentally laughed at the thought of her arrogance.

"I hear that your name is Akuma. I am Lady Rune from the Marquess house of Clarines." The slightly older looking girl with a light shade of brown hair and green spoke with utmost elegance.

"Greetings. It is a pleasure to meet you. As mentioned by you, Lady Rune, I am Akuma." Akuma smiled as she slyly sized up the two. The maid returned with a new and more exquisite fan and Akuma thanked her despite having to show her grand nobleness. (Meaning that if she were to show that she had great power, she really had no need to thank the maid. If anything, she could have yelled at her for being late. But it also shows her character to be full of heart.)

'Seeing that they're from here, they could have wanted to know more from the rumors or gain an intimate connection to her and to the princes. Or even both!' Akuma smiled even more, but little did they know it was a wicked smile.

"Oh but Lady Akuma, what house are you from? You certainly need to introduce yourself completely or else ears listening in will misunderstand!" Lady Melody faked her concern, sitting herself down to Akuma's right as Lady Rune sat to her left.

"Pardon?" Akuma raised a brow with an indifferent expression.

"Yes! We've been hearing nasty rumors ever since your arrival! It pains me to think a young lady like yourself is faced with such vulgar words!" Lady Rune cried out, pulling out her handkerchief.

'You're already pulling out a handkerchief? How cheap and clearly fake. To think you can corner me into telling you what you want!'

"Rumors are rumors are they not? Should I justify myself to the world? I'm afraid your pressing concerns for me to give light to the rumors will only cause me to look desperate." Akuma gave a pained expression, placing her right hand over her heart.

"Ah! I-I've had no intention! Please pardon me for such ways of word!" Lady Rune had quickly but in, hoping to remain on Akuma's good side.
Lady Melody said the same.

"You ought to be careful of your words then young ladies. As esteemed nobles, you can't have those who feast on anger behind you, no? I'm afraid that it will cause you trouble." Akuma placed the fan over her lips to conceal her grin by those who were secretly watching the three.

"...!" Both ladies were angered and surprised by the lecture from a lady who young than themselves and from an identifiable house. How dare she be so bold as to humiliate two noble ladies from an esteemed house.

"Please do pardon me, but I would like to venture the garden at my own will. I hope you enjoy the rest of this lovely party." Akuma closed her fan and stood up from the table. She had indicated for them to stop trying with their antics and never cross words or glances with one another again or else she will trouble them.

Akuma let out a small laugh after leaving the main area. She wiped away a tear of delight and let out a satisfied sigh.

"I didn't think you would have socialite skill like that to shut them down." Obi chuckled and clapped his hands for a few moments.

"Why thank you." Akuma grinned. "It's in my blood."

Obi, understanding what she was referring to, lightly chuckled and nodded his head.

"Though it's a shame that I wasn't able to snack on some of those unique sweets..." Akuma sighed, placing her chin into the rest of her palm in disappointment.

"The sweets are quite famous in the capital. Though the palace's chefs make it much tastier." An unknown voice outspoke from behind.

Akuma turned her head and spread out her fan over her mouth. "And you are? It's quite rude to sneak up from behind."

"Haha, please forgive me, beautiful lady. I am Trevor from the duke household of Ironesce in the kingdom of Reinsfor." He placed his hand over his chest and bowed. His light blonde hair and green eyes showed no ill intent, but Akuma doubts so.

'What in the world? What use is there for the duke's house to acquaintance with me?'

"It's an honor to meet such an esteemed individual. I am Lady Akuma." She bowed. "May I ask for what reason you came out here?"

"Ah, forgive me if I am making this wonderful lady uncomfortable. I overheard you a couple of times that you wish to venture into the garden. I was afraid you'd get lost."

'What a sweet talker.'

"Thank you for your concern, but fear not as I have a reliable escort." Akuma flat out rejected his company.

"I see... Though I also wanted to accompany such an enchanting and mysterious lady. I would be honored to have even just a few minutes alone with you to get well acquainted."

Akuma sighed and frowned at the request. Still, she was sure he wouldn't back down even if she kept rejecting him.

"Please excuse us for exactly five minutes." Akuma told Obi, eyeing him down in telling to not be late and that she'll be fine.

"As you wish." Obi bowed, leaving the two.

"I thank you for your generosity." Trevor smiled, walking over to Akuma.

"Hurry and speak Lord Trevor. I will not spare heart for another second after your time." Akuma closed the fan shut.

"My lady, I'm sure of it that you come from a noble background by your character and words. I am in awe of your ability to have those unable to talk back to you. You are a jewel that surpasses any in Clarines." He eyed Akuma lovingly rested his hand over his chest.

"If you are here to flutter my heart then you've come to the wrong lady." Akuma scoffed.

"Please don't disregard me so quickly. I truly believe you are an angel of nobleness." He took her hand and planted a kiss upon it.

Furious at his outspoken and rude behavior, she ripped her hand away. She glared at him with murderous intent, but he did not falter despite his flinch.

"Forgive me for overstepping my boundaries there. But your eyes are far too beautiful to fear from." He chuckled, inching closer and grasping her face with his cupped hands.

"Tch...!" Akuma formed a fist and dropped her fan. She grabbed his shirt and her eyes burned through his shut eyes that grew closer and closer.

"What do you think you're doing?" A cool and cold voice caused Akuma to let go and Trevor to jump away from Akuma.

"Y-your highness!" He paled on the spot.

'Now you decide to show fear?' Akuma angrily scoffed. 'Why the hell is he here?' She looked over his shoulder and to Obi who slightly shook his head.

Izana walked over to Akuma and asked if she was alright, which she faked a couple of tears and said she was so as it grew more crowded.

"You seem to be in shock. Let me take you to the royal lounge room to rest." Izana said, which she agreed to with no choice.

Akuma turned around and glared at him to where he could see. Her red eyes glowed and her face shadowed with the sun behind her head. Only then did he truly feel bewildered and terrified at such sight.

(Please just imagine that she has white hair lol)

Feeling done with her threat, she took Izana's hand with compliance and faked her terrified expression as whispers spoke of the duke's son who harassed the lady that the Crown Prince fancies.

Once both Izana and Akuma were greatly far away from the party's location, she sighed annoyingly and removed her hand.

"So, what tricks and plans were you scheming, Izana?"