Chapter 40: The Three-Way Betrothal

The betrothal ceremony was held in a palace located in the most bustling district of the demon realm’s capital, inviting all kinds of high society from across the demon realm. With their status, they could travel freely via magic arrays, so travel time was never a concern.

They had even invited the wisest demon sages, masters of magic, to broadcast the ceremony’s every moment to every major city, so that the entire demon realm could witness this grand spectacle. After all, it was the royal family’s betrothal! (The party in question, Song Ze, declined to comment.)

Due to this ceremony, even the demon realm’s plans to attack the other world were suspended, allowing everyone to celebrate this day. Even on the human continent, people felt that the monsters seemed much gentler today…

It was a betrothal ceremony watched by the entire demon realm!

And one of the protagonists, Song Ze, was waiting in the rest area in extreme anxiety.

He had already changed into a traditional black ceremonial robe worn by demons during betrothals. Perhaps because of his gender, it was somewhat androgynous, but the robe was unbearably provocative. The front was tightly covered, but the back was open, making him feel a chill whenever he stood. If not for the black veil draped over it, Song Ze would have been too embarrassed to go out.

He remembered that in the game, this dress was worn by the demon princess at her betrothal… The artwork was stunning, the texture of the fabric clearly visible. When he played, he had praised how the dress made Andreya look more elegant… but now…

Song Ze painfully reflected on how he had ended up in this situation.

Several maids were adding various ornaments to his attire. He could faintly hear the noise from outside, and imagined that most of the demon realm’s influential nobles had gathered here. After all, it was the future Demon King’s betrothal; who would dare not attend?

Song Ze: “…” Never mind. As long as this was over, he could leave the demon realm and head to the last elven ruin!

That was a ruin he hadn’t even cleared in the game. If he could achieve the true ending there, he could leave this terrifying place and return to his original world!!

Amidst Song Ze’s anxiety, the bells suddenly rang throughout the palace, signaling the formal start of the betrothal ceremony.

He was immediately led to another corridor in the palace, from which he could directly walk to the ceremony venue.

Song Ze walked forward slowly. As he passed through the corridor, the view opened up before him. What met his eyes was a vast space, surrounded by many demons who all appeared to be of extraordinary status and strength. Ahead was a large open area, with an ominous-looking statue placed in the center. Several demon priests stood around it, and a magic array glowed with a blood-red light on the ground.

No matter how he looked at it, this felt like some kind of curse, but that was just the feature of a demon betrothal ceremony (lol).

What made Song Ze most apprehensive were the two princes waiting for him at the exit of the corridor. They had also changed into formal attire today, looking even more handsome. Though the designs were broadly similar, the patterns and cuts were completely different… after all, wearing identical clothes would be an insult to them.

The Elder Prince gave Song Ze a gentle smile.

Despite trying their best to suppress their astonishment, many of the surrounding demons still gasped.

They had heard about the matter and assumed that the Elder Prince was forced into this betrothal with the human to secure the throne, and would probably want to kill the human… But now, the Elder Prince didn’t seem angry at all; on the contrary, he looked very satisfied and even fond of the human?!

Was this really the terrifying prince who would kill at the slightest displeasure?!

Then the Elder Prince extended his hand toward Song Ze.

Song Ze had no choice but to take his hand with his right hand.

But Andreya on the other side was extremely displeased. Today’s attire accentuated his innocent yet enchanting aura to the fullest. His ruby-like eyes held a hint of grievance as he stepped forward and grabbed Song Ze’s other hand.

“It’s supposed to be a day of celebration, but there’s an eyesore present.” Andreya sighed softly, pressing his body almost against Song Ze’s. His eyes looked at Song Ze with a hint of sadness, but his words were utterly at odds with his demeanor. “My dear brother is a member of the royal family, yet he does such a thing…”

Song Ze: They start causing trouble right when the ceremony begins!

Although… although the Elder Prince was etc., his level was still a high 97. If those two clashed, the scene would be horribly tragic.

The Elder Prince tightened his grip on Song Ze’s hand. He certainly didn’t care that Andreya was clinging to Song Ze, and only said coldly, “Someone who has repeatedly failed to complete tasks, if not for being a member of the royal family, would have been…”

When the two princes’ eyes met, the killing intent almost became tangible, making many of those present pale.

Song Ze, at the center of this confrontation, was deliberately avoided, so he didn’t feel the pressure directly. Even so, cold sweat dripped down his face.

“Ahem…” The old priest in front cleared his throat, and the Elder Prince and Andreya finally stopped their standoff.

Though both of them inwardly found the other extremely annoying and wished they could eliminate them right there, they had agreed to this for Song Ze’s sake and couldn’t let it all fail now.

Song Ze breathed a sigh of relief.

Thus, the three walked forward together and soon arrived at the ceremony site.

The old priest looked at them with a gratified expression, as if seeing a bright future for the demon realm. It made Song Ze feel awkward to even think about how he would eventually oppose the demon realm.

“I assume the Chosen One is already familiar with the procedures of the demon realm’s betrothal ceremony,” the old priest said with an attitude as kind as a family member.

Song Ze, who had barely managed to keep a calm expression, now looked extremely uncomfortable.

Of course, he knew the procedure for the demon realm’s betrothal ceremony, but the process was too embarrassing. He had been avoiding thinking about it, but now he had to face it!

The demon realm had many mysterious customs, and their betrothal ceremony was no exception. It mainly involved kissing… which sounded ordinary, but the execution was terrifying!

They had to kiss from the forehead, nose tip, cheeks, lips, chin, to the neck, wrists… going through all that… and then a passionate kiss lasting dozens of seconds, until the magic array burst into light and ended.

Heaven knows what kind of mysterious ritual this was!! But the demons loved it, believing it showcased the intense feelings between the couple (lol).

This was also one of the reasons the Elder Prince and Andreya had previously refused to have a three-way betrothal.

“If you don’t know…” the old priest started to explain, but Song Ze quickly interrupted, “No, no need. I understand it all. Let’s begin quickly!”

“Even though you know, I still need to explain,” the old priest said. “This ceremony is special because it involves three people, which is rare even in demon history.”

Song Ze: “…” What’s going on?! Even in such a liberal place like the demon realm, it’s rare in history? He thought it was normal, and this old man just casually brought it up. Turns out it’s really explosive?!

“It was only by burning the midnight oil and flipping through various ancient texts that I found a method for three people to hold the ceremony while receiving the most blessings,” the old priest said, his voice tinged with satisfaction.

If it’s that difficult, then don’t do this crazy operation in the first place!!

“Actually, the steps are the same as usual, but the Chosen One must perform them with both princes simultaneously. That is…” Before the old priest could finish, the atmosphere in the hall turned heavy.

Enduring the murderous glares of the two princes, the old priest pressed on, “You must alternate step by step to complete the ritual. As for the final step, it will have to be omitted.”

Song Ze: “…” If we can omit that, can we omit the rest too?!

But obviously, Song Ze’s wish would not come true. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he had no choice but to steel himself and nod, indicating he understood.

“Good, then the ceremony is about to begin—”

As the old priest spoke, the magic array on the ground brightened.

Song Ze gritted his teeth and looked at the two princes. Their identical red eyes were fixed intently on him. Then, Song Ze slowly walked up to Andreya.

Everyone could clearly see the Elder Prince’s face darken.

Song Ze didn’t want this; the main reason he started with Andreya was that they had kissed a few times before, so there was less pressure.

Andreya’s eyes brightened slightly, and he gazed at Song Ze with a smile.

[Affection of target Andreya +10. Current affection: 85.]

Song Ze: “??” System, wait. Unless I’m mistaken, Andreya’s affection was only 65 before. How is it suddenly 85? Isn’t it just +10?

Could such a basic issue be wrong?

[It’s mainly because the other party secretly raised affection when the host wasn’t paying attention.]

Song Ze: “???” Such a thing is possible?!

But… it was barely good news, since leaving this world seemed to require maxing out affection with all four targets. Song Ze had been avoiding thinking about that terrifying prospect.

The kiss ended quickly. He stepped back and looked at the Elder Prince. The height difference meant he couldn’t even reach the prince’s forehead if he stood on tiptoe.

Song Ze barely dared to meet the prince’s eyes; he closed his own and kissed his forehead.

Then the process repeated twice. After Song Ze kissed the Elder Prince’s cheek and tried to pull away, the prince suddenly pulled him into his arms.

“Pr-Prince—” Song Ze was startled. The other’s strength was terrifying; even if he returned to his original level, he couldn’t break free.

The old priest’s expression changed, and he quickly said, “Elder Prince, the ceremony is still ongoing. You mustn’t get agitated.”

The Elder Prince’s expression was grim, but he finally released his hold, giving Song Ze a profound look.

Song Ze walked over to Andreya. The latter was somewhat angered by what had just happened, but at this moment, he merely sneered at the Elder Prince, then closed his eyes facing Song Ze. His fair cheeks were slightly flushed, as if he anticipated what was to come.

Song Ze wasn’t used to Andreya acting so normal, but with high affection, it was normal for him to blush given his love-brain personality. As for the yandere aspect… Song Ze figured the Elder Prince wouldn’t be killed by Andreya anytime soon.

Just as he leaned in to kiss Andreya, he felt his body refuse to move. The cold stare from the Elder Prince made his limbs stiff.

Not only Song Ze, but almost everyone in the hall felt the gloomy aura. No one dared to breathe.

They had come to attend a betrothal ceremony, but it felt like a nest of deadly traps… Many regretted not finding an excuse to stay away!

Andreya naturally noticed. He gritted his teeth, and another surge of aura spread out, making Song Ze’s body feel much lighter.

Seizing the opportunity, Song Ze quickly leaned in and pecked him on the lips, a kiss as light as a dragonfly skimming the water.

Andreya opened his eyes, which now held a hint of grievance, as if complaining about Song Ze’s behavior.

Song Ze could only give him an apologetic smile, then looked at the Elder Prince and slowly walked toward him.

As Song Ze turned, Andreya’s eyes turned icy cold. His hands almost clenched bloody from the pressure. The blazing jealousy in his chest made him want to ignore the ceremony and just strike. But he knew that if he started a fight here, things wouldn’t end easily, so he had to swallow his anger.

The priests beside him were terrified by Andreya’s expression, grateful they weren’t the targets of the second prince or the elder prince. As priests, they just needed to do their job.

Song Ze stopped in front of the Elder Prince, intending to give a quick kiss like with Andreya. But as he bowed his head to kiss the prince, a blazing light flashed in the prince’s eyes. The next moment, Song Ze felt a hand firmly press the back of his head.

Song Ze: “Mmph… mmph???!” Wait, what kind of development is this?!

This kiss naturally did not end quickly as Song Ze had hoped. Instead, it turned into a passionate kiss that lasted dozens of seconds. Song Ze couldn’t break free; he had to grip the prince’s robes tightly to keep from collapsing.

If not for Andreya nearly exploding at that point, with his uncontrollable jealousy cracking the palace floor outside the magic array, and the old priest quickly intervening to stop it, the kiss might have lasted even longer.

Song Ze stumbled back a few steps, nearly falling. He gasped for fresh air, his lips slightly swollen from the intense kiss. He felt a lingering fear, as he had almost believed he would faint. The kiss was so fierce he could barely breathe.

How terrible! When will this ceremony ever end?! Facing two opponents of terrifying power and utterly unmanageable personalities…

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