CHAPTER 105: THE CHOOSING! 2

The host’s voice boomed, pulling their attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the night’s grand game!" The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement a living thing.

"A test of wit and luck, with the ultimate prize... a chance to be chosen by the Golden Goose!"

Rin took a deep breath, stepping onto the stage as the lights dimmed. The crowd’s screams washed over him, their chants of "Golden Goose!" shaking the air. His white gown shimmered under the crimson glow, the sheer fabric trailing behind him like a dream. His half-mask hid his face, but his presence was electric, commanding every eye in the room.

Among the crowd, two figures moved quietly, their identities hidden behind simple masks and plain noble robes... Caspian Von Veyne and Lucien Vortellion. They’d slipped in using Darien’s stolen gilded card, earning them a spot in a VIP chamber overlooking the stage. A single-eyed microscope, a luxury for the wealthy, gave them a clear view of the spectacle.

"This place is madness," Caspian whispered, a smirk playing on his lips as he scanned the crowd. "I didn’t expect it to feel like a coliseum."

Lucien didn’t answer, his grey eyes locked on the stage, his posture rigid. His hand rested on his sword hilt, his knuckles white.

For an hour, the crowd laughed, shouted, and played the game—a mix of riddles, bets, and chance. Cards were gathered, displayed on a board, each one representing a guest. The host dimmed the lights, the arena flushed red, and the air grew thick with anticipation.

"And now," the host called, "the moment you’ve all been waiting for—the Golden Goose!"

Rin stepped forward, his movements graceful, deliberate. The crowd screamed, their chants wild with ecstasy. Lucien’s hand tightened on the railing of the VIP box, his chest aching with a strange, familiar pull. Caspian leaned closer, his eyes gleaming.

"...So that’s him."

Rin lifted a dart, its silver tip glinting. With graceful precision, he threw. Silence fell as the dart struck the board, pinning a single card. Everyone started to whisper some prayers. Caspian overheard the other VIP space close to him talking about how it was their tenth time. He thought they had no luck since it was their first time.

The host pulled it free, his voice booming. "And the chosen one tonight is... VIP Six!"

Caspian’s eyes widened, his hand flying to his mask. "...That’s us."

Lucien’s jaw clenched, his heart pounding as the spotlight turned to their box. Their disguises held, hiding their identities as the crown prince and his knight, but the weight of the moment pressed on them.

A courtesan approached, her voice soft. "Congratulations. Please, come with me."

They were led to a private chamber, given time to clean themselves. The courtesan handed them a rulebook, her tone gentle but firm.

"Only one of you will be chosen," she said. "You can decide among yourselves. I’ll return in thirty minutes."

When she left, Caspian smirked, his golden eyes glinting.

"Well, Lucy... I think we both know who’s going."

Lucien’s voice was cold, his eyes hard. "Go, then."

"Good choice," Caspian said smugly, stripping down and bathing quickly, his movements confident.

Half an hour later, he followed the courtesan down a long hall, stopping before massive double doors carved with intricate designs. She pointed at the door and walked away, leaving him alone.

Caspian stood there, a flicker of nervousness cutting through his usual arrogance. He’d visited countless courtesans, but something about this felt different. The Golden Goose was no ordinary omega... his reputation alone was enough to unsettle even a prince. Was it just pheromones, or something more? He shook his head, brushing off the doubt.

"It’s just another night," he muttered, grabbing the handle and pushing the door open.

Inside, Rin was lighting candles, his robe slipping from one shoulder, revealing pale skin that glowed in the soft light. Caspian stepped inside, locking the door behind him. The moment he did, Rin’s pheromones hit him like a tidal wave, sweet and intoxicating, flooding his senses. His body trembled, heat pooling low in his stomach, his breath unsteady.

"What the hell..." Caspian gasped, already hard, his voice shaking.

Rin turned slowly, his crimson eyes gleaming beneath the half-mask, sharp and unreadable.

DING!

[System Alert - Male Lead has Appeared.]

[Name: Caspian Von Veyne]

[Status: Crown Prince]

[Threat Level: LOW]

[Warning: Target is ready to be devoured by the Host.]

Rin’s lips twitched, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. The crown prince? He hadn’t expected this. The book he’d read in his past life—before he became Rin Elric—never mentioned Caspian being tangled with the Vortellions. A pervert, maybe, but a threat? He forced his face to remain calm, his voice smooth.

"Strip and lie on the bed."

"What?" Caspian’s brows furrowed, his pride bristling at the commanding tone. He wasn’t used to being ordered around, especially not by a courtesan. He could walk out if he wanted, but the pheromones held him, clouding his judgment. He wanted to see what the Golden Goose could do. "You don’t talk to me like that."

"I said... strip. Lay down. You follow my rules here," Rin repeated, his voice firm, his eyes narrowing.

Caspian’s pride flared, but the pheromones were relentless, making his body betray him. Grumbling, he stripped naked, his golden hair spreading like a halo as he lay on the bed, his gaze defiant but unsteady.

Rin let his robe loosen, the fabric sliding further down his shoulder as he climbed over Caspian, his movements slow and deliberate. His lips brushed Caspian’s throat, sending a shudder through the prince. Rin’s hand slid over his chest, his fingers grazing his neck, teasing but controlled.

"This scent... Is it your pheromones? Are you in heat?" Caspian asked, his voice thick with desire.

"Why should I answer you?" Rin murmured, his tone sharp but playful.

"I’ll pay," Caspian said, his voice desperate. "Five million? Ten?"

"Keep it..." Rin said, his lips brushing lower, teasingly close to Caspian’s hardness. "I don’t need your money,"

The prince shuddered, his hands twitching to grab Rin, but the stupid rules held him back. "Show me your face..." he demanded, his voice hoarse.

"No," Rin said sharply, his eyes flashing.

Just as he leaned in to continue, the system pulsed again.

DING!

[Memory Echo: Activated]

[Keyword: Lucien Vortellion]

A flash of Caspian’s memory invaded Rin’s mind, sharp and vivid... a quiet moment in the palace, Lucien staring at a worn dagger... another memory showed Lucien in the brothel’s VIP box, his grey eyes locked on the stage, searching, yearning.

Rin flinched, cursing as he jerked away, stumbling off the bed. His head throbbed, blood trickling from his nose. Lucien was here, in the brothel, so close. If he caught Rin’s scent on Caspian, he’d know. He’d find him. Panic surged, drowning out the pheromones.

"Get out," Rin snapped, his voice harsh, his crimson eyes blazing.

"What?!" Caspian growled, sitting up, his face flushed with frustration. "You can’t stop now!"

Rin glared, pointing at him, his hand trembling.

"Seems like you didn’t read the rulebook that was given to you. The rules say I can end it whenever I wish. And I wish to end it."

Caspian’s eyes narrowed, his pride warring with his desire. He didn’t move, his bare chest heaving, his gaze defiant. "I’m not leaving."

Rin’s jaw tightened, his heart racing. "Fine. If you don’t leave, I’ll leave instead..." He turned for the door, his robe trailing behind him, but just as he pulled it open...

SLAM.

Caspian pressed the door shut with one arm, his bare chest heaving, his golden eyes dark with lust and defiance. He leaned in, his chin brushing Rin’s shoulder, his voice a low growl. "You’re not going anywhere, Golden Goose. Not after leaving me like this."