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A few days later, a crowd of people who were from town came to hear the announcement of their Emperor. Jaider stood tall as he looked down, literally, at all the people below him. As he finally took a deep breath and spoke loudly.

"Proud citizens of Arbezela, hear me!" Jaider called out as the citizens watched him, murmuring all around, "Do you remember...what happened eight years ago, on that fateful day?" He asked as he saw the citizen's who were a bit older with mourningful expressions, "When the Orian Islands launched their brutal attack, seizing our land and killing our people?" He reminded the citizens, as the citizens cheered, "However! Our great creator Astotelia bestowed his glory upon us and ordered us to reclaim our stolen land!" He announced, "And now I announce to you, that we have followed his command and Arbezela has successfully restored the land that is rightfully ours!" Jaider smiled, "Under Astotelia's protection, the sun will never stop shining on the Arbezela Empire!" He declared as the crowd went wild.

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Once Jaider entered back into the castle, two familiar faces were waiting for him. As the male, Arian, noticed Jaider first and began to speak first to grab his attention.

"That was such a wonderful speech, your majesty." Arian praised as (Y/N) held his arm, causing Arian to keep an upbeat but regal smile, "I, Arian de Secramise, the firstborn of Empress Roserice de Secramise, the mother of Arbezela...Greet Jaider de Secramise, the Emperor of Arbezela." Arian bowed respectfully.

(Y/N) was in her own head but quickly snapped out of it when Arian nudged her a bit, "Ah. Forgive me." (Y/N) bows as well, "I, (Y/N) (L/N), the only child of the baron Henry and baroness Ellen (L/N)...Greet Jaider de Secramise, the emperor of Arbezela." (Y/N) looked at Jaider with a nod.

Arian was dressed in an enchanting suit that was golden colored as (Y/N) wore a beautiful golden dress. Arian smiled as he stood up straight, (Y/N) still hugging his arm.

"Oh Yes, my lovely son and future daughter-in-law. What brings you here?" Jaider seemed so excited to see the two as she rushed up to them.

-Why does he call me lovely...-

"I came to ask you a favor, Father." Arian smiled sweetly.

"Of course. What is it?" Jaider's smile grew as he looked at his son, waiting in anticipation for what he'd say next.

Arian looked down with a wicked smirk, "My darling Jewel heard there is a hero who led us to victory in this way." Arian states, "...I was wondering...May I, Arian, and my darling Jewel, (Y/N), have the honor of presenting him with the badge of Honor?" Arian asked.

"How dare you dream of forcing Princess (Y/N) into thinking of presenting the badge?" Bavilo yelled, annoyed, "It's the emperor's right. Are you challenging the throne?"

A tense air filled the room as (Y/N)'s attention was finally pulled away from her thoughts as she looked over Jaider, "Silence. You seem to have forgotten whose presence you're in Bavilo." Jaider harshly said.

"B...But...your majesty..." Bavilo frightenedly spoke, his voice shaking as he was sweating.

"What the Prince requested is not a challenge to my power." Jaider states as he looked at (Y/N), "I hereby grant royal permission for Princess (Y/N) to present the honorary badge to Duke Phantom." Jaider nods and tries not to pat (Y/N)'s head like if she was his little girl.

Arian was trying not to squeal since his plan worked. I mean, who could reject anything from his precious jewel? Definitely not his father. Arian watched Jaider present (Y/N) with the badge as Arian noticed something hasn't seen from (Y/N) ever since he met him. She was scared.

"Thank you, your majesty." (Y/N) bows respectfully and has a straight expression but her face says otherwise, Arian decides that he'll bring it up to her later.

- Why give this to me? I'm not worthy enough for it... -

"Duke Phantom, Step forward." Jaider looked to the side as Arian and (Y/N) both followed Jaider's gaze as they noticed the tall [about a foot taller than Arian] male.

The tall male with midnight purple hair spoke with a deep, chocolatey voice, "Yes, your majesty." Duke Phantom looked at the three with his yellow orange eyes staring at them.

My instincts were right.

Arian seemed excited, as he looked at (Y/N)'s face. Not seeing a smile, but seeing (Y/N)'s eyes sparkled. Arian smiled widely as he clasped his hands together.

He's tall, muscular, and handsome!

And he oozes sex appeal!

Perfect for my darling Jewel's very first jewel.

"This concludes the word of God. The Prince's Fiancé, Princess (Y/N) (L/N) of Ormodnes will now present the badge of honor to the hero who led us to victory. Raden." A priest stated as they backed up.

(Y/N) looked up at Duke Phantom, noticing the height difference. (Y/N), in chibi form seemed intimated as she had an expressionless expression, still frightened. As she held a tree branch and a sword.

"How come I was giftted with such a worthless daughter? All you'll be good for is being a wife."

"Why did Prince Arian choose you? You're smart but that's it."

"Slut."

"...Princess?" Nell whispered as (Y/N) snapped out of her daze, back to normal, "Are you alright?" He asked in a hushed voice.

(Y/N) shook her head of any bad thoughts, "...I'm fine. Thank you, Duke Phantom." (Y/N) took a deep breath.

"You're worthless."

Nell kept his eyes on (Y/N) as he couldn't read her thoughts or expressions, he knew the saying 'Eyes Are The Window To The Soul.' This was no different. Nell noticed the sad gleam in (Y/N)'s eyes.

It ingrided him for some reason, as if he wanted to help. But, why did he want to help a woman he barely knows? Especially the Princess who is engaged to Prince Arian.

"Honorable Duke Phantom, you brought victory to the Empire Of Arbezela...It is more than fitting that you receive the blessing of our founding God, Astotelia." (Y/N) states as she holds up the stick & sword, "Duke Nell Phantom, I bestow upon you the badge of honor, so that you continue to devote yourself to the service of our great empire."

Nell gets on one knee, bowing, "I, Nell Phantom vow to serve the great empire of Arbezela, with my heart and soul, from this day forward." Nell states.

"His hair seems so fluffy..."

Nell looked up slightly, seeing (Y/N) stare at his hair. Nell felt a memory within his mind resurface from the past. Of a young girl, when he was six and the girl was five. He didn't have many friends, he didn't have anyone close to him except his family. Most people feared him, except for one girl. A young girl with no expressions, yet adored his fluffy hair.

Nell wasn't an oblivious man. He wasn't stupid. Nell was smart, strong and handsome. He knew when things added up and this was that thing. Nell stared at (Y/N) as the dots connected in his mind. A certain sentence hung in his mind as he figured it out.

"ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ꜰɪɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ...ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ, ᴀʟʟᴏᴡ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱ."

Nell tried to keep his face from flushing and successfully did. But when (Y/N) put her hands on his chest, getting on her tippy toes to place the badge on, he couldn't help but be flushed and Arian noticed, with a smirk. (Y/N) looked at Arian as he gave her a nod with a gentle, changed, smile. (Y/N) used the sword to dub him legally as she kissed his cheek. Nell's eyes widened as his face became flushed.

"W...Wha...Y...Your Highness..." Nell softly said so that no one, especially not Arian, heard him as his cheeks heated up.

Everyone in the audience, the priest, Bavilo and even the maids stared in shock at what (Y/N) had just done. Everyone but Jaider and Arian seemed to care about what happened. Arian was glad he shared the idea of giving (Y/N) a harem with his father, or else he'd be dead for sure.

As (Y/N) walked up, Nell started to follow like a puppy until Arian stood in front of him, getting close and whispering in the male's ear, "I want (Y/N) to make you hers..." Ariana whispered.

Nell was caught way off guard, (Y/N) was Arian's fiance, why would he want (Y/N) to make Nell's hers? Arian was the one giving permission anyways, but should Nell listen and chase after his childhood love?

"I have a proposal for you. Come to my palace tonight, when the moon shines upon the waters." Arian whispered, "(Y/N) and I will be waiting." Arian patted Nell's shoulder and walked off after his fiance, "Dₐᵣₗᵢₙg!!! Wₐᵢₜ fₒᵣ ₘₑ!!!" Arian called as he quickly rushed after (Y/N).

And with this...

I've secured her first jewel.

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🟣 Midnight Jewel 🟣 [✔️]

Name: Duke Nell Phantom

Status: Obtained [Good Job!]

🟢 Aquamarine Jewel 🟢 [✔️]

Name: Arian De Secramise

Status: Obtained

[No other Jewels Have Been Found Yet.]

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The Princess's Jewels

Episode Two: A Midnight Jewel [Obtaining]

A Story by Jyun

With Art By: Hong Cha

[This isn't my story, I'm just adding (Y/N) into it.]

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Later that very night, in the Prince's Palace. Nell was standing in front of Arian and (Y/N). Two very different individuals in his eyes. Arian had millions of different faces, but never in front of (Y/N). While (Y/N) was a girl with one face, a face that hides so much pain. A Prince who was perfect in every way and a Princess who hid so much from the world.

"I came to hear the details...of your earlier proposal." Nell states, standing at attention.

"Duke Phantom, We're glad you came." Arian crossed his arms, standing behind (Y/N) with a smile on his face, "Shall we have a cup of tea first? It so happens that (Y/N) has some good tea leaves from Galdeon." Arian looked at the maid and nodded as the maid bowed.

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Later on, in Arian's office space. (Y/N) was sitting on Arian's lap, drinking her cup of tea as she also feasted on some sweets [bitter, sour or just sweet]. Arian drinks his own tea as he has his arm wrapped around (Y/N)'s waist. Nell just watched, no jealousy in his blood.

"And so...Duke Phantom..." Arian began with a devilish smirk, a smirk he'd never show (Y/N), the type of devilish smirk that was evil and persuasive.

'That Prince...' Nell remembers how Arian said that (Y/N) would make him hers as his face became flushed as his eyes scanned over the chibi formed (Y/N), munching on sweets, '...means everything that he says!'

Arian chuckled, "It's not a bad proposal, right?" He asked, "It's like those cliche fairy tales, where the hero gets the Princess...and better yet, I don't even care! My Jewel deserves all the love she can get!!" Arian lightly kissed (Y/N)'s cheek as he saw her eyes sparkle for a second, but no smile, "You have to wait to do the deed...until after my darling and I get married and do our deed."

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For some context.

In order to save the Phantom Family from the debts accumulated through failed business deals...

As the sole heir to the family...

Nell took the risk and made a vow to the emperor...

...And threw himself into battle, as a lone wolf.

Everyone in the empire knows of the 'Heroic Anti-Hero' Fairy tale.

But no matter what people say, no one can deny that he's the hero who won the war.

Of course, those silly court officials will still consider him a threat.

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"I know it won't mean much." (Y/N) spoke up as Arian paused his words and looked at (Y/N) as Nell did as well, "But...you shouldn't fear." (Y/N) had an emotionless expression as always, "I won't let anything like that happen to you." She confirmed as she got off of Arian's lap and walked over to Nell as she cupped his cheeks, "Because to me...according to Arian's words...you're 'my precious Midnight Jewel'." (Y/N) states as Nell was flushed.

"As the Prince of Arbezela...I'll give what you need right now, which is political power and protection." Arian crossed his legs, "In return, you must give (Y/N) your all." Arian smirked, "I believe there's no reason for you to hesitate, is there?" Arian asked, "No. Okay then, so what's your answer?" Arian waited as (Y/N) still cupped Nell's flushed cheeks as Nell's face became a dark shade of red.

Nell got on one knee in front of (Y/N) as he held both of (Y/N)'s hand, "...I'll keep my promise I made to you...years go...My every breath, every move, every fiber of my being..." Nell started, "I offer to you, Princess (Y/N) (L/N) of Ormodnes." He kissed both of (Y/N)'s hands.

Arian clapped, "From now on, when you're not busy, please wait for (Y/N) in my palace." Arian smirked as he crossed his arms.

"Yes, of course." Nell nodded as he still held both of (Y/N)'s hands, standing up tall.

"Oh...Nell." Nell looked over towards (Y/N) who was looking in a bag, "And this..." (Y/N) place something in Nell's hands with a emotionless expression, yet warm eyes.

"What is this...?" Nell asked as he finally took the minute to actually look, "A...Choker?" He questioned.

"I...It's a Midnight Jewel..." (Y/N) murmured out, "Please...wear it when you're waiting for me." (Y/N) looked down, she felt humiliated, "You...can do that for me...unless you don't want to...Okay, Nell?" (Y/N) looked up at Nell as her eyes sparkled a bit.

Arian smirked, "Since you're her beautiful jewel...and loyal companion. You should." Arian smirked.

Nell kept his eyes on (Y/N) alone as his face was flushed, her hands were on his chest as her eyes were dull yet, so innocent. More innocent compared to the eyes of Arian, he seemed to have a more devious glare.

'I instinctively knew I could not deny Prince Arian nor Princess (Y/N)...on the contrary...' Nell blushed and nodded, "I...I understand."

(Y/N) looked towards the still seated Arian, as he nodded. (Y/N) got on her tippy toes as Nell leaned down, their lips locking in an intimate kiss. As Nell was flushed at the kiss, his hand on the back of her head, his fingers entangled in her (h/c) locks while (Y/N) had her arms wrapped around his neck.

'I am infatuated with her...' Nell thought to himself, he was slowly realizing why he fell for the (h/c)-haired girl all over again, 'And...I want to claim her. Just like those cliche fairy tales.'

The two talked all night as Arian cuddled with (Y/N). He felt happy that his Jewel got to experience this. He knew that one day he'd tell the jewels about his plans to watch as his darling jewel took them over, once he had. But he'd wait until their wedding date. Arian still had more jewels to find, but for tonight, this was enough.