AT THE SAME TIME
ISBAELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:
It wasn't just awkward it was downright suffocating. Xavier, Alastor, and Adrian were all glaring at each other, each standing like some territorial animal ready to attack. I forced out a nervous chuckle.
"Uhh… guys?"I said.
No response. Xavier's arms were crossed, his blue eyes gleaming with thinly veiled annoyance.
"Adrian, was it?" His voice was smooth but carried an unmistakable edge.
Adrian's smirk widened, looking way too entertained. "That's right. Childhood friend. And you are?"Adrian asked.
"Prince Xavier Valentine." Xavier replied coldly, his smirk returning as if daring Adrian to challenge him.
"Royalty? Not bad, Isabella."Adrian smirked.
Alastor, standing just slightly behind Xavier, exhaled through his nose.
"You forgot to introduce me." His green eyes flickered toward Adrian with clear disapproval.
Adrian barely gave him a glance.
"And you are?"Adrian asked.
'High Priest Alastor." Alastor stated, his voice controlled but sharp.
Adrian hummed.
"Huh. So we've got a prince and a priest now?" He snorted. "And here I thought Isabella had simple taste."
"What exactly are you implying?"Xavier asked.
Alastor's green eyes darkened.
"Be careful with your words."Alastor said.
Adrian grinned, tilting his head in amusement.
"Relax, relax. I'm just making an observation." He casually slung an arm around my shoulder, and before I could react, both Xavier and Alastor moved instantly.
Xavier grabbed my wrist.
"Don't touch her."Xavier said.
"Remove your arm."Alastor said.
Adrian blinked at them, then turned to me.
"Bella. Didn't know you had bodyguards now."Adrian grinned.
I wanted to disappear.
"Okay, enough." I finally snapped, shoving Adrian's arm off and pulling my wrist free from Xavier. 'What is this, a territory war?"
All three men were silent, but their eyes never left each other.
"Affinity levels updated. Xavier Valentine – 47% , Alastor 20% ,Adrian Sinclair – 18%." System said.
I stared at the numbers in horror. Why were the percentages rising so fast?! This was going to be a long day.
Just as I was about to discreetly escape this suffocating love triangle I got new message.
" 'A Proper Tour Guide' Show all three Affection Targets around Dawnstone Village. Task: visit key locations in the village with Xavier, Alastor, and Adrian. Bonus Reward: If they don't argue for at least 10 minutes, receive a mystery gift! Bonus: Increased tension between Affection Targets." System said.
I clenched my teeth. The system really had a habit of turning my life into a nightmare. I inhaled deeply before facing the three men.
"Alright." I said, forcing my most charming smile. "Since you all want my attention so badly, we're going to take a proper tour of the village."
They blinked at me. Xavier raised an eyebrow.
"A… tour?"Xavier asked.
Adrian grinned.
"You're actually gonna guide us around?"Adrian grinned.
Alastor sighed.
"This seems unnecessary."Alastor said.
"Oh, but it is necessary." I linked my arms with Xavier and Adrian before grabbing Alastor's wrist. "Come on, let's start with the town square!"
"W-Wait-"Alastor tried to stop me.
Too late. I dragged them forward, secretly praying this wouldn't turn into a complete disaster. Dragging three grown men through the village like an overworked babysitter was not how I imagined my life would go.
Yet here I was. Xavier walked beside me, his sharp gaze flicking around the village as if memorizing every detail. Adrian strolled lazily, hands behind his head, clearly amused. Meanwhile, Alastor followed stiffly, like he was actively regretting his life choices. We reached the town square, a bustling place filled with merchants, children running around, and villagers chatting. I gestured around dramatically.
'Welcome to Dawnstone Village! Known for its warm people, fresh produce, and-"I started.
Adrian suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me towards a stand.
"Hold that thought and look! They still have those honey tarts you used to love."Adrian said.
I blinked.
"Wait, you actually remember that?"I asked.
He smirked.
"Of course. I remember everything about you, Bella."He said.
Xavier, who had been silent, immediately stepped between us, his very intimidating presence cutting through the moment.
"She doesn't need sweets right now." He crossed his arms. "We should focus on something more important."
Adrian scoffed.
"Like what? Staring at her?"Adrian asked.
"I not staring at her."Xavier frowned.
"Yeah, sure, Your Highness."Adrian laughed.
Before Xavier could respond, I quickly pushed forward. "Moving on!"I said.
I practically dragged them to the next stop. We arrived at a quaint little chapel, its white stone walls covered in ivy. The villagers often gathered here for blessings and community gatherings. Alastor, predictably, looked the most interested.
"This place is well maintained." He murmured, stepping forward. "The people here must be quite devoted."
I nodded.
"The village elder takes care of it. He-"I started.
"Ohhh no." Adrian groaned. 'Please don't let Alastor start preaching. I can only handle so much self righteousness in one day."
Alastor shot him a glare.
"I was merely appreciating their dedication."Alastor said.
"You mean judging how it's lesser than your grand cathedral?"Adrian started.
"I said nothing of the sort."Alastor said.
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"We are moving on before I throw both of you into a well."I said.
The riverbank was always my favorite place. The clear water reflected the sky, and children often played here. It was peaceful. Or at least, it was peaceful until I arrived with my entourage of idiots. Xavier glanced around.
"You used to come here often?"Xavier asked.
I nodded, kneeling by the water and touching it lightly. "Yeah. This was one of the few places I could be alone."I said.
Something in Xavier's expression softened, but before he could say anything Adrian kicked off his boots.
"I dare you all to jump in."He said.
Alastor's eye twitched.
"Are you serious?"Alastor said.
"I mean, you both need to cool off." Adrian smirked at them. "It's either the river or kissing and making up" Xavier stepped closer, voice dangerously low.
"Try saying that again."Xavier said.
I immediately yanked Adrian away before Xavier could punch him into next week.
"Alright, I think we've seen enough here-"I started.
I paused as the system flashed before me.
"Task Progress: 80% Complete Bonus Condition: 0/10 Minutes of Peace" System said.
I stared at the zero in disappointment. They literally couldn't go ten minutes without arguing. I sighed. Whatever.
"Come on, let's go to the last stop."I said.
The marketplace was filled with colorful stalls, fresh produce, and the occasional chaos of bartering.
I was about to show them my favorite fruit stand when a group of villagers suddenly rushed over to us.
"Isabella! It's been too long!" An elderly woman beamed.
A young girl tugged at my sleeve.
"Big sis, you're so pretty now!'She said.
A baker grinned.
"We thought you'd never return!"Baker said.
I was instantly surrounded by warmth, familiarity, and overwhelming nostalgia. For a second, I forgot the three men beside me. Xavier, Adrian, and Alastor, however, did not forget each other. I turned back and oh. Oh no. All three of them stood there, watching the interaction with unreadable expressions.
"Task Completed! Bonus Reward Missed: 0/10 Minutes of Peace Achieved" System said.
I clenched my fists. Ihate everything.