I Choose The Villain Duke

The prince walked towards her. She could swear that everything must have happened in slow-motion. His golden hair shone even in the night. His sky blue eyes looked like they were opening up a new world for her. His gentle smile, welcoming her, almost as if he's excited to see her.

She was captivated but at the same time she was nervous.

Prince Charming did not exist.

Ren taught her that. This was just another handsome blonde man who happened to be a prince.

Be still my heart, she told herself.

He had a scar over his face. Not an old scar but a new one. It looked like it was still in the process of healing. He was still handsome though. Just like a very fancy vase with a bit of a crack but still beautiful.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Miyu. My name is Vincent, prince of Aderlan. I do apologize that my father can't make it. He would have been delighted to meet our new Saintess," the prince said.

Strange. The perfect words. The perfect smile yet Miyu felt that there was something wrong. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

"Miyu is delighted to meet His Highness and Her Highness! You are absolutely beautiful, my queen," Miyu gushed.

The queen smiled at her, in satisfaction, she guessed. It looked like compliments worked anywhere even in another world.

"We would like to give you a proper welcome but it's already late. You may stay at our castle. We can prepare you a meal and a room. The finest for you, of course," the queen said.

Whoa. A castle. She's going to stay in a freaking castle! She was about to scream "Sure!" but fortunately, she remembered she was speaking to royalty.

"It would be an honor. Miyu is very happy desu!" Miyu said.

"May I, My Lady?" The prince asked, offering his arm.

She nodded and smiled brightly. She linked arms with the prince and off they went.

*

*

*

Vincent was sure of it. This time was different. The Saintess was absolutely adorable. She didn't even flinch when she saw his scarred face. In fact, she kind of looked like she was taken with him.

Perfect.

He had a feeling he would like her immensely. She was easy in the eyes and her manner of speaking was not rude at all unlike the previous Saintess who embarrassed him in public.

The three of them boarded the carriage together - Miyu, Celestinia, and Vincent.

He could feel his mother coolly assessing the new Saintess. The new Saintess was busy staring out of the carriage window in awe.

"Lady Miyu, I find it odd that you're calm despite being summoned here to our world. Why is that?" Celestinia asked.

Miyu turned her attention to his mother.

"It's because God spoke to Miyu before coming here!" Miyu answered cheerfully.

Their eyes widened in shock. God?!

"God told Miyu that your kingdom needs Miyu's help and he's going to send me to you. Miyu doesn't know how to help you but Miyu will try her best!" Miyu said with a bright smile.

"I see . . . What else did the God tell you?" Celestinia asked with a bead of sweat under her brow.

"Hmm . . ." Miyu said looking deep in thought.

"Nothing much, really. He just told me not to be scared because I'll meet really nice people here and I'll have nothing to worry about. Actually, Miyu thinks she doesn't deserve to be here. Miyu really hopes she can help you," Miyu said.

It was an odd way of speaking but it fitted her perfectly. She looked like an innocent-looking squirrel.

"That dress you're wearing . . . It looks like a wedding dress, My Lady," Vincent said in an inquiring tone.

Miyu looked embarrassed. "God made this for Miyu. God said Miyu will be a bride when Miyu arrives here. Sorry. Miyu didn't mention it because Miyu doesn't know who she'll be marrying here."

A bride.

His bride?

His mother looked stunned as well.

Was this the time to propose to her? He wasn't sure. He wasn't sure of a lot of things ever since that first Saintess continuously rejected him.

"Whoever that is will be a lucky man indeed, My Lady," Vincent said.

The Saintess smiled at him brightly. He could almost forget the terrifying blue flames he witnessed when she was summoned.

*

*

*

"Wow! The castle is huge!" Miyu gushed.

She didn't need to pretend much. She was astounded. The castle towered over her majestically as she gaped at it in awe.

This was even better than going to an amusement park. She was going to live in a freaking castle!

"Lady Miyu."

The queen was calling her. Oops. She ran to catch up with them.

"Are you sure, Your Highness? I can really live here in the palace? It's so beautiful!" Miyu said.

Miyu was like a tourist trying to catch a glimpse of everything and anything. It was like being inside a Victorian castle without the filth but only its glory only told in novels.

"Of course. You are the Holy Saintess and you only deserve the best, Lady Miyu. We have prepared a room for you. You can just stay in your room for this evening and we'll have dinner served to you. Maids shall be assigned to you also," the queen replied.

"Thank you so much, Your Highness!" Miyu could almost squeal in delight.

A palace official approached the queen and whispered something to her. The queen looked disturbed. Almost terrified.

"It would appear that your rest would be delayed for a while, Lady Miyu. We have a guest and he has requested to see you," Celestinia said.

The prince looked confused. "Mother dear, who else did you tell about the summoning?"

Celestinia looked weary. "He doesn't need to be told. He just knows. Let's make haste."

Miyu wasn't sure what to say so she just kept quiet and followed them. They went inside a room with a round table at the center. At the end of the table where the highest authority should be seated was the most beautiful man Miyu had ever seen.

He had long light green hair that flowed down his waist, enchanting green eyes, and a face like that of a male elf. He was wearing a long white coat with intricate gold embroideries at the ends, his black inner vest was low-cut which exposed his toned chest. On his right shoulder, was a dark blue side cape with gold branch-like designs which was draped over his right arm. His pants were fitting and it was obvious to see that his body was toned all in the right places. His clothes were not in fashion in Aderlan. His chest was exposed and it would look scandalous if someone wore it in Aderlan but the way he carried himself exuded sexiness and it would be a shame to cover him up with conservative clothes.

He had an amused expression as if there was something laughable going on. His eyes were closed and he was grinning.

"Ah, Celes. You look older now. How long has it been?" The handsome man said in an overly friendly manner.

He extended his arms as if to hug her but he neither approached her nor did she.

"It's been a while, Sir Jade. I believe you haven't met my son yet. This is Vincent," the queen said stiffly, looking uncomfortable.

The man was still grinning. He opened his eyes slightly. A hint of green. "Hello there, Vincent. Hm . . . your eyes. They aren't gold. I assume Rhaegan must have not liked you a lot."

"H-how shameless! How dare you insult me, the crown prince?!" Vincent shouted. He turned to his mother. "Mother, who is this rude man?!"

The green-haired man chuckled. "Yes, Celes. Who am I? You haven't given a proper introduction."

Celestinia gulped. "He's the . . . royal advisor. He's been guiding the royal family for a long time already and you should . . . respect him properly."

"Huh?! We've never had a royal advisor!" Vincent retorted.

The mysterious man turned his gaze towards her. He had a lazy smile on his face but his eyes . . . they looked almost calculating. His eyes were green too but they weren't like sparkling emeralds. They were like jade which fitted his name perfectly. Like fresh green leaves, an air of elegance, and timelessness.

"You're making the lady uncomfortable, boy," he scolded the prince then turned his attention to Miyu. 

"Hello there. I am Glenn Jade. You must be the Saintess. Incredibly pleased to be here. You are utterly pretty, I must say. What is your name?" He extended his hand to ask for hers.

Miyu felt herself blushing. He was more handsome up close. She gave him her right hand and he kissed the back of her hand. 

"My name is Hikari Miyu. It's nice to meet you too desu," Miyu said, a bit embarrassed to put on her cute act in front of him.

"Pfft!"

Glenn looked amused for real this time. Miyu felt like she was being laughed at. Her cheeks felt warm.

"Celes, I'm not sure if you'll be pleased to hear this and frankly I don't really care if you're not, but I've decided to extend my stay here this time," Glenn said.

Celestinia looked worried. "What do you mean? You've never stayed long. Or do you mean for a week or two perhaps, Sir Jade?"

He waves his hand as a sign of dismissal.

"No, no. I'm going to stay here until I . . . get bored and I don't think I'll be getting bored so soon here with your new Saintess around," Glenn said and winked at Miyu mischievously. 

"You're being shameless! I don't care if you're the royal advisor before! We don't need you!" Vincent said.

Glenn's eyes fixated on Vincent with such intensity, Vincent felt he was being suffocated by something he couldn't see.

He approached the prince slowly like a snake slithering to his prey. He leaned close to the prince and whispered.

"Boy, you should learn to respect those who are more powerful than you."