Oh My, She Did It Again! (a.k.a Ikevamp Artbreeder Edits, This Time - Pt. 1)

Oh my, She did it again! (a.k.a Ikevamp artbreeder edits, this time - Pt. 1)

Well, well.... I've been kind of inactive for a little while. You might wonder what I worked on? This. And many other writing projects, but mainly this.

Am I impossibly slow? Yeah, I am.

(It's clear that if I have a writing block, then I just go to artbreeder lol.)

— But this time I really tried to make them the most realistic! I also (kind of) learned to use the 'race' filter in artbreeder, since all of these guys are legit European/Asian history figures. So I figured it would be appropriate.

Btw, this one gets multiple parts as well!

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Part 2 here!

• Arthur Conan Doyle

(He was fairly easy, to be honest. I was surprised. Other than his hair shape and hair color, I like it very much! But I think even those don't make that big of a difference. I tried to put a greenish tint into his hair? It's really faint. But other than that I like the little, sly smirk that makes Arthur Arthot. I also tried to make one where he has his glasses on, but it changed his hair and face a little bit, since the program is like this, so it doesn't look that good... Plus, I tried to draw on his ear cuff, but you can't really see it.)

• Theodorus van Gogh

(Now, Theo wasn't as smooth as Arthur. In my opinion his face isn't that hard to capture; he has strong, manly features, harsh eyebrows, an intense stare and maybe pursed lips? But it's not THAT easy to make him look genuinely good. Also, to make him similar to Vincent - or vice versa -, so not just their blue eyes match, but some other characteristics too. His hair is off, again, but it's really hard to make the exact hairstyle come true in these edits, but Theo wasn't even the hardest one here..!)

• Vincent van Gogh

(I could say the same to him as Theo, basically. His features are fairly easy to grasp and his design isn't complicated, but they're still brothers! The first prototype I had for him was good, but way too different than his younger brother. So, since I was done with Theo by that time, I mixed his face into it and it actually got better! Now, he has a stronger jaw, like Theo, and the curve of his mouth and eyes are similar too! All-in-all, I'm more satisfied this way! This has that angelic glint though! I also almost forgot to draw on each of their earrings oof.)

• Dazai Osamu

(...Well, he's the only Asian in the mansion other than Sebas (and canonically MC) so to be honest I don't know what to think. He looks Asian, but his features still feel way too generic? I edited his eye color and hair a little bit, to make him look more like the game design. But it still feels off. I'm not an expert on Asian faces and features, probably because I'm European and because I didn't know what to do more with him? The full picture doesn't look that bad, but I can't help and feel that something's missing oof. Plus he has a bit of and elf ear, unintentionally. His smile is nice though!)

• Isaac Newton

(I struggled with his hair color more than his features. I mostly looked at their 'profile pictures' in the game, and Isaac has that semi-glare, uninterested expression there, so I tried to mimic that in the first place. But his hair, ugh, that wasn't smooth at all. While I edited his eye color later, I thought I should do something about his hair, but in the end I left it as is. It's not bad, it's just way darker and more brown-ish, than the original design. But I don't hate it! I think it's cute.)

• Sebastian / Akihiko Satou

(He was a fairly easy and fast edit, just like Arthur. He's Asian, I'm not an expert on his features, and the game didn't do justice for his Japanese genes, if I might add. But of course it's a game, and I was the one who chose to go after a more realistic design! In general I was just lucky that most of the residents were European lol. But I like him too! I think I could've worked a bit more on his stern stare, and maybe his mouth, but changing the lips' shape is difficult in artbreeder, so I left it at that. But hey, he came out pretty handsome!)

• Napoleon Bonaparte

(He, too, was kind of a struggle as well. I had made two semi-finals, before this one. But I still think I didn't do his game avatar and European origin enough justice. But his face stands out in my opinion, so I'm satisfied with it at the same time! It was impossible to edit the white ends on his hair and I didn't wanted to do it after anyway lol. I don't think it's that bad without those. His eyes are not as nice 'emerald green' colored than in the game they like to call it, but they are piercing! And I think I captured his stare well!)

Part 2 coming soon! The purebloods and the others will be there!

There's still more to uncover!

Hi Aqua! May I request a fic about Comte being stuck in traffic behind Leonardo who has fallen asleep during the wait?

Thank you @atelieredux for another hysterical request (this will take me a while to type out as I will laugh like a crazy lady while typing)

The One Where Leonardo Fell Asleep at the Wheel

Mozart: (bangs head against passenger window, groaning) How long is this dreadful traffic going to be? Comte: Be patient, Mozart. It hasn't been that long. Isaac: (holds out his watch) Are you kidding me? By my calculations, it has been.... Napoleon: (snores from the backseat) Jean: (monotone) It's been forever. Comte: Let's look on the bright side. We're all together on this cross-country trip. Jean: I never asked to come on a trip. Comte: (ignores Jean) It won't be much longer.

***ten minutes later***

Jean: Not much longer, huh? Comte: We moved.... Napoleon: (snores) Isaac: Yea, a millimeter. Maybe. Mozart: (groans)

***fifteen more minutes later***

Mozart: (peering through windshield) Do my eyes deceive me? Are the cars moving? Jean: Yes, every car but ours. Comte: Give the driver a moment. We've been stopped in traffic for so long.

***five more minutes later***

Jean: Exactly how long will it take for this driver to move? Comte: ..... Mozart: Why isn't this car in front of us moving? Comte: ..... Isaac: Maybe their car broke down? Comte: .... Napoleon: (snoring) Comte: .... Jean: Honk the horn. Comte: Honking won't help. Comte: (glares at car in front of his) Mozart: What's his problem?

*****

Vincent: The traffic is finally moving! Theo: That's great, but who's waking him up? (points at Leonardo asleep in the driver's seat) Dazai: Not me. Arthur: Don't look at me. Theo: (looks at Arthur) Arthur: I'm not sitting next to him. Dazai is sitting up front. Dazai: I already pulled his ear and poked him. Nothing worked. Arthur: Someone has to wake him up, we can't sit like this forever. Theo: (screams) LEONARDO! Leonardo: (snores) Theo: (shrugs) I tried. Vincent: (starts to open his door) I'll drive. Theo: (pulls Vincent back) You don't know how to drive. Vincent: Oh, that's right. Leonardo: (snores louder) Dazai: What if we kick him?

*****

Mozart: (groans) Jean: I told you all, a road trip was a horrible, horrible idea. And we have no marorons left. Isaac: Does the car in front of us look familiar to anyone else? Comte: (silently fumes in his seat) Napoleon: (finally awake) Do you know who's in that car, Comte? Comte: (revs engine) Leonardo...

Okay, I like this. And basically any game where I can customize something lol.

So here's mine, the first to hop on this, because I got too excited!

All-out, way too fancy but probably a sour, weird kind of cocktail I would be. Which actually doesn't exists on the menu, thank God. It would surely surprise anyone who orders this haha. Also, everything's blue. Azure blue. >:]

•

•

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Anyone who sees this, feel free to do it, it's fun!

Let’s Play A Game:

Make a drink that best represents you! 🎉

Here is mine:

No-Pressure Tagging: @lorei-writes, @azureaqua, @writingwhimsey, @zahrabasiri, and anyone else who wants to hop in on this!

Lemon, lemonade, give me the lemonade-

❥︎ The Queen's Deceit • Ikemen Prince fanfiction

DISCLAIMER;

1. I don't own any of the ikepri characters and surroundings here, just my OC whom I created just for this purpose!

2. This is my first writing here and on top of that my first English writing! It's not my first language so there could be typos, and grammatical errors (as I'm still kind of learning the language) — in case this happens please tell me, I'm quick to fix them and make better quality!

3. Last, but not least is the story itself and some characters' personalities. Since the plot doesn't follow after our MC in the game, things can be different! Also, some elements were completely invented by me, so please keep an eye out for that too! (Plus, there could be spoilers for some routes.)

• Chapter I.

(If you guys want a theme song for our protagonist;))

Ice. And cold. I got used to it by now. Or at least my mind did, a long ago... But my body would still let me down after all these years and warn me by constantly getting goosebumps and shivering, not feeling at first my fingers tips then my hands and feet. I was burning from inside to outside... As if those ice crystals in my heart were burning down my body slowly, mercilessly. Wanting to destroy my organs first so that my chilled, helpless body will be unusable by the time I'm dead. Merely, a frozen corpse, an icy prison for my past self.

...But I should be okay after I'm ready. There.

I sighed while walking fast, trying to keep my pace and breathing steady. The exhalation when the carbon dioxide fled first from my lungs and then through my mouth to become one with the very perishing and choking air around me appeared lightly before my eyes. I saw the delicate poisoned steam as they spread all over the area. Almost saw the icy crystals too that might have frozen in that instant moment I let out my sigh. Suddenly the whole corridor around me felt cruel, nearly pinning me down in one place to notice my surroundings. And stop. But I had no time to spare nor observe. I have to keep going.

And damn, it is exceptionally cold tonight. I better sleep with double blankets after this, I guess...

"Your Highness? What are you doing here at this time of the night?" 

I heard one of the head maids calling me. I was in the kitchen, holding a plate of food, so I wasn't suspicious. My back was facing her, but I had to be careful nonetheless. I had the venom ready in my hand, too - just a couple drops from it, and it could be fatal. But... was this really what I wanted right now? I was eager about it before, but now I'm suddenly scared. 

Vater wouldn't be proud of me now, would he? Neither Gilbert, for that matter. Good thing I won't see them for a while... Let's get over this. 

"Ja, it's me, Franziska. Don't worry, I just finished training a little late and got hungry, so I will take this meal to my room if you don't mind." I tried to sound as normal and tired as possible, hoping my voice won't shake. I almost laughed nervously at the end, but that would have given away the whole act. 

Although I was still showing my back to her, I wasn't sure where she was standing exactly, so I feared that the next moment she would look over my shoulder and see what I'm doing. If only my hands wouldn't shake so much... But this is the first time I'm doing something like this, it's not like I'm a professional. I just have to be fast. 

Thanks to this nerve-racking position I was in, I no longer felt the cold eating me up, I assume this is the only positive aspect of this. Suddenly I was more like; burning with dishonesty, a bit of mischief, and excitement. 

"Very well, Prinzessin, I'll leave you to it then. But please don't overwork yourself, your mother has been worried about you." She said in a sorrowful tone. 

...It's nice of you to say something like this, Franziska, but - unfortunately - I know my mother very well. She would never be worried about me, especially after what occurred a year and a half ago.

"Trust me, I won't. I appreciate you and my mother worrying about me, but I'm doing good, training keeps me in shape, and it helps me a lot in my daily tasks, so I know my limits." At the last sentence, I turned my head in her direction and watched as she bowed to me and left. Finally, this was quite close!

I didn't waste any more of my short time and poured some delicate drops from the small vial in my hand to every point of the healthy meal. Or... well, not so healthy anymore. 

After that, I quietly slipped out of the master kitchen and tried to use some hidden passages throughout the castle to get to my destination quicker, without more people seeing me. At one point, while I was walking the stairs, I believe I caught a glimpse of something or someone, but neither of us was interested enough to investigate at this time, close to midnight. I only sincerely hoped it wasn't Gilbert or one of his watchmen or soldiers. Usually, they are the ones who use these shortcuts in the palace the most, and they also finish training late, or there could be a guard switch every 3 hours, so it was evident for me to get worried. But when I saw my room at the end of the corridor in the East wing, I silently ran towards it and finally felt safe after a long day. 

I kicked off my boots hurriedly, but before I stripped down for a sedative and comforting hot shower, I noticed that the maids must have left my window open since the morning... I was back to freezing at last. 

After half an hour, my brain felt at peace finally. I was relaxed and calm... Before the storm. 

The last thing I thought about before falling into a pleasant slumber was that I prayed that the forenoon, I wouldn't see Gilbert - or any of his subordinates, for that matter. Normally we would eat breakfast in our rooms or at the training grounds, but he's quick to sense if something's amiss. What if he comes into my room to see if I'm still sleeping or eating? Of course, this wouldn't be a problem in itself, but I know I won't be here the next time the Sun rises. At the same time, the next evening I won't be in my room either, taking a shower after a rough training, and more importantly - I won't be sleeping in my bed, neither tomorrow nor the day after that. What he'll do? 

If he finds out sooner than he should... I may get all of us killed. 

I must wake up earlier than him because I will outsmart my brother once in my life. 

...Quick, I have to make my way down fast!

In a hurry, I ran downwards on the castle's stairs as swiftly and silently as I could. I woke up before sunrise, as I wanted, but I had so much preparing to do I was constantly debating in my head that I underestimated myself and my timing.

Every second I thought that I'm running late, and at the gates - when I got my horse and assistant with me - I'll run into Gilbert, and my whole mission will fly out the window into some relentless coldness and endless suffering. Also, my second biggest fear was that what if Ingrid forgot what I told her last night? Not that she has ever forgotten anything I said to her, but still. 

Now for once, as I was running, I was not afraid to make too much noise as I didn't have my armor on me. I decided it was for the best; I won't be too recognizable. I plan to keep a low profile, and I want to do it right. 

I finally reached the castle grounds and cut through our spacious garden which didn't bloom beautifully even in the spring. That's the curse of Obsidian, I guess. Then for this matter, why did we even have a garden? 

Meanwhile, moving continuously, I reached the royal stables, unleashed my horse, and walked with her to the gate. I felt a pang of relief in my heart when I saw my assistant waiting with her horse near the enormous doors. I also already had an idea forming in my head about what I'll do with the gatekeeper guards, but that had to wait a little longer. 

"Ready, Eure Majestät?" Asked Ingrid, however, she immediately hopped onto her horse - as if not expecting any response. But after I nodded my head, we went on. 

It's time to deal with the guards... It's early, so I hope whatever I bribe them with, they'll take it without a word and keep their mouths shut in front of my mother and my brother. 

"Guten Morgen meine Herren! Could you please open the gates for us?" I used my best smile to be engaging. 

"May we know where you're going so early, Prinzessin?" Asked one of them, however, the other guard - ignoring his companion - reached for the handles to open the desired entrance... Our entrance to freedom.

"Oh, I can't possibly tell you everything. This one is a top-secret mission of mine if you'd please!" I was still smiling, but now it was a forced smile. 

Just don't ask for more details, let us go already..!

"Very well. What should we say to dein Bruder?" Meanwhile, finally, the guard who's been questioning me moved to open the gates too. 

"He knows about it, don't worry." I thanked them one last time and beckoned Ingrid to follow me. I immediately kicked my horse into a gallop, running into the dry, blackish field, feeling free. 

Shortly my assistant caught up to me and hurriedly asked me. 

"Eure Majestät, where are we planning to go exactly?" There she goes, being worried... But it's true though, I didn't say any specific destination to her last night. Not that I have any better idea now.

"Oh come on, enjoy this freedom a little bit, will you?" I laughed, which made her laugh too. "I will figure it out when the time's right." I reassured her at last and started galloping again.

It will be a long way anyway while we reach some borders, so I had plenty of time to decide which way to go. Until then, we can feel the fresh air burning through us with the marvelous taste of liberty in our mouths, making us drunk early this dawn. 

There's nothing better than this at the moment. 

"Are you sure about this? Entirely?" She sighed, her face troubled as she held my horse's bridle tightly in her other hand. 

I dismounted my horse, close to the evening hours when we reached a border in the South-Eastern region. I wasn't planning to arrive on horseback since everyone knows that only royals travel with horses, and right now, I wasn't thriving to be royalty. Right now, I have to look like a commoner, and I have to act like one. That's why I decided near the border that I will walk from now on. 

"Look on the bright side, Ingrid, you can take some day-offs! I will manage, I promise!" 

"I know you'll manage, that’s not the thing I'm most worried about. It's the country, the territory you chose. Are you sure Rhodolite is the best place to escape for a while as an Obsidianite princess and a member of the Royal Family? You know they hate us... If you get found out, they'll kill you. And maybe, but just maybe, start a war too." I sighed, seeing her anxious expression. 

"I know what I'm doing, but they will never know. That's the key; not letting them know. I'm familiar with the consequences and risks that may occur in this short period, but I need to do this. For several personal reasons. You trust me, right? You will know when I need you next time I will reach you, so don't worry, Ingrid." I stepped closer to her and hugged her. 

"Just relax around here... Feel the freedom without the kingdom's responsibilities for a little while. You can use my horse too if you want. Just don't go back to the palace and guard our secret. You're the only one I truly trust in Obsidian, not even my brother. I will be careful because it's worth it. It's worth it to be careful because I know I can go back to someone." I patted her on the shoulder one last time and started running towards the border. 

Buckle up, Rhodolite; here I come!________________________________________________________________________________________

(Okay, so how did you guys like the first part? Was it clear, was it good? Honestly this is my first English ff I posted anywhere, since I usually write in my native language, but a couple of days ago I thought I should try something new and develop my skills... I’m open to any critisism and/or opinion, bc I have nothing to lose as this is my first time haha! Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed! :D)

Part 2 is here!

❥︎ The Queen’s Deceit • Ikemen Prince fanfiction

DISCLAIMER;

1. I don't own any of the ikepri characters and surroundings here, just my OC whom I created just for this purpose!

2. This is my first writing here and on top of that my first English writing! It's not my first language so there could be typos, and grammatical errors (as I'm still kind of learning the language) — in case this happens please tell me, I'm quick to fix them and make better quality!

3. Last, but not least is the story itself and some characters' personalities. Since the plot doesn't follow after our MC in the game, things can be different! Also, some elements were completely invented by me, so please keep an eye out for that too! (Plus, there could be spoilers for some routes.)

• Chapter II. 

I admit, Rhodolite is pretty even in the evening when you can't see as much... But still, the scenery is better than in Obsidian at any time of the year.

Flowers - especially roses - actually bloom here! And looks like not just the royal palace, but the commoners have their own gardens too, which is again good to see. I swear, in itself, just this information lifted my mood unexpectedly. 

I wonder how far am I from the castle, or the center of the kingdom? I haven't been walking for such a long time, since the country's Western borders. And I'm sure that although it's a small nation, I won't reach the headquarters in a couple of hours, especially not on foot. 

Maybe I could sleep on the street for the time being until morning? The weather is pleasant enough, so I wouldn't have any problem freezing to death, which is a nice change. Also, the streets look friendly - the petite flowerpots on the sidewalks, illuminated buildings, houses, and some shops. I have to say Rhodolite looks much safer than Obsidian ever did. 

I was silently strolling down the streets, appreciating the undisturbed landscape and the soilless details it had to offer. I was treading on the brighter side of the road when suddenly, in front of me, a pub's door nearly slammed in my face as I was close to leaving it. 

What the heck- ?

"Ya wanna know somethin' huh? I'd love to punch you in the face right now 'cause ya askin' for it!" Okay, I might have overestimated the safety a bit.

"Let's sort this out, then!" Oh no, are they planning to have a pub wrestling? I guess I'm not going to get through them anytime soon... 

As I tried to go to the opposite side of the street to be safe from the fistfight, my attempt proved unsuccessful because they almost instantly noticed me.

"Hey, that chick is trying to get away!" Said the taller one. 

Damn, I don't want them to get to me! I don't want to be involved, especially as I'm not from here! Who knows what they would do to me...

"Get ya ass back here, woman!" Catch me if you can, Ratte! 

With that, I started running on the sidewalk, not knowing where just away from those two drunkards. 

Gosh, that's my luck, and not even a day has passed! 

I was much faster than them, but I was foreign to the area, so I had to keep my eyes open for shortcuts or hide-outs, specifically in the darkness of the night. 

In the end, after a couple of minutes, I found a lonely passage that I could hide in until I catch my breath and pull myself together. And maybe even make a useable plan.

...I'm starting to see a pattern here, I feel like these nerve-racking situations adore me. As if they'd get excited anytime they leave me in one and just be amused at my reactions and solutions. Not that I reciprocate it that much, though.

"Excuse me, Miss?" I suddenly heard a low, almost whispering voice behind me, and just seconds later, I felt a big male hand placing itself on my left shoulder. 

Okay, this guy is not with the drunkards for sure, but never mind, he seems much more dangerous than them, judging by his voice only! 

"...Yes?" I answered him in an unsure tone, a bit speechless, to see if he would do anything. 

"Were you running here, don't have a home or place to sleep?" He saw it, heard it? Damn, I hope I didn't wake up the whole neighborhood but rather the drunkards. 

"Well, you see..." I started, now in a firmer tone, still my back was facing the mysterious male, and his warm palm was still on my shoulder. I have no idea what I'm going to make out of this. "I technically have a home, but it's on the other side of the kingdom, and it is distant from here. I was supposed to be done with my business here much earlier and expected to arrive home before midnight, but things got carried away, and now I'm stuck here." I shrugged my shoulders to seem a bit uninterested but also to try, and shake off his hand from there. 

"I see, young lady. Then in this case, may I offer you someplace to stay?" He finally took his hand off my shoulder, and I turned to face him to examine his face before I declared something that I would regret later.

I woke up feeling like I'm in Heaven between the soft mattress and pillows. I slowly stretched my limbs and rolled over to the edge of the king-sized bed. I looked down, searching for my clock on the nightstand to see what time it was. But it was empty, and suddenly the reality hit me, and I was wide awake; I'm here, in the Rhodolitian castle, after that stranger found me in that alley, running from the drunkards. 

But wait, how did this happen? It was early, so I had a hard time remembering it, but I ended up putting the pieces together.

It turned out that the man who'd found me was the Palace Minister. It was odd because at first, I thought he was a priest or something, based on the clothes he wore. Sariel... that was his name, right?

After that, he called a carriage for us out of the blue, and we began traveling to the castle. There was stillness, we didn't speak to each other - as I was suspicious of him, and he was calmly reading some documents. Eventually, I fell asleep in the carriage, and he woke me up when we arrived at the palace. I remember he assigned me some sort of room, told me to take a shower, and gave me a nightgown. And here I am. I know I was thriving to investigate and sneak into the castle someday, but I would've never imagined that I pull this off on the first day! Yet, I'm fortunate, it seems!

After I had clarified my circumstances, I figured I should go to the bathroom and start the day. But before I could do anything, my door opened, and a young maid stepped in with a pile of clothes. 

"Good morning, Lady Artina!" She said enthusiastically. 

Wait, Lady-? Oh, yeah, right, okay. I have to get used to my name like that. 

"Master Sariel asked me to deliver these everyday garments to your room, seeing you had no change of clothes with you last night." 

"I see, thank you." I accepted the textiles, but she looked like she has more things to say. 

"Also, he requested you to see him in his office after you're ready. It's downstairs; you have to go down the stairs, turn right twice, cross the hallway, turn left, and you're there." She smiled, then bowed and left. 

I immediately forgot the directions she gave me for the minister's office. This will be embarrassing... hope I don't run into anyone important ahead of time. 

After I'd made myself presentable in the bathroom, I opened my room's door to begin the journey towards the minister's office, but I immediately came to a halt. The maid said I should go downstairs, but which way? This is a long aisle packed with different doors and mine was in the middle. To which staircase am I supposed to go now? I will probably make this a hundred times more problematic than it needs to be.

Nonetheless, trying to look composed, I carefully tried to investigate both ends of the corridor to see which is better - and desperately wished that I won't run into anyone who would think of me as a fool. 

Well, the left side looks brighter than the right, so I think I will go that way- 

"...And who might this be, hmm?" All of a sudden I heard a sultry male voice behind me. 

Scheisse. 

I quickly turned around, still trying to look calm and collected, but I was honestly not ready for what - or whom I was about to see. 

Wait a second, I know these two! 

"Are you a new maid, perhaps?" Asked now the lean, purple-haired one. 

Okay, he and his subordinate - the crimson-eyed and silver-haired guy - are oddly familiar since I know I've heard about them... Only suddenly I can't seem to recall their names. 

They give weird appellations in Rhodolite anyway, and I've always had trouble memorizing them while studying about their culture. 

Ach, nee... this is so frustrating, it's on the tip of my tongue! 

"Cat got your tongue, young lady? Or should I call Evie?" The shorter one smiled widely.

His eyes - he looks just like a sly fox, might be that prince who has it as his crest? On the other hand, about his brother, I don't see any resemblance to any animals. But his eyes reflect mischief, and something dangerous, could his crest be a schlange, perhaps? I know somebody has a crest like that too, which is way too specific and suspicious at once.

"No, I got my tongue, and there's no cat." I answered, stone-faced. The best thing with people like them is to prove that you're opaque to their teasing and little games, right? They all might do it for personal reasons, but I never liked human puzzles, and this hasn't changed. 

"Oh, a fierce and ruthless one, I see. Quick to turn down the fun." He laughed with a mischievous glint in his eye, maybe even more intense now. "And I was just getting started." He finished with a smirk. 

Oh, the urge to roll my eyes? Unbearable. 

But I should really start going to that office, they are holding me up, and I will get in trouble. If only I'd know their names, then I could dig up some concrete information in my head about them- 

"Prince Nokto, Prince Clavis!" Then I heard another voice behind me, approaching our trio, but this time it was familiar. 

Oh well, I guess the minister had found me instead of me, finding him. 

He seemed like he wanted to say something more but left it at that. At least their names clicked, and my brain was at peace. 

The minister obviously saw me too, and I guess he figured out why it took so long for me to arrive at his office. Definitely not because I forgot the directions the maid gave me, never. 

The two princes focused their attention on the older man after he reached us, but I was sure I wasn't off their hook. 

"I requested all of you to my office, and your brothers are already there. Please, make yourselves present too." He said strictly. At the end of his sentence, he adjusted his glasses, and they glinted dangerously in the morning light. 

"Does it have to do anything with this lady right here?" Clavis gestured towards me with a small smile. 

"Yes, certainly, but other important matters as well. The next time I return to my office, I'd like to see you there." He put a warning hand on the small of my back as if to signal me not to move and protect me from their further teasing. I assume he knows them well by now and figured out what did we converse about these past minutes. 

At the same time, his hand felt tense against my body. I guess the princes are really testing his patience, by not satisfying his request.

The royals didn't pry any longer, and they started going in that direction I was planning to go as well. My shoulders and expression visibly relaxed, since their presence when they addressed me at first genuinely caught me off-guard. Good thing I wasn't on a battlefield, it's not advantageous to be caught off-guard there.

"...I'll play with you later, then. No-fun lady." When he walked past me, Nokto managed to cause another surprise in me, at last.

He quietly told me his words, topping it off with a newly given nickname in an alluring whisper. And in addition picked up a lock of my ebony black hair, admiring it. 

He's unbelievable. 

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(Tomorrow I'm going on a 5 day holiday, but I will try to write one more chapter today, to be able to post while I'm away! Today's chapter was a bit boring, I know, but I have to settle certain things about the flow of the story, so there will be dull parts in the future too, sorry!)

Part 3 is here!

❥︎ The Queen’s Deceit • Ikemen Prince fanfiction

DISCLAIMER;

1. I don't own any of the ikepri characters and surroundings here, just my OC whom I created just for this purpose!

2. This is my first writing here and on top of that my first English writing! It's not my first language so there could be typos, and grammatical errors (as I'm still kind of learning the language) — in case this happens please tell me, I'm quick to fix them and make better quality!

3. Last, but not least is the story itself and some characters' personalities. Since the plot doesn't follow after our MC in the game, things can be different! Also, some elements were completely invented by me, so please keep an eye out for that too! (Plus, there could be spoilers for some routes.)

• Chapter IV.

"-So you are the attendant Sariel told me about! And he assigned me to help you, at least in the first couple of days. Welcome, Artina!" When I finally reached the other side of the palace, I quickly found the butler to whom it was recommended to enlighten me about more things regarding my newly-found job here in Rhodolite. 

It turned out that he's actually the new Belle's personal butler and hasn't been long in the palace either. But then again, he seems good at his job, seeing that the strict minister trusted him with this task.

"That must be such a challenging job, with all eight of them! Although I'm here only for a month, you can ask me too if you need any help. I'll gladly lend a hand, be it anything!" The new Belle - or Emma, as she introduced herself to me - gave me a supportive and enthusiastic smile while offering her assistance as well. 

She really does have a pure heart. I would probably never do anything favorable for another person if I'm not getting something back... Oh well, cultural differences, I guess. 

"Thank you, too. It means a lot. Only with you guys' encouragement, I'm much more confident about this job early on. Although it depends on the princes too." At my last remark, I laughed, and they chuckled too. 

"That's for sure. I've been here for almost a week now, but there are still princes I can't seem to figure out, or I only see them quite rarely throughout the day. Maybe I should accompany you at least, and I would get to see and understand all of them better." Emma added, clearly determined. 

She takes her responsibilities seriously, I see. The people can trust her then that she will choose the most fitting out of the princes, to be the king in the future. Good for them... if only it worked out like that in Obsidian too. Everything would be different. 

"Since you have a lot to catch up on about your work, why don't we go somewhere more pleasant to discuss?" Rio - the butler - suggested with a small smile and gestured to one of the staircases, cornering the corridor we were standing by. 

"Let's go to the garden! I'm sure you will like the flowers there! They bloom all year, and you can't get enough of their beauty!" Emma's eyes sparkled, and with that, they began to show me the way to the even more spacious castle gardens than ours back in Obsidian. 

Basically, after that rushed morning meeting with the minister and the princes, my day passed peacefully, and I spent it with Belle and her butler. They kept me company and didn't abandon me, and for that, I was somewhat grateful since I still needed to learn my way around the palace. 

Also, they warned me multiple times that my job won't be easy... Not that I expected it to be. 

But starting from tomorrow, serving breakfast to the royals, I'm really doing this. It's been only two days since I fled from Obsidian's walls, and I can't help but wonder what is going on at home. I wouldn't call it homesickness - for now - since it's even quite pleasant being a long distance away from the castle and even the country's borders. 

I just have this silly idea; what if, after some time, here I will forget the darker, chaotic reality of my situation and position in this world... and our empire? 

...Well, this is indeed odd. Are the others still sleeping, or are they not hungry? 

"Watch your step! You almost knocked the plate out of my hand just now!" Another attendant's voice woke me up from my daydream, while we were serving breakfast to the royals. 

Or, just only one of them, at the moment. 

Prince Yves was the only one who came down to the exquisite and commodious dining room early in the morning to eat. 

I had no clue about the others as I was genuinely surprised by their lack of presence, but the other servants didn't seem to care since they were constantly bringing tons of food to the table, restless. 

Will the others eat it later, for lunch? Do they like late breakfast, or what? 

Where I come from, food is a luxury, and even we in the castle can't and shouldn't afford such measures for a simple meal throughout the day. 

Do they not appreciate the people - including us - working for their sake? 

The more I thought about it, the more my blood was boiling, but I knew better than to cause a scene and raise suspicion. 

...You're not in Obsidian, Artina. Get used to it, and swallow it for now. 

"Prince Yves, may I ask where are your brothers and why don't they intend to come for breakfast?" On the other hand, I needed to hear some kind of answer to - one of - my burning questions. Surely he knows something since he's been living with them for years. 

Meanwhile, I put his plate in front of him, waiting for an answer before heading back. 

"Some of them eat breakfast later or oversleep and eat at lunchtime. But it does not concern me... and I told you to call me Your Highness." He said, mumbling the last part without looking at me. Then elegantly picked up the cutlery and started to eat. 

Is it because of their duties? But Yves is here, though... Or maybe it just depends on the day?

I really shouldn't think about this too much. I'm just causing a useless headache for myself and my thoughts. 

"-Why are you still standing here?" Now he looked into my eyes, seeming annoyed just by my mere presence. 

"Well, I was also going to ask if you need help with anything? Any casual matters or duties?" I said quickly, so I don't embarrass myself, clearly zoning out again. 

"...I suppose you are not as useless." He huffed, then tossed me a small piece of paper with delicate, legible handwriting.

I scanned it with my eyes for a brief moment and realized these are numerous ingredients for foods. Again, nutrition. Just when I want to erase it from my thoughts.

"Go to town and get me all of these by the afternoon. It shouldn't be too hard, so you better not mess it up." He addressed me sharply, and I only nodded, then left him alone. 

That's right, this shouldn't be too challenging; I only have to do some shopping. 

"I'm beyond flattered that you decided to join us in such early hours in the morning, Lady Artina." Clavis smiled, sitting across from me in the carriage. 

I literally didn't have a choice since you guys half-dragged me up here, but yes, I'm beyond flattered too. 

"And this maid outfit suits you and your body quite nicely- if I might add." I looked to Nokto beside the purple-haired one, rewarding me yet again with a sly smile and a flirty tone. 

...Don't even get me started on this dress; it's not even functional enough. It's only for pleasing the eyes, but wearing it gets quite the hustle. 

"Although I prefer women showing their legs more, I think this dress still covers too much." Come on, Clavis, don't play along..!

"The more skin exposed, the better for me. I think the neckline could show a little bit more." Nokto added again. 

"I don't think you should tease Artina on this." Said Luke from beside me, in a defensive tone. "Don't worry, they are not serious though." He turned to me with sincerity and kindness in his eyes and smiled. 

"-But I might add too that I like ruffles, so more of them would be kind of nice, I guess." He confessed, at last. 

"Oh, so you like the cute types then, Luke?" Nokto pushed on the topic even more. 

Never mind about defending. Also, why is Prince Chevalier's faction telling me about their ideal types of maid outfits? And where's Chevalier himself anyway? I'd like to imagine that at least he would make them quiet. 

"Might as well, don't you guys want to tell me Prince Chevalier's preference? Seeing that all of you are eager to share your own, schamlos." I blurted out, not watching the way I phrased the sentence. 

"Huh? What was that last word you said?" Luke asked, confused. 

...I know that my rule in life is that 'If nobody's going to do it, then I will.' but I didn't quite mean it to blow my cover when I thought about it at first! 

At least I'll save other people the time and energy of investigating me, as it's been proven that I'm not good at hiding my identity!

Never mind; now that my speech backfired, I might as well save myself too.

"Shameless, if you want it spelled out. I just got tongue-tied for a second because of your teasing." Yeah, it sounds like a valid excuse, way to go.

"You get tongue-tied interestingly." Clavis chuckled. 

I looked elsewhere, sighing, and finally felt the carriage take off. 

At least, that saves me from witnessing or creating more embarrassing and suspicious moments for myself, and from now on, I will be just concentrating on the scenery that is rushing past us at a fast pace. 

That way, maybe I will forget this weird exchange as soon as possible.

"By the way, we are going to the center of the town, right?" I asked hesitatingly after a couple of minutes.

"Yes, we have some business there." Nokto answered curtly, now his attention occupied by some papers lying in his hands.

I faintly nodded - not that he would see it since he was focusing on something entirely different. 

...At least I'm going where I'm supposed to. 

The sun was shining high and bright on me that forenoon, and I was having a good time shopping and navigating through the town center. 

I'm on my own in a foreign country, which is, moreover, enemy territory for me. I should be wary and uneasy, but I'm not. 

As the mighty lightning orb in the sky was hinting at everything in a pure golden glow, it hinted away my worries too for a couple of hours. 

For the first time it didn't feel like I was that much different from the ordinary townspeople. Everyone - including me too - was just enjoying the sun and good weather, it was that simple. I felt the same familiar feeling that they could be feeling as well. Ordinary... feelings that they must have felt. Yeah, it's been so long since I've felt ordinary, - or normal at all. Never before.

But as my small journey slowly came to a close, the heavy bags in my hands weren't the real things that weighed me down at that moment. Rather, they were my thoughts and my mind. 

I kept comforting myself while I traveled back to the palace, now in silence since the three princes had an entirely different business from mine in the center. But I didn't miss them; I was grateful for the peaceful silence until I was back in the lions' den. 

After I arrived safely at the palace, I immediately headed for the master kitchen to set the numerous ingredients there. 

I was sure that Prince Yves wouldn't like me to deliver the shopping bags to his room, although the face he would make might be funny and worth it. 

But I knew better than that and still chose the kitchen to safely pack away the flour, eggs, and baking oils. 

I wonder why he needed so many of these? Did he request it for the servants in secret? Because right now, I can't imagine what he, alone, would do with loads of baking supplies.

The following morning I was weirdly relieved to see more than just one royal sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast. 

Other than Prince Yves, Prince Leon and Prince Jin was also seated close to the younger, pompous prince. 

Prince Leon already had a plate in front of him, so I went to Prince Jin, hoping to serve him some real food... Seeing that he was fiddling with a lollipop's wrapping. 

"Good morning, Prince-" I quickly realized my mistake before cutting my sentence short. But I already captured his attention, and he was looking at me and listening, now with a small but pleased smile. "Sorry, I meant to say Jin. Can I serve you some breakfast?" I automatically looked down at his lollipop, which he was still fiddling with. I hope he notices my intentions.

"Morning, Artina! Yesterday I didn't even see you in your adorable maid dress! I must say it fits you well." He complimented me with a broad smile, and before speaking again, he popped the - now wrapping-free - lollipop in his mouth. "About breakfast, don't strain yourself. I rarely eat breakfast in the mornings. But I enjoy seeing my brothers get their bellies full. Why don't you too, join us instead? It's the best when everyone eats together in a lively space, don't you think?" I suddenly found myself considering his offer with a good feeling accompanying it in my stomach. Fair enough, I was indeed hungry. 

"Very well then. If that's your wish." I gave in and sat down, opposite Prince Jin and pulled a plate of food in front of me.

"Lady Artina, good morning! It's good to see you're eating with us too." Prince Leon greeted me, a couple of seats away.

Yves at the other side of the table, opposite Prince Leon, just silently grumbled something, but I took it as a greeting too. 

"Much better. See? That's what gets the people bonding." Jin laughed, still completely satisfied with his lollipop.

...He wants me to bond already?

I let him be, didn't wanted to force anything, and started to eat quietly. 

"Oh, also, I almost forgot to thank you for yesterday's feast!" Prince Leon rose from his seat a couple of minutes later, indicating that he had finished his meal. 

"Excuse me? I didn't put together any kind of feast. I just went shopping in the morning-" I was slightly confused about what he was trying to imply. 

"Well, without your shopping, Yves here probably couldn't have made his delicious desserts for us in the faction room by the evening! We were celebrating some recent accomplishments, and he was so generous that he baked for us again!" Jin exclaimed proudly, patting his brother's shoulder by stretching out over the several empty chairs separating them. 

Wait... So Prince Yves bakes? Furthermore, he bakes desserts? I admit I didn't expect that, but that's such an adorable gesture! 

"Well, I'm glad to be of help, always!" I smiled genuinely at the end.

Why do I feel giddy all of a sudden? This is just a conversation at breakfast.

"-You don't have to tell it to every single breathing creature in this castle, you know. It was just a small gesture, nothing more." Yves looked up, scolding his older brother hastily, but I saw that his ears turned a bright shade of red because of our exchange.

"Don't be shy, we enjoyed it very much. And we're always looking forward to your dainties!" Leon added, smiling at the younger one, and went to pat his head too. 

I just quietly enjoyed the brothers' interaction from my seat while munching on my breakfast. 

It was nice seeing them being friendly with each other, it lifted my mood too. It also made me suddenly remember my own family, especially my brother. 

It's not like we used to be like this... we were never that friendly around each other, it was more like respect and a strong sense of trust, but nonetheless, these were the kind of moments I appreciated with Gilbert while we were younger. 

Good memories, I suppose.

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(I feel like this is the third boring chapter in a row now. Please tell me I’m the only one who feels this way...!)