Karin has never been interested in competing with any girl because her life has been fought over by many men to the point of making her sick. But it appears that Karin is beginning to suspect that Tanya may become her rival or enemy. This is either because Katon has two brides-to-be, or Tanya is so in love with Katon that she lies about being her bride-to-be.
"Karin!" yelled Dewi, because Karin had been silent for a long time, staring blankly at Tanya.
"You've met Erna, right? She should be in the same class as us because she arrived two weeks before I did." Karin changed the topic.
Dewi remained silent as she remembered. "Erna? Do you mean Erna, who was rejected by her future husband?"
"What? Where is she now?"
"She appears to be in the next class." Karin didn't hesitate to rush to the next class that Dewi mentioned.
"Karin!" exclaimed Dewi as she ran after Karin, who was the first to arrive in the next class.
"Erna!" Karin yelled, her eyes moving around in search of Erna.
One of the students sitting in the back corner spontaneously stood up and jogged over to Karin. Her eyes widened in disbelief at what was now in front of her.
"Nevada, Karin? Is it you, Karin, who is the same age as me? Erik has a crush?" She couldn't believe her eyes.
Karin smiled and nodded quickly. She didn't notice her tears dripping and hugged Erna tightly without hesitation. She felt relieved and safe after seeing Erna's condition, which was still intact and fine.
* * *
"He rejected me the day I arrived," Erna admitted, sipping the fruit juice in front of her.
"How come?"
"Yes, he stated that he had found his love, who was both a demon lord. He stated that he did not require an heir because his family was not wealthy."
"Why are you being picked up if he doesn't need you?"
"Rin, any girl from Alfansa with a bride and groom tattoo will undoubtedly be picked up," Erna explained.
"So, what are you doing now? You didn't go back to Alfansa?"
"Within a year, I have to find a potential replacement husband or die," Erna said, lowering her head.
Karin shook her head, stunned. Her eyes welled up with tears as she felt deeply sorry for Erna's predicament. In a year, how could she possibly find a replacement?
"In that case, I will assist you," Karin stated emphatically.
"By the way, Rin, who do you plan to marry?"
"I'll tell you later," Karin said quietly.
"Why not right now?"
"You have no idea."
"That's fine, Rin. Not all girls are as fortunate as Tanya to be the brides of Katon, the ruler of this country."
"By the way, who is Katon?" Karin inquired, surprised.
"Katon Bagaskara, the potential heir to the Bagaskara family that rules this country. Tanya, who claimed to be Katon's future bride, made a scene in the dormitory a few days ago."
"Have you seen him?"
"Once," Erna nodded, her gaze fixed on the pizza in front of her.
"How does he look?"
"He's obviously attractive. But his face is frighteningly cold. When he arrives, everyone must move to the side, and no one dares to approach."
Karin nodded, her mind racing with ideas. She was certain that James had stated that she was Katon Bagaskara's future bride, but why was Tanya present?
"Can a demon have two brides?"
"Rin, not at all. They are only permitted to marry once. If they fall in love with someone else while still married, they must let go of the previous one" Erna exclaimed excitedly to Karin.
"Is Katon's school here as well?"
"Yeah. Even though he said he went to school to pass the time, he don't really study."
"Katon is coming!" exclaimed one of the students seated in a group next to Karin and Erna's seats. Everyone in the cafeteria rushed out to find Katon.
"Katon is on his way, Rin! Do you want to see him?"
"Yes!" Karin responded emphatically. Erna then dashed back to the classroom, joining the crowd.
They discovered that the crowd was in front of Karin's class when they were in it. Karin and Erna approached immediately, and Karin noticed a tall man in her class, or rather, bent over searching her desk drawer.
"Karin, why is Katon rummaging through your drawers?" exclaimed one of Karin's classmates. Erna, too, was taken aback and took a step back from Karin.
"So you're my future wife, Karin Nevada?" suddenly said a deep voice in front of Karin. His gaze was cold and sharp, as if it could pierce Karin's heart at any moment. There was a brief silence.
The crowd, which had been as noisy as a swarm of bees, fell silent; no one dared to make a sound. The man moved in closer and bowed slightly to meet Karin's gaze. Karin could feel his cold breath on her face because they were so close.
"Welcome. I hope you enjoy your new home." He spoke softly. "I am Katon Bagaskara, your future husband."
Karin could see Katon's jet-black eyes when they were close together, but as Katon moved away, they turned a greenish color like emeralds.
"I'd like to talk to you alone," Karin said. Instead of being scared like the others, Karin was irritated when she saw Katon. Karin finally saw the person who had always made her life miserable.
"Of course," he says. Katon turned around and began walking, followed by Karin.
Without being asked, the students quickly made way for Katon and Karin. Tanya was among those in the crowd who looked at Karin in disbelief.
* * *
After they were alone on the empty school roof, Katon inquired, "What is it?"
"What made you choose me?"
"Is that all you wanted to know?" sneered Katon.
"Yes."
"Because you were the chosen one."
"There must be a reason."
Katon smirked. He approached Karin and pushed her against the wall. Katon gently caressed Karin's left cheek.
"You should be grateful that I chose you."
"I'd rather be an Alfansa resident."
"Oh, yes? So you want to leave now?" Katon's palms gripped Karin's face. His eyes had gone completely black.
"If you prefer, I can still let you go. However, if you do not receive my replacement, you will have to die." Katon spoke directly into Karin's ear. "How? Are you prepared?"