"Brother, you think I can win this?" Amy asked, while checking the red tiara on her head.
Though she didn't like to wear it normally, as it gave her a light headache every time she uses mana, but it quite matched with the dress she was wearing tonight, so she chose it.
Not to mention, it was a gift her brother gave her after he came back from the dungeon, saying "This one for the two birthdays I missed."
'Becca would be so jealous after seeing it.' Amy thought and smiled in her heart. Her mind, already cooking up jokes and ways she could show it off to her.
As for the fact that it was an ancient artifact called 'Crown of the Maelstrom Queen' that can help her channel and control the power of chaos easily, and slowly turn her mana pool into the sea of chaos, now that was something she forgot about already.
She was wearing a red gown with silver lining on the edges. The bodice of the dress featured a unique design, with one sleeve cascading down her arm normally while the other remained bare, exposing a glimpse of smooth skin adorned with a red slithering tattoo, that seemed to be a mark came alive.
Her hair were swept to one side, framing her face in soft waves that matched her youthful features, and the bright smile she always had.
"Couldn't you find this in red, this is messing up my whole get up." She said after looking at her fingers, and seeing one simple black ring sticking out like a sore thumb. That was the one with the common storage space for them.
Well, mostly hers, as she occupies 90% of space inside, but whatever.
She quite liked it when she first got it, but today it wasn't pleasing to her eyes. But since Rio had her promise not to take it off unless necessary, she couldn't do anything.
"For the tenth time, you're looking perfect." Rio replied and sighed in his heart.
He wanted to shout that that ring was a one of a kind treasure, that's rare for a millenia, and she shouldn't disrespect it just cause it couldn't change colors to match her outfit, but his sixth sense told him that's not a wise decision.
So he just kept silent and changed the topic.
"Why're you even so hyped up about this pageant anyway? I clearly remember you saying 'this setup is stupid' two days ago." he asked while imitating her voice.
"Shut up. And answer me, which one is better?" Silencing her idiot brother, Amy turned around and showed him two golden bracelets.
And Rio had to focus real hard for a few seconds to even notice what difference they even had.
"I wish Aina was here." He said silently while pointing at the 'best' one.
While watching his sister throw the bracelet he chose into her ring and putting on the other one, Rio looked at the time on his watch and sighed again.
'That girl is so late.' he said thinking about Rebecca.
After the evening brunch they all just roamed and played a few games together before a loud bell rang in the central castle , announcing that it was now time for the grand ball and the beauty pageant many of them had been waiting for.
After that they all separated to get ready for this event, hoping to meet here soon and then head there together.
Rio was the first to arrive here as he just changed his clothes and left everything else to Aphrodite's blessing and his high charm stat.
Valtor and Amaya soon joined him, surprisingly they chose to form a pair. Which was a happy surprise for Rio, as he remembered that didn't happen in the novel, but whatever.
Amelia came next all dressed up and ready, but is still standing in front of a window and doubting or debating over little changes.
Rio looked at Amaya and saw her staring at Amelia's hands, especially at the 'tattoo' she had on her left arm, and had the urge to slap this girl.
'Can she ever stop observing stuff so carefully? That shining glint in her eyes gives the impression she's into her or something, so weird.' He said and heard his system chuckle in response.
While Amaya suddenly turned her head and looked at him weirdly, making him doubt if she could read minds now.
Rio hurriedly looked away but ended up staring at Valtor, who was standing there in one of his handsome silent side view styles , his eyes focused and sharp, matching his serious look, all the while he just stared at air, thinking nothing.
'Urgh cold president CEO much Valtor.' Rio said in his heart and chuckled to himself.
[This pair really looks like a crossover where Chinese jade beauty meets Korean drama mc.] His system quipped seeing a chance to tease.
'Sounds like poison.'
[Poison that's pleasing to the eyes.]
'Well, _ that it is.'
"What're you doing here, let's go." Rebecca said as soon as she came out.
Rio, who had to wait the longest for her, wanted to point her out and ask what she was doing, which took nearly a one full hour, but his words got stuck in his throat as he turned around and saw her. "You....."
Rebecca stood there in front of him, a vision of an unreal beauty in her long white gown, magically matching his. Her dress hugged her slender frame, the slim straps on her shoulders accentuating her neckline and the V-cut adding a touch of allure to her chest.
As she moved, small chips of graffiti-like touch-ups on her arms caught the light, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. A minimal makeup which enhanced her features, yet still highlighting her natural beauty. And a beautiful smile on her angelic face.
Wait, that's not a smile, that's a smirk....
As that thought came to Rio's mind, a sharp pain hit his head, jolting him awake. He turned his head to see Amy glaring at him, her irritation palpable as she pinched him again, while Amaya raised an eyebrow in curiosity and Valtor still maintained his usual stoic expression.
'God, does anything even faze him.' Rio wondered and turned to look at Becca again, who was still smirking at him. Seemingly proud of herself after seeing his reaction.
Ignoring Amy's attempts to draw him into complaining about her roommate's tardiness, Rio simply muttered, "Let's go. We're getting late," before hurrying away, unable to shake the image of Rebecca from his mind.
'Well, that's dangerous.' Rio thought while trying to remember something bloody and horrifying from the dungeon to take his mind away.
Just when he was about to succeed, his arch nemesis called the villain system cast the same spell to charm him again.
Rio stared at the holographic projection in front of his eyes and smiled slightly, seeing the way Becca's face glowed after seeing him.
'Fuck' poor Rio almost stumbled and fell down face first when he heard the system's words mocking him.
[She's a kid you know, and you're nearly 3 times her age. Have some decency.]
Hearing the accusations, Rio had a black face and frowned to himself after calculating their age gap after combining both his lives.
[Pedo host.] System said again laughing heartily at his expression.
'Okay, just cause I have no refusal to that title doesn't mean you get to call me that.' Rio said, trying to silence this voice of rebellion.
[Pay me 10000 and I'll choose to ignore it. Or I'm changing your username in my history forever.]
'Fine, but not a word.'
[Wait, you agreed. Fuck, should've asked for more. Pe..]
'Say it one more time, and I'll mute your ass.'
(I don't believe I won't get another chance in the future. I'll be sure to cheat all those hefty points.) System thought in its head and smiled to itself, watching the strings of zeroes on its hosts status page.
Author note - No, the ending wasn't a joke, system really did take away his points. But who cares. Me, mc earns taht amount everyday just by breathing and waking up with a smile, so no biggie.
As for future, not like Rio's points are gone for good, the system's such a friend he'll always help it's host with a loan if ever a need arises.