#ate: ædric

[albywritesfiction]

After The End

Premise 

Your former fiancé and heir apparent of the Aurelian Kingdom, Prince Ædan, has married the love of his life, the fair Saintess Helene. As the nation celebrates their union, you are left alone to pick up the pieces of your broken heart... until you receive two letters. One is an invitation to the office of Prince Ædric, the crown prince's younger brother and rival for the throne. The other is a letter filled with concern from your childhood friend and secretary-in-training, Cyfrin, who is currently assisting your father at your family’s ducal estate in the countryside. Each letter contains a proposition that will change the course of your fate forever.

Which one will you choose?

Features 

Play as the male lead’s abandoned betrothed of a historical fantasy romance that has reached ‘The End.’ You will be able to customize your character’s identity and appearance with a variety of options. 

Choose between two routes for your next course of action. Will you accept the offer of an alliance with the crown prince's younger (and more capable) brother and become the monarch you were always meant to be? Or will you take a step back from the noise and hubbub of high society in the capital and return to your family's estate in the countryside, where your best friend promises to arrange such a great vacation for you that you’ll forget about your ex in no time? 

Characters

The Second Prince: Ædric Aurelius

Ædric is known throughout the kingdom as the Dark Prince, not just because of his ebony black hair, but also because of his unsociable disposition. While it is true that his deep violet eyes and usual scowl can be intimidating, he has been nothing but kind to you in all the years that you have known him. Sometimes you would catch him looking at you with a small smile on his face, but he would always deny it ever happened.

(Ædric's introduction post)

The Future Secretary: Cyfrin Galanthus

You have known Cyfrin your entire life, and your father has known him for even longer, given that he discovered your best friend on the doorstep of your home when he was just a baby. Even though he is the older one between you two, he often trails behind you like a duckling following its mother when his break times align with yours. He has often been compared to a dog: always eager to spend time with you, fiercely protective and loyal, sullen and moody whenever you are apart.

(Cyfrin's introduction post)

The Crown Prince: Ædan Aurelius

Handsome and charismatic, Ædan is the definition of a fairytale prince… just not your fairytale prince. With his golden blond hair and crystal blue eyes, he easily captured the hearts of the people upon his social debut. When he unleashes his soft smile upon a crowd, there is a very high chance that more than half of those present will swoon. You, too, were once enchanted by that smile, back when you thought your love would last until the end of time.

(Ædan's introduction post)

The Fair Saintess: Helene

If your world was the setting of a typical romance novel, there would be no doubt who the protagonist would be. People say that her beauty is a blessing from the gods, and that her silver hair and golden eyes were meant to set her apart as the Favored One. Helene may have almost the entire kingdom wrapped around her little finger, but you know that her true colors are lurking just beneath the kind and naive front she puts up.

(Helene's introduction post)

Status

Chapter 1, Part 1: releasing on January 5, 2024 9:00 PM EST

Chapter 1, Part 2: in progress, estimated release in April/May 2024

Chapter 1, Part 3: in progress

(MC's introduction post)

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Game Link

[albywritesfiction]

Just out of curiosity... Since Aedrick has been soft in love with MC since the beginning, what WOULD he have done had MC actually married Aedan? *Especially* if down the line Aedan makes it obvious how little he actually does care for MC. For added drama, maybe throw in an am affair with Royal Mistress Helene

Oooooh

This scenario would happen if Ædan hadn't met Helene prior to his and MC's wedding, meaning that Ædan is still keeping up his act as a loving fiancé.

In this case, Ædric would pretty much be like Angelica in the Hamilton musical with her line in the song Satisfied,

"At least I keep his eyes in my life."

because all he sees at this point is that Ædan is treating MC well and MC is happy. Ædric would lock away his feelings and throw the box into the deepest pits of hell if it meant that MC would always be as radiant as they were on their wedding day, and just being able to witness everyday how their eyes seem to twinkle when they smile, even when those smiles aren't meant for him, is an added bonus that he would always be grateful for.

Ædan would still maintain his façade as the ideal husband until he meets and falls in love with Helene.

As he gets to know Helene, the time he'd spend with MC would diminish over time, always giving them excuses so that he could meet with Helene in secret, until he realizes that he loves Helene. Then he would bring her to the palace as his mistress.

Meanwhile, with Ædan gone from the palace on his clandestine rendezvous, Ædric would keep MC company, but he wouldn't see it as an opportunity to get MC to fall in love with him. It's just him spending time with someone because he cares about them, like how he'd spend time with his family and his buddy Bertrand because they're the most important people in his life.

But oh boy, being in love with someone you can't be with is hard. Everyday he thinks that he couldn't possibly fall deeper in love with MC, and every night he just ends up with his head in his hands because damn was he wrong.

I'll try to move on tomorrow for sure. I just have to give them a polite greeting and be on my way. No more inviting them to have a break together. No more finishing work early to have dinner with them. No more checking in on them in their office. I have to get over them.

But when he sees MC the next day, his resolve instantly shatters, like it does everyday, like it has done everyday ever since he fell in love with them.

Tomorrow again, tomorrow for sure.

The day that Ædan brings Helene to the palace as his mistress is the day that Ædric nearly commits fratricide.

[albywritesfiction]

ATE Capital Route and Revenge Motivation

Okay so, after listening to the albums for the Mean Girls Broadway musical and the Heathers musical (West End cast), I came to the realization that since there are different ways to define "revenge", I should probably define it more clearly in the case of ATE and the capital route, especially for those who are concerned about the revenge motivation in this route.

If after reading this, some of you still feel apprehensive about going through the capital route, then I advise you to put off reading ATE, at least until after the capital route is finished. You can then read the asks that I will be answering about what happens since my answers will definitely be much clearer than what I can give now without spoiling and explaining all my current plans for the route, then decide from there if you are still interested in going through the route. If, even after gaining a better feel for how the route will go through the future asks, you do not feel comfortable going through the route, then please do not force yourself through the discomfort :<

There will be spoilers ahead for the capital route, as this is the only way I can provide a concrete explanation.

The opportunity for revenge that Ædric will offer MC is a chance to take the throne with him. This does NOT include the intention to cause Ædan and Helene bodily harm through acts of violence that may result in serious injuries.

Throughout the capital route, MC & Ædric will both have scenes where they put Ædan and Helene in their place (like when MC talks back to Helene in their first interaction in Chapter 1).

There may be opportunities to punch or slap Ædan and/or Helene, but this is as far as the violence that MC, Ædric, and anyone acting under Ædric's and/or MC's orders can inflict upon them will go.

Ædan and Helene will be alive at the end of ATE. The only injury that Ædan will have at the end that has been caused by MC and/or Ædric is a bruised cheek. Ædan and Helene may be injured at the end, but aside from the bruised cheek I mentioned, none of the injuries they may have at that point will have been caused by MC and/or Ædric's actions.

Neither Ædric nor MC will engage in sabotage, as there will be no need; Ædan and Helene are enough to sabotage themselves (~karmic retribution~).

The "desire for revenge" in the capital route is the "desire to get even" with Ædan and Helene by taking the titles of Crown Prince and Crown Consort away from them. This is the main motivation that capital MC will have as I write them. As of now, I am not quite sure about whether it may diminish in intensity as you go through the route, as well as if it can drop to 0%, as the capital route is still very much a work in progress.

I hope that this has given everyone who read through this a better idea of what to expect from the capital route! I especially hope that this helps those who had reservations about the revenge motivation in the route; whether you guys decide to stick around or drop ATE, I am grateful for the support that you guys have had for ATE and I wish you all the best.

Thanks everyone, and I hope you have a good day/night!

[albywritesfiction]

…Is it okay if I say no… ;-;

-holds your face gently-

Listen, LISTEN it's your story, your characters that you share with us for FREE. You don't owe us anything please just write what you want

I saw so many if creators being downright bullied and pressured so anons could live their self-insert stories. Don't go down that road, madness lies there

-nuzzles you with a relieved smile-

Thanks for the reassurance, Anon :> This has actually been on my mind since I got the asks last October, hence the very, very late reply 😓

'Cause it's a really good idea for people who would want to romance/support Ædric without the drive for revenge, but the whole point of Ædric's offer (which you guys will get to read in the next update) is to give MC the opportunity to take back what (in Ædric's eyes) was rightfully theirs: one of the thrones of the Aurelian Kingdom.

Ædric has both noble and personal intentions behind his offer of an alliance:

His main noble intentions are that a) he believes that Ædan and Helene are not and will likely never be capable of properly leading the kingdom, and b) he believes that not only is MC well-suited to take on the role of consort and all the responsibilities it entails, but MC is the consort that the people deserve to have. MC spent 2/3 of their life preparing to be the best consort in history; the only other person who is as suited to lead the kingdom as MC is Ædric himself.

Meanwhile, his main personal intention is that he is boiling with rage at the shit that Ædan and Helene pulled over MC, so much so that if MC wants to bring them to their knees, he will help them with a smile. And the best way that he could think of to screw them over and return the favor is to take the thrones for MC and him.

So for Ædric, his offer isn't only about gaining MC's support for his claim to the throne, it's also about getting MC's ass on the other throne so that they didn't waste 15 years of their life for some dickhead who only cared about his own happiness, as well as to fuck with said dickhead for what he did.

Does...does that make sense?

[albywritesfiction]

mc being pined over by everyone is wild LMAO maybe i might ditch everyone for mc instead

Hello Anon!

🤣 I'm glad that people like MC and don't find them to be, like, way too unrealistic 😅

And, I mean, Ædric and Cyfrin have known MC since they were kids. Cyfrin has literally known MC for all 24 years of his life. Ædric has known MC for 15 years. People have taken less time to realize that the person they want to spend the rest of their life with is right in front of them.

Also I can just imagine this "A Challenger Approaches" notification popping up above Ædric's and Cyfrin's heads as Anon walks up and they'd be like,

"This person better not be another Ædan or I'm going to do something I won't regret."

"I'm glad that we're always in agreement over things like this."

😂

[albywritesfiction]

How would the the main cast feel about an MC that was heartbroken right after the big breakup... But once they realized how much they were much fitted to (the other RO) they ended up just super happy and grateful and genuinely happy for Helene and Aedan? Especially with Aedric lmao just totally marry the little brother and be grateful for being dumped instead of bitter or jealous

Hello Anon!

Aw, if MC felt genuinely happy for Helene and Ædan’s relationship (as in they forgive Helene and Ædan and wish them happiness), I think everyone would be like, “You’re too nice for this world, MC,” but in an affectionate yet exasperated tone.

When Helene and Ædan see how much happier MC is with either RO, Ædric would give their disgruntled faces a smug smile as he gives MC a kiss on the cheek, while Cyfrin would give them a menacing smile as he gently holds MC closer to his chest.

(I can't help but imagine both of these happening for the v-poly that's still incubating in my imagination, like if the three of them were together when they run into Helene and Ædan 🥲)

[albywritesfiction]

Did Ædan ever suspect that his brother was crushing on the MC? Or noticed that he treated the MC differently since he has a reputation for being cold?

Hello Anon!

Ædric has been doing his best to keep his feelings for MC a secret from everyone, especially Ædan, and so far he's been pretty successful: the only people who have figured out how he truly feels are his mother, Queen Lucia, and his best friend, Bertrand.

(King Ærick probably would have figured it out too if his attention didn't keep straying to his wife all the time 😅 When Lucia eventually discusses it with him some time after what happens in Chapter 1, he'll look like that surprised Pikachu meme and Lucia's going to be like, "I thought you knew this already???" and he'd respond with, "No??? When tf did this happen?????" 🤣)

And Ædan doesn't really like being around Ædric, so whenever they were stuck together for a while (like during meals, which the royal family often takes together), he would usually distract himself by thinking of something (or should I say, someone) else. So, it's kinda Ædan's fault that he never noticed how Ædric's eyes always seemed to shine a little brighter when MC was around.

[albywritesfiction]

Classic ask: how would the ROs react if MC is sick?

Hello Anon!

Aww classic ask indeed! For this scenario, I’ve made the assumption that MC has come down with a fever.

No matter how many staff members there are in the royal palace, Ædric will be the one doing everything to take care of MC: checking their temperature, changing the towel on their forehead, gently patting their face and arms with a damp towel to cool them down, making them food and helping them eat their meals, all of that. Once their fever breaks, MC will wake up to either find Ædric working at the little temporary office space he’s made for himself in the corner of their bedroom or asleep in a chair at their bedside with an open book about to fall out of his hands.

If the other staff members of the ducal household insisted that they could take care of MC in Cyfrin’s place so he could focus on work, their kind efforts would be in vain because he’d be way too distracted to get anything done (always fidgeting, repeating the same task over and over, not listening to instructions) until they realize what’s going on with Cyfrin and let him take care of MC. Cyfrin then becomes the most efficient guy anyone’s ever seen as he makes MC’s meals, measures out their medicine, basically doing all the preparations he needs to do. But when it’s time to help MC eat and take their medicine or to cool them down with a damp towel, Cyfrin hopes that MC doesn’t notice how much his hands are trembling from how flustered he is. Once their fever breaks, MC will likely wake up to find Cyfrin asleep with his legs crossed on the floor, his head nestled in his arms on MC’s bed, and his hand inches away from their own.

[albywritesfiction]

How did Queen Lucia and Bertrand figure out that Ædric had feelings for the MC? Did either of them ever bring it up with Ædric?

Hello Anon!

Both Queen Lucia and Bertrand are very perceptive people.

Queen Lucia was the first one to know because she’s seen how much softer Ædric becomes around MC ever since they were children.

Bertrand figured it out later when he became the Lieutenant Commander because it was only then that he could enter the palace walls and witness MC and Ædric’s interactions. Specifically, he figured it out when he came to pick up Ædric from his office but found him outside library with such a small but gentle smile on his face that he looked like an entirely different person; when he took a peek at what had Ædric so enamoured, he saw MC reading by the window.

Later, when they finally arrived at Ædric’s office after Bertrand had reluctantly pulled him away, the very first thing Bertrand said to him was, “You’re in love with your brother’s betrothed.”

That day was truly a day of firsts, as Bertrand had never seen Ædric become so flustered before in all the time he’s known the intimidating prince.

[albywritesfiction]

The last anon ask made me curious, will we be able to choose our starting relationship with Ærik (aquaintances, Friends, bbf etc)? Or will be good on default? And more on the game's mechanic side, will there be other characters's POV, and there will be some flashbacks? (I really like your story concept! ❤️)

Hello Anon!

Thank you for liking the concept! I honestly didn’t expect that a lot of people would be into it, so I’m always glad to hear/read that people like it 😊

Yep, as of now, there will be a few scenes from another character’s POV. Haven’t really gotten that far ahead in writing to see if I’ll have some flashbacks, but there may be a few.

As for MC and Ædric’s relationship at the beginning of ATE, it’s set to already be pretty good after spending so much time together.

Long explanation ahead for Ædric and MC’s relationship 😅

(And spoilers? At this point, I think you guys already have a good idea of how Ædric feels about MC 😅 Y'all pretty much already know how Ædric feels at this point because of me being overly excited to talk about ATE, so I guess it's just spoilers for anyone who hasn't witnessed me failing to keep my mouth shut 😅)

To give more context:

They met shortly after MC and Ædan had their first meeting

Since MC and Ædric are closer in age compared to MC and Ædan and the content of Ædric’s classes are mostly similar to that of MC’s classes (just a bit more advanced), it was decided that they would just have their classes together (and nothing brings people together like suffering through a reading 11 pages long or a vague word problem that gives you a lot of info but not the stuff you need to solve it 😂)

However, little MC’s adoration for Ædan, the awesome and handsome crown prince, was like a shadow that hung over them. As soon as they were done working on their assignments, smol MC would wonder out loud about where Ædan was, what he was doing, if there were any flowers in the garden he liked, things like that. Even though it irked little Ædric (especially little Ædric who started to get flustered whenever MC was near), he never got mad at MC because he would rather listen to them ramble about how pretty Ædan’s eyes were than to waste the time that MC was spending with him by having an argument over his brother.

Ædric may have developed feelings for MC, but he never went beyond dropping some smooth lines because he knew about how love-stricken MC was for his brother. He and Ædan may have had their own problems going on, but he always saw Ædan treat MC well, so he decided that he would be content to watch MC smile from afar, as long as MC was smiling. (Of course, this was before the entire mess Ædan and Helene made)

Romantic feelings aside, Ædric considers MC a good friend whose thoughts and opinions he greatly values, though MC doesn’t quite return the same degree of deep friendship since they’ve mostly been focused on Ædan. And most of the time Ædric doesn’t share much about himself; he’d much rather ask MC how their day has been and listen to a full account of every single thing they did all the way down to the little details, like how gently the wind was blowing as they took a walk around the plaza, things like that (Ædric and I are quite similar in this sense 😄).

[albywritesfiction]

Based on what I've read about Ædan so far my MC WILL help Ædric take the throne from him. The Kingdom doesn't need a King like him, and honestly how blind can Ædan be!? Like the MC is the whole package deal! They are intelligent, loyal, diligence AND know military tactics as well as a good fighter! (Permission to ask for MC's hand in marriage? 💍)

This is a little thing that my mind conjured when reading about Ædric RO intro:

*After MC successfully give Ædric the crown that he definitely deserve*

Ædan: You don't understand brother! They just seducing you to take revenge on me! They don't love you!

Ædric: Jokes on you I'M the one who has been seducing MC for ages but they're too in love with you to notice

(Yes honey be the simp that you're meant to be 🥰)

Hello lilsun-3107!

Aww, if you wait until after they’ve healed from their heartbreak, I think MC would be flattered with your offer of marriage 😊

Also, I couldn’t resist it, so spoiler for Ædric’s route under the cut

😳 lilsun, buddy, did you hack into my files or something?? It’s scary how accurate you are with Ædric's part

Ædric has definitely dropped a few smooth lines here and there and mentioned a few times that you should have been with him instead, but he has always covered them up as jokes.

[albywritesfiction]

I’m just imagining any child of MC and Ædric’s being the king’s favorite grandchild and barely acknowledging Helene and Ædan’s kid, very House of the Dragon- the King and the Duke just fawning over MC and the baby like “yay we’re grandads!!! 🥰🥰🥰” and Helene pops out a little goblin and the king like “oh. Great I guess 🤷‍♂️” then MC and Ædric naming their firstborn after Lucia for that extra tenderness factor 🥹.

Also on that note, I’m sure the king is absolutely thrilled when he sees Ædric and MC getting closer and sees MC become romantically interested in his second son. Just imagining him writing to the Duke like they’re two old biddies gossiping like “HANG ON WE COULD BE IN-LAWS AFTER ALL!!!”

Hello Anon!

Awww this was such a fun and sweet ask!

Helene pops out a little goblin and the king like “oh. Great I guess 🤷‍♂️”

Please I laughed way too hard at this 🤣🤣🤣

then MC and Ædric naming their firstborn after Lucia for that extra tenderness factor 🥹

🥹 My heart can't take the sweetness

Just imagining him writing to the Duke like they’re two old biddies gossiping like “HANG ON WE COULD BE IN-LAWS AFTER ALL!!!”

LOL if they had telephones, I can imagine that they'd be talking at all hours of night, to the point that Lucia would kick Ærick out of their bedroom because she can't sleep with all the noise 🤣🤣🤣

[albywritesfiction]

ATE Main Characters Color Palettes

Hello everyone!

Finally got around to making the color schemes for the main 4! I've been wanting to do this for a while now since this is as close as I can get to sharing how I envision the characters in my mind as I don't possess any (visual) artistic talent 😅 made these on this site: link

As you may notice, the palettes are divided into 3 sections: the ones on the left are for the hair, the middle are for the eyes, and the right are for their complexion 😄

Prince Ædric Aurelius

Color codes: 110F0F, 191617, 211D1E | 7040A0, 663399, 5A2D86 | D8AB77, D09E62, C8914D

Cyfrin Galanthus

Color codes: 3D2706, 4B2F02, 563C11 | 3F763F, 206020, 004A00 | AE773E, 9D642C, 955A23

Crown Prince Ædan Aurelius

Color codes: EEC02E, F6D361, FDE694 | 87CEFA, 76B5F4, 649CEE | EBC986, E2BA7F, D8AB77

Saintess Helene

Color codes: D1D1D1, E8E8E8, F4F4F4 | FCDD4C, F7D32B, F2C80A | FFDED4, F4C6BA, E8ADA0

Hope you guys enjoy this extra and have a good day/night!

[albywritesfiction]

So, I gotta ask, how's Ædric feeling about all this shit? Cuz personally if Ædan was my brother I would drink myself under a table out of shame

Hello Anon!

Oh buddy, Ædric isn’t ashamed so much as he is pissed. MC is one of the few people he values (cherishes, even), so to witness them crumple to the ground when they heard about Ædan’s announcement, to see someone he highly respected and admired be brought so low by his idiotic brother’s impulsive actions, made his blood boil like lava.

[albywritesfiction]

Main Characters Intro: Prince Ædric Aurelius

His name means “blessed ruler”

25 years old 

Demisexual

Neat black hair, intense violet eyes, leaner and taller than Ædan, his skin is tanner than Ædan’s after hours of practicing his swordsmanship in the sun (he often chooses to train without his shirt on)

His physique is similar to Ansel Elgort

His mother is Queen Lucia, the king’s second wife and true love

He’s the eldest among the four children that King Ærick and Queen Lucia share (Royal Family intro post also in the works!)

Has genuinely admired MC since they were younger because he always saw MC studying hard in the lessons they had in preparation as the future consort

Pretty unpopular because he’s known to be indifferent and cold to others 

He’s been indifferent to every noble lady and their ambitious mother who approached him because he can immediately tell that they just want to advance their station

He also rejects every noble who attempts to pander to him to try and climb up the political ladder 

He may seem stern, indifferent, and cold, but those closest to him know how he only lets those he truly cares for feel his warmth 

He’s in command of his own division of knights. His right hand man is the stoic Lieutenant Commander Bertrand Stonewall, who has also been his best friend since they were children

[albywritesfiction]

ATE Frequently Asked Questions

Hello everyone!

Finally got the Frequently Asked Questions (as of now) all sorted out! This will be updated when necessary 😊

Current Version Post Date: Dec. 20, 2023

Can I romance Helene?

As of my current plans for ATE, I'll say no. If I ever do get around to making a Helene route, it would be after I've finished everything I had initially wanted to do with ATE (like making a v-poly route).

Note: A Helene route would most likely be set in an alternate universe because Helene's motivations in main ATE are not compatible with her eventually forming a romantic relationship with MC.

Can I romance Ædan?

Same as with the Helene route, minus the note because it's more plausible to have an Ædan route in the main ATE universe.

Can I still romance Cyfrin if I choose the Capital MC route or Ædric if I choose the Countryside MC route?

Unfortunately, no. As I said in a previous ask (link), Ædric is needed at the capital while Cyfrin is needed at the duchy so they won't have time to travel back and forth between the two locations throughout the story. MC will also be unable to travel back and forth because they will be too busy to do so.

Are the ROs gender selectable?

No, both Ædric and Cyfrin are set as male.

What are the main character customization options?

Gender (nonbinary, female, or male)

Titles (Laird/Lady/Lord, Princeps/Princess/Prince, and Sovereign/Queen/King)

Pronouns (with option to input custom pronouns)

Hair color (white included)

Hair texture

Hair length

Hairstyle

Eye color (gold included*)

Eye shape

Complexion

Height

*It will be possible to choose traits to have physical similarities with Helene; however, Helene will always look brighter than and outshine MC's appearance

How is Ædan and Ædric's relationship with each other?

The basic gist: link

How Ædan and Ædric were like when they were smol: link

How is Ædan's relationship with the rest of his stepfamily?

How Ædan feels about his half-siblings: link

How the younger half-siblings (Ræ, Mælianna, and Særina) feel about Ædan: link

The root of Ædan's indifference to his half-siblings: link

Ædan's feelings towards the happy Royal Family: link

If Ædric is better than Ædan, why didn't the king grant Ædric the title of Crown Prince from the start?

Answered here: link

Any lore about the magic in the world of ATE?

Right here: link & link

Helene's healing magic: link & link