How to Handle a Yandere Harem - Chapter 25

Before the tournament began, Emma was eager to make the most of her day with Adriel. With a conspiratorial gleam in her eye, she texted him an invitation to explore the festival-like atmosphere surrounding the event.

As they strolled through the grounds, Adriel noticed a peculiar serenity that seemed to envelop them — no eager fans, no intrusive vendors. Every stall they passed, though bustling with activity, seemed to part like the sea, creating a clear path for them.

“Emma, how much of this did you orchestrate?” Adriel asked, his gaze sweeping over the suspiciously cooperative crowd.

Emma’s heart fluttered with excitement, but she feigned innocence.

“Oh, what do you mean?”

Adriel chuckled, and there was a knowing look in his eyes.

“My dear Emma, it’s quite clear you’ve bribed everyone here. There’s not a single soul daring to bother us, even though you’re practically royalty at these sort of events.”

Emma let out a soft sigh of relief, glad that Adriel hadn’t guessed her more secretive plans regarding a certain rival.

“Oh, you caught me. I just wanted some alone time with you, away from all the chaos.” She laughed, her laughter ringing a bit too sweetly.

(I was thinking he knew about my plan to get Elizabeth out of here. Thank goodness he didn’t catch on.)

As Emma and Adriel wandered through the festival grounds, the level of control Emma exerted over the environment became increasingly evident. She had meticulously orchestrated every detail of their outing to ensure absolute privacy and enjoyment. 

Each stall vendor, from the cheerful candy sellers to the boisterous game booth operators, was in fact an employee of Emma, briefed and paid handsomely to act according to her script. They smiled knowingly at Emma, their nods subtle but filled with allegiance, creating an invisible barrier that kept the usual throng of fans and onlookers at bay.

This arrangement wasn’t just about buying loyalty – it was a masterclass in manipulation, tailored to make Adriel feel special, cared for, and, most importantly, isolated with her. 

Emma had ensured that these vendors would dissuade other festival-goers from approaching their area under the guise of a VIP event, thus turning the public space into a private enclave for the two of them.

Inside, Emma’s mind buzzed with satisfaction and further plotting. While Adriel enjoyed the crafted tranquility and attention, unaware of the full extent of her scheming, Emma was already planning steps ahead. 

She visualized their day unfolding without a hitch, with every interaction designed to deepen Adriel’s reliance on her. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of future scenarios where Adriel would see her not just as a companion but as an indispensable part of his life.

By transforming the tournament grounds into a staged set where she was the director, Emma not only ensured that Adriel would have no distractions from other competitors or fans but also subtly highlighted her resourcefulness and capability to manage any situation to her advantage. 

Each laugh and shared moment between them was a step closer to binding Adriel to her, a testimony to her dedication — or obsession — with weaving him into the tapestry of her world, where she could watch over him, unchallenged and supreme.

“So, Emma, what’s this event truly about?” Adriel paused in the middle of the bustling street, curiosity edging into his tone.

“Adriel… it’s been a while since the two of us were truly alone like this,” Emma replied, her voice lowering to a sultry murmur. 

She moved closer to him, her eyes locked on his with an intensity that blurred the world around them. She placed a hand gently on his chest, feeling the beat of his heart against her fingertips. 

Her smile was coy, her movements deliberate as she leaned in, reducing the space between them. The air seemed to thicken with her perfume, a sweet, enticing aroma that wrapped around Adriel like a warm blanket.

“Emma… please, stop.” Adriel’s voice was firm, breaking the spell as he gently but resolutely stepped back from her advance.

Emma watched him retreat, a mix of frustration and calculation flickering across her face. 

“Ah…” she exhaled softly, her mind already racing with new strategies.

(At least this gives me a chance to redirect his thoughts…)

“Adriel, you must admit, this quiet is nice, isn’t it? We can finally talk without shouting over crowds.”

Adriel, still slightly on edge from her previous advance, nodded cautiously. 

“Yes, it’s peaceful. But, Emma, it feels almost too perfect. How far does your influence extend here?”

Emma laughed, a melodious sound that seemed to blend seamlessly with the festival’s distant music.

“Oh, Adriel, let’s not worry about the extent of things. Today is about us, just us.”

(Perfect, he’s intrigued but not suspicious. Just as planned.)

As they continued their leisurely walk, Emma steered them toward a secluded area that was beautifully decorated with twinkling fairy lights and soft, hanging lanterns. The area was deserted, creating an intimate ambiance just for two. 

“Look at this place, isn’t it wonderful?” she exclaimed, her hand brushing against his as she pointed out the decorations.

Adriel couldn’t help but admire the setup.

“It’s beautiful, Emma. You really didn’t spare any detail, did you?”

“No, I wanted everything to be perfect for you… you deserve perfection, Adriel. I’ve made sure that today, nothing will disturb us. No Elizabeth, no competitors, just the two of us,” Emma responded, her voice dripping with sweetness. She moved closer again, her presence enveloping him.

(Every moment planned to make him feel special, to bind him closer to me.)

Her words hung in the air, heavy with implications. Adriel felt a twinge of apprehension mixed with flattery. Emma’s dedication was overwhelming yet oddly touching.

“Emma, I appreciate this, I really do. But I hope you know, you don’t need to go to such lengths. I’m here with you now, aren’t I?”

Emma’s eyes softened at his words, a genuine smile crossing her features.

“Yes, you are. And that’s all I could ever ask for. Here, let’s blend in a bit, shall we? It’ll be fun!” Her tone shifted back to playful as she grabbed a pair of masks from a nearby stall — one shaped like a fox, the other a raven.

(He’s here, and he appreciates what I’ve done. That’s all that matters.)

Handing him the raven mask, she donned the fox mask herself, her eyes gleaming through the cutouts.

“Now, let’s truly enjoy the festival. There’s a game booth over there. I bet I can beat you at darts.”

(This will lighten the mood and keep him engaged.)

Adriel, caught up in her infectious enthusiasm, allowed a small laugh to escape. 

“You’re on, Emma. But if I win, you owe me a story about how you managed all this.”

“Deal!” Emma exclaimed, leading him toward the booth with a competitive spark in her eyes.

(Let him win this game. It’ll give him a sense of victory, and make this day even more memorable for him.)

As they played, laughed, and mingled anonymously among the other festival-goers, Adriel found himself swept up in the spirit of the event. Emma’s earlier manipulations and intense moments seemed to blend into the background, overshadowed by the joy of the present. Yet, deep down, he knew that with Emma, every detail was calculated, every gesture meaningful, and this day would be one to remember, for better or worse.

(He’s smiling, truly happy. Today has been perfect. Now to keep this moment, this feeling, intact.)