BOEMI Ch 2

After the act, the heated air didn’t cool down easily. The heat and tension of the two entangled bodies lingered for a long time. Only their rough breathing broke the silence.454033fbc593fa66

Doyle, who had 285b4e9504 withdrawn from inside 3d8abeb3b5 the man, brushed de4e59252b back his fallen fd0a9205b2 hair. The man, who had 2df5d35b9d been seized by a a532cb032c mind-numbing pleasure, whimpered and ae322b5596 moved his lips.0c42e3c386b32a88

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Drink.”dfa3929a46c6eb0a

His partner, who didn’t hold back his sounds, always complained of thirst after sex. Knowing this, Doyle held out the cooled tea, and the man’s weakened hand took the cup.64af5bb12e79ca37

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As the man struggled 7ab0d914c0 to sit up and b24b69f994 drink the tea, Doyle 6f69a83753 took out a cigarette 9569cf046d and put it in 2128f51e58 his mouth.664ae6b4893cd4ea

He lit it, and e242ab6748 the familiar smoky scent e616c79662 filled his nostrils. Suddenly remembering a certain 64229c3f86 scent, Doyle rubbed the d349eedee5 area near his eyebrow 155dbba1b3 with his thumb knuckle.a455a7e6a4858723

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Don’t you think you pushed me too hard, saying it’s been a while?”7af14a78cdb253a9

The man, leaning against Doyle’s bare back, grumbled.ab356ca21891f995

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Despite being drenched in bc6de4cddf sweat, the man was 791a18af8a quite handsome. His dirty blonde hair 144f0fbadf with streaks of brown 80c2d08df0 and his high nose 87f191cf7c bridge provided a focus bc993a0058 to his otherwise vague b5e9b3dfae impression, and his full 2055346248 lips especially created a 201e621e10 sensual feeling.5dcac87f9cbca479

Instead of answering, Doyle turned his head and sucked on the man’s lower lip. Perhaps because of the tea he had gulped down, the lower lip, which he had been sucking and biting on, now tasted bitter.5028668598a71931

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Did I?”5b9a009dc8785eca

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. My backside still hurts. Are you going to take responsibility if I can’t walk tomorrow because of you? I have an appointment.”f803339f97af5140

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You don’t necessarily have to walk around, Henry. Your clients would rather spend time with you indoors.”4655038459c75e29

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. My clients prefer to go out with me by their side. Didn’t I tell you they go to different department stores every day of the week?”c6b81017367a6b06

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“That sounds like a shopping nightmare.”39f7d9649f676280

Half-heartedly agreeing with Henry’s complaints, Doyle took a deep drag on his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing. The cigarette after sex was like a drug. Nicotine coursed through his veins, awakening his mind, which had been consumed by excitement.7d266f92b1bf0563

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A department store… e9481bb99b Unlike Henry, Doyle e3efd2edf3 had few material 7d642deec6 desires. But what if what b86eb69395 they sold at the 6c385e90db department store was a a02dc9cbde nobleman like a Marquis? Doyle unconsciously f5a90e8ffe imagined a af9144cb62 Marquis displayed bbe65f24e4 in a ba1c8d20ec shop window 3994980586 and twisted 9051620a0b his lips.b85ed47f26579c95

Doyle, looking at the cigarette between his fingers, felt his head being pulled to one side. Henry’s reddened hand had grabbed his face.e2fa6635844ad817

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“So, you see, tomorrow I might meet a really big client. Just this once, come with me. Okay?”398d55aeaabe95a4

Henry pleaded with Doyle, 48dac92004 his eyes sparkling as 2e7728a192 if he had been 8425340ae8 waiting for this moment. Judging by the sudden 8405f24aa7 brightening of his face, bc87c9f7a4 he must have been 85e2a855eb holding back these words 918cbe6352 until now.ae16a8fcbd932e52

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle smiled, twisting one corner of his lips as usual. His neatly aligned teeth and the way his eyes narrowed slightly looked extremely seductive. Henry’s eyes became momentarily hazy, as if dreaming, at the sight of that decadent smile.851b410cada79f6c

“You want me to act like an Alpha and play escort?”d061b5b08f5e8619

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Escort? Not that tacky word again. It’s an escort service.”54ac9ddcc88af1f0

“Right, an escort service.”e3082efce2c4b0c6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle drank the rest of Henry’s tea in one gulp.c8c1a00c88963c13

As he had a11eac225d said, the act 0bb5f85e9e must have been 453b7f50a3 intense. Putting down the 328ff2d7f9 empty cup without c72870d012 hesitation, Doyle walked 3d3beeecf3 over and opened 77f14a8380 the small refrigerator.a52e9878fc0f0d60

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Unlike the 0437782a2b clothes rack 9a2779474f overflowing with 19b0cf1241 clothes and fa6a940912 accessories, the 1940612ff7 humming, dying c295f4424f refrigerator only fc39ea4739 contained beer 0a24002448 cans and bc6c9e094f two slices 4dd3bb7141 of pizza.ca275d53d4dc0bf9

Doyle took out a83c21ac2c a beer can da8f43ba40 and drank it 642c1231b6 like water. He grabbed another can d69d7eb3a1 and returned to the e7e698daa8 bed, and Henry quickly b859713062 snuggled into his arms.3c63dd4bd1beccb2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Anyway, those people know all about it and seek it out. Do real Alphas really date Betas like themselves unless they’ve been shot in the head? So, we’re kind of a win-win game for each other.”5bcaea7f58c8f5a2

Handing Henry, who 1bcc845485 was lying on 49bb2622c0 his lap, an 8b4fe53220 open can, Doyle ffaa011d69 looked at the bae577c9ce dressing table across 213047606b the bed.e20aaf1c791e1fcf

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Henry, who always 56bf8135cf enjoyed dressing up, 81313c9c67 seemed to be 038af9fd18 into perfumes lately. Glass bottles of similar f89393557d size but various shapes, 1753121a8a filled with colorful liquids, 3bf3dd0434 were displayed there. Doyle easily noticed a 814a91875c commonality among the perfumes.1a896cc463b84fd8

“So you were the one buying those Alpha pheromone perfumes.”269f6b3629a2a5f3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s a mix, you know. Who knows? Maybe a billionaire Omega will pass by, smell me, and cling to me.”9ca478f2f92aab5e

Henry rambled on, oblivious to Doyle’s smile turning strangely cold.7cae132cebdd8f31

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s only natural that Betas these days can’t escape being poor, so I have to try this hard to survive. Don’t you think so? I’m going to move to Los Angeles once I save up some money this time. Did I tell you about that plastic surgeon who does Alpha-like surgeries? I made an appointment for a consultation because the waiting list is five months long.”1c4908210a3507dd

What kind of surgery is an Alpha-like plastic surgery? He was curious but didn’t bother asking. A certain face flashed through his mind and then quickly disappeared.5179d96f7b684a0f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

As if his response wasn’t needed in the first place, Henry continued to chatter. Doyle emptied half the beer can in one go to quench his thirst.5371a745d6fbdc37

Henry, born a Beta, had long admired Alphas. He knew the plastic surgeon’s name by heart.60a90d9fddeb0653

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Right. Dr. Johansson.”c40f1a21edb2b1c0

“Oh, right. You remembered.”c6cfcf69526fa652

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Henry sat up and lightly kissed Doyle’s cheek. Then, putting his arm around Doyle’s neck, he pointed to the mirror facing the bed. Two naked men in the mirror were looking back at Doyle and Henry.13d1cf69dc7720eb

“Look, honey. We look like Alphas to anyone. Just shut up and come out with me for a day, okay?”41bb1e46af8c1ea0

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Instead of answering, Doyle finished the rest of his beer. He had no intention of denying Henry’s words. With his neat appearance and solid physique, Henry did look like a low-ranking Alpha.aa92d9a9655bd4f0

Doyle, who was 3d39a7df36 a handspan taller 8e80ed5668 than Henry and 69c75e8e91 had lean, toned 09b67b081c muscles, also rarely af118c1135 appeared as a 106f9cd9bb Beta among Alphas.000aab2ea2303a6a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The Asian 8497d5630a man in 611939fbce the mirror fb193cf47a spoke to bb11338a95 Henry.eb134629b1d7794a

“So? How much do you charge?”4ef1b7d7f99a6479

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Two hundred pounds just for a day’s escort. It’s a decent amount.”4bd4e4c26cdb50a1

“What if it goes all the way to sex?”1c311babfbde7d37

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Oh, you thought that far?”1eed7cd39feb1e52

Henry gave a sly smile and moved closer. He showed no shame, even though something whitish was dripping between his legs. Straddling Doyle’s thigh, Henry grinned, his cheekbones prominent.0087b6b8b8167b73

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“If we have sex, I can get at least six hundred.”2bac47673c7ec45e

“Hmm…”82957dbbd92c6ad8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s not a small amount, honestly.”1d91bcb512fa58d7

Doyle nodded halfheartedly. Anxious at his reaction, Henry settled down on Doyle’s lower body and stroked his sweaty chest with his palm. He traced the lean muscles and numerous scars on Doyle’s upper body and gently caressed his smooth skin along his well-defined collarbone. Doyle’s sweaty, smooth skin clung comfortably to his hand.0fe64883cbb59671

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

At Henry’s purposeful provocation, Doyle chuckled again. Licking Doyle’s pale chest, Henry looked up.8aff3a68224feace

Whenever he faced Doyle, 2c6073f57a whose inner thoughts were 8be5527c20 always hidden, Henry would dadc8ec98a cling to him and 69110aa04d pant like a dog 8c1ac2e7fe in heat. Today was no 4ea228f575 different.223f8df7d17cac0b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Shall we do it one more time? Six hundred pounds, I won’t charge you for that.”d8a977c06a226d61

Henry whispered, his eaab8ea82f voice now heated.f1cb13d3c8cfd4ab

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I think I should be the one receiving payment.”6812a2afd3389a39

Doyle replied in a 8236594bdc playful tone instead of 3457230e64 pushing Henry away.18c0fb2b0f6862b4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

At that moment, an old pop song started playing nearby. Henry, who had buried his face in Doyle’s neck and was licking his skin, was suddenly lifted into the air and gently laid down on the bed.dfc567f34192dc22

A strange look crossed Doyle’s face as he looked at the cell phone he had pulled out of his carelessly discarded pants pocket. Frustrated at the interruption in their passionate moment, Henry grumbled.0187e34478050930

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“What? Since when did you have the ringer on? Your ringtone is really funny. It’s always on vibrate. Who is it?”9c80a2fc64740655

“Ah.”8c4dfda4313137a8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yeah?”78cfbcb29475ff9e

“My client.”c1626c26bc6f1d9e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Client?”c2ce9ce26ec065cc

“Yes.”fb3c7041122a23cc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A client worth four hundred thousand pounds, which is incomparable to a measly six hundred pounds. At Doyle’s muttered words, Henry’s eyes widened in disbelief.e018beb0a799403d

🥝4b0d201d96b1e996

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“It’s a castle built in the 12th century. Thanks to good maintenance, every part of it is functioning perfectly. Behind the first-floor lobby we just passed through is the storage room, and up here on the second floor is the kitchen and dining room, so please come down during meal times. The resident staff usually stay in the second-floor rooms, but you will probably be staying on the fourth floor.”fc0e96fe5851477c

“What’s on the third floor?”112c868b01abd278

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“There’s a banquet hall and a drawing-room. There’s also a library where the Marquis’s family’s collection is displayed. If guests come from outside, they use the third-floor drawing-room. The Marquis mainly works on the fourth floor. His office, as well as his bedroom, is on the fourth floor. We’ll have to discuss it, but it would be best for you to stay in the fourth-floor guest room. It’s the closest to the bedroom.”4ff907ba1abce60a

Doyle, who had leaned f91d7438c1 out the open window, 19b7fea43d straightened up. The man, f1b644640c who had 50de51c56a seemed rather 85b1d79045 curt at 8a5a6bac76 first, finished c944295239 his detailed 4780546e8f explanation and 51882b089c was looking af659ffed9 at Doyle.ad466b1af9b8833f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Instead of checking the castle himself, Doyle simply pointed his index finger out the window with his fist clenched. It was a sign that he would look around. Vincent, who had been explaining the castle’s layout to Doyle, readily agreed and headed for the back door with him.a058e5db3394bd2b

“It’s like a maze.”24393229a0a0b7b4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

This was an impression 5a4d2664d6 he already had.51ad24e312070169

The stone 3e718a832f steps leading 397e8a2332 to the 8812effe53 back of de3e53a7f2 the castle 8e3e3818f1 were winding, 96788741f1 reminiscent of e34dec0048 a maze 8038dd1aca in a 7403ea1680 movie. Lights were 2073efb7b3 embedded in 180bca7f2f the massive 3bd23af642 stone walls, 64ee008f82 and the 0cb4f52495 stairs bore 713566a920 the marks 7b4fc59896 of time.adcba87489a2ec68

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Looking down from 0fcf66565b above, he could 37456b2fe7 see a small 17831f1165 courtyard and garden 455b3ed70d hidden discreetly where dcfabeb658 the stone steps 1e72cae538 ended. It was 1266b9e71e the place 658ed3ac9d where he ac2dbbba35 had spoken a48957c85c with Alexandra 48ca35b958 last time.87d1232e0de60895

“It’s also meant to prevent intruders from escaping easily.”92a4c253292000f7

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Doyle leaned against 57130aafc4 the stone railing 003be4b63a and looked around.58d5eb70c0dc4c8d

The backyard, covered with green grass, was quiet, well-maintained, and elegant. Not far away, a large lake shimmered under the sun. Small birds he couldn’t name were perched by the lake, drinking water and flapping their wings.2b810796c4e96f6e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Was the lake artificially created?”eb7bf8e2fa5e002b

There was once a trend among nobles to create artificial lakes near their castles. It was an easy deduction, given the lake’s considerable size despite the lack of any inflowing streams, but Vincent answered belatedly with a somewhat dubious expression.ee29df91854b40fd

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…Well, yes.”08a0306a4daf264a

Where the lake ended, a deep forest stretched out, seemingly endless at first glance. Doyle couldn’t hide his admiration for the scenery, which looked like something out of a movie.a132173605a99b47

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“This is what the authority of a great nobleman is like.”89498868ecc25de8

“It’s not a title that was maintained by sitting idly by like others.”86b0d869211ac06f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

A subtle pride resonated in Vincent’s voice. Doyle smiled, licking his lips, instead of replying. He couldn’t empathize with the sentiment typical of a retainer, but there was no need to point it out.ac19af0b356e5a5d

“What’s the likelihood of outsiders intruding through that forest?”76f112e7c8963a46

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Almost impossible. There’s an electric fence, of course, and where the private property ends, the fence is three meters high. Security cameras are installed every two meters, eliminating any blind spots. There are five security guards patrolling the estate twice a day. The patrol times change daily.”1bb31947e2ba6d96

“Not bad.”b0965fb2a70567bf

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It wasn’t just “not bad.” With the recent increased focus on security and surveillance systems, this estate would be the most heavily guarded in Britain, second only to the royal family’s.9f250dad32008b41

Vincent, who had been 9628f6e88d giving his explanation calmly, c3e42a94d5 narrowed his eyes.c87216f6c92dcfa5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Would it be alright if I took a look around the forest?”fba2f45e6ecc2499

“As you wish.”796cc003c7b577f5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Leaving behind Vincent’s somewhat curt reply, Doyle jumped over the railing, bypassing the stairs. Landing lightly like a stray cat, he surveyed his surroundings and started walking towards the forest.5a684191e0a22345

A refreshing, clear breeze from the forest tickled his cheeks. Turning his back on Vincent, who was probably glaring at him, Doyle waved his hand. He could almost hear Vincent’s sarcasm carried on the wind.03d4e4cc1b57fdac

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

With every gust of wind, silver ripples appeared and disappeared on the lake’s surface. The pouring sunlight shimmered along the waves as if alive.4ef35d5560fba33d

Looking impassively at the 7e815de0c7 scenery that changed shape f07aa2bab6 with every fleeting moment, 9dae267840 Doyle walked towards the 2faaab6e8f forest.ade505c736cfc72d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The forest, densely populated with trees as thick as a person’s embrace, provided shade from the pouring sunlight with just one step inside. A light breeze rustled the leaves, creating a secretive sound as they brushed against each other.693695badb0771a2

Doyle followed the 96c846103d narrow path that 093043bedc cut through the 0d46d7c978 forest. The growing undergrowth brushed d5042f99cc against his ankles.7bd39867eee0cff0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

After walking a certain distance into the forest from the entrance, Doyle stopped and looked back. Was it because of its exposure in the news and various media? Strangely, the scenery wasn’t unfamiliar.7bfba4d77441ae04

The sight 79c5e083d4 of the dbdcfa2e15 castle standing bb17250e57 tall among 2b7c9bfa62 the densely d14a03e83e packed trees dbb2a3a6d7 caught his 4d16b9abee eye. The majesty of ee744bee14 the castle, which e6b4b8b758 had stood for 8eecb09548 centuries, was as 5127631933 if time had 539b7c7227 bypassed it.bc36fb66564f6daa

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Unlike himself, 75ff04f9b2 whose origins 0fd4decf3d and background ff272e22ac were ambiguous, 6d10672990 the thought 0d095d8d60 that some 64f0fb313e nobles were c2ffe1b4b6 born, raised, 50c688175f and lived 34cf234edf in a 76658668df castle that fec0dd1969 was their 39e66803b7 identity gave 07e09cb18a him a 9bc4865aff strange feeling.d53bd6c48fe5bc37

Doyle didn’t have parents. He wasn’t born from a vending machine, so he must have had biological parents, but Doyle had been aware since a very young age that there were no people in the world he could call parents.df1f0a938b3b2c5c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Passing by moss-covered, decaying 17e905c409 trees and rocky paths, 20ce31e103 Doyle ventured deeper into b35e4944c4 the forest and thought fc11919b6d about the two sons fe437ff403 of the Enox family.c1a7c185308285d3

The affection 601f34c732 the two 628680cd9b blood relatives, 104755d1a5 who shared 3217435d0d platinum blonde 5bcbc3501a hair that 8e8f0eea3f shimmered faintly 89b0fc6456 as if 1fcfb75a6a silver had 3dd1cec69a been applied b72a34c1ea to strands 7e69417efd of gold eae9d5bc08 thread, seemed dfbc1f6b55 genuine. Their existence 6aea57217a was too 65f5c17a06 insignificant for 13d854d58e them to 476f5f5abb bother feigning 83f89eeb92 it for ed4b7691cc Doyle.f735b70c6cdb011c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Even the bastard child born outside is a dominant Alpha… Lucky.’e45a16e1625a4475

Doyle had gathered 8e0aae0e85 a lot of 162326e5e0 information about the 28421dc3d6 Enox family before 90530ec8e7 kidnapping the Marquis.0d0cf759b5b62534

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

With Alexandra’s cooperation, he was able to easily obtain almost confidential information about the Marquis. The car he drove, his usual routes, even the function of his wristwatch. It was information only his closest associates would know.0601e7cd7a7e27ac

After easily completing the information gathering on the Marquis, Doyle started to investigate Alexandra’s background through Rex. Investigating a client before accepting a request wasn’t uncommon in the mercenary world, but Doyle always investigated his clients’ backgrounds.4a6f4f0f2e5288b7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘His eyes must resemble his mother’s.’ed7ea41b6335cde5

Alexandra, the platinum-haired Alpha who had approached Doyle, was the previous Marquis’ illegitimate child. In fact, it was easy to deduce even without investigating. Alexandra was the only one in the Enox bloodline with red eyes.f9c794c2b8fbeef8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle recalled a 7c7b009bd8 photograph of the 63b836d501 previous Marquis. Cold blue 3e445952e0 eyes that 46a4adee90 felt chilling 9013444f63 just to 41a57b2d0e look at 60d8288201 were passed d1cec0f2d8 down only 63e78ea6c8 to the 57cdbf2953 eldest son, 752d625872 but the 84ecf559b3 platinum blonde 71d12c5152 hair, characteristic a2a1b49968 of the 146296d67b Enox family, b30f341728 seemed to 2790c78928 be shared c77124fb5f equally by dbaca0ce48 the two f223db9427 children.843f406001948dda

The current 6602e670a4 Marquis was ee882bf234 twenty-nine this e0179e06f0 year, and ba8a3745c2 Alexandra was 61c785fde7 four years 8e048ebdda younger, at 4155509534 twenty-five.72c0e47cced7eb5e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Twenty-nine and twenty-five. Young if 1ca60dc995 you consider 5fcc8a7cd6 them young, 3b5aa8b7c9 old if b0e73b5a08 you consider 8bd0d860f0 them old. Doyle thought of the e931e409ac mercenaries who had been 5cd5c90917 shot or crippled at af9a3c642b a younger age than c7bf111ba2 them. Most of them were 3aad78d857 recessive Alphas born into 6e46a1a309 families lacking financial resources.9ed2e4077648acfd

In the present age, social hierarchy was determined by traits. If you were a dominant Alpha or could emit pheromones comparable to a dominant Alpha, you could change your origins, but the opposite was true if you weren’t.dd9465e70290c67d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

It had been a 6795c6a613 long time since recessive ce6e11b637 Alphas, slightly better than f2051840dd Betas, became a social 01a079324e nuisance.3d489d4731c0a09b

The more recessive the Alpha, the more irregular and unstable their pheromones. Their rut cycles were often unpredictable. Recessive Alphas who couldn’t find an Omega during their cycle often caused incidents and accidents due to their inability to control their violent tendencies.c79da8022b39367c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

What would have happened if they were dominant Alphas, or if they were born as children of the Marquis’s family…?532e51f26f53a3f5

Traits didn’t end with manifestation. They had their pheromone levels checked annually until their traits stabilized, and only after maintaining a certain concentration of pheromones in each cycle were they classified as ‘dominant.’27fd134aeb64a856

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Even if both parents a449ffacb2 were dominant Alphas or f173145f57 dominant Omegas, it was c703ae77ae difficult for all their 4da0df974d children to be classified 01d9b6e90e as dominant. The previous Marquis had fa3d25441f achieved this difficult feat, 8a88913408 so even though he 1d3c3cc10e died at a young e33d27959c age, he lived a 935699e192 life that others would 22354948d4 envy.8204bd1efd42b75a

Moreover, although 2f7c673882 their title 19143d01e0 was below 7b546fbb53 Duke in d96850e347 the hierarchy, ab98716f95 few families fd5c647327 in Britain cedcd2f083 could surpass af71b7efa3 their influence.ddb95272b1a11d56

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘But neither of them seemed like ordinary nobles.’c3d44f7ec78263c6

Britain was a country 6bd29bfce5 where remnants of the bf3e74eeac feudal system remained. To inherit an 340baf9bef existing title, one e0a9c0ac6e had to manifest d0913a5fcc as a dominant 41514fccc2 Alpha.e35edd33a1527e65

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

We are born of c3ef4610ed noble blood and experience df0782edbe two births.7cc9c930545d4792

This sentence f9353062ff was recited 3ff0d618b4 like a 5533a13e56 prayer among 5122b7b0aa British Alphas. Naturally, their 8b5d1e1933 pride and 7378612db4 arrogance were 4fd38bc118 unmatched by c7789fcd9c dominant Alphas d788b56254 of any 03a27c581d other country.0d80996800e3d42d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

However, the Marquis and Alexandra, whom Doyle had met, showed different behavior from other nobles. They didn’t treat non-trait holders like invisible people, nor did they behave arrogantly or authoritatively. The Marquis, especially, still maintained his aristocratic manners even with Doyle, who was constantly pushing the boundaries.9112e668c4c58560

He was clearly thinking about Alexandra, but the Marquis had somehow occupied Doyle’s mind. Doyle simply summarized the reason.0c09d8781a8666d4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“His face is really my type.”996f3084a3b03098

Most beautiful and a53511e660 handsome things in 5204bea359 the world are 2310d135c4 trait holders. It was one of 98311c7cb7 the reasons why life 23e3dda129 was so painful for 16bfa39768 Doyle, who was obsessed be923bad26 with beauty.33b0ff392177c1cd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The Marquis’ sculpted face, which could be called the epitome of a dominant Alpha, flickered before his eyes.9eac25f8291c053a

His high nose bridge, ebe9f752c9 lean cheeks that clearly a164650695 revealed the contours of 59f6883574 his strong jawline, smooth a5342a4516 platinum blonde hair that 6f47201665 seemed to slip through 48e307a15a his fingers, and intense 36f7ca8cd0 blue eyes…50a6ecb800b467b8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Every time Doyle faced the Marquis’s face, he was seized by a premonition that he would never meet a more perfect ideal type again. It was a very sad premonition for Doyle, who never engaged in even casual relationships with dominant Alphas.0f1e66e5902e90fe

Thinking about Alexandra and 0773bc55fb the Marquis as he e1f1913d52 walked, he arrived at 078a732424 his destination sooner than f170b42702 expected.ac5dd744e1e1ac4b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He stopped in 8593415e94 front of the 17aaca0c83 electric fence that 46fef9ea7f Vincent had mentioned, 4db8a1fe31 which ran through d3e5b87959 the forest. This was the reason 8d7509cbdb he had specifically sought baaabb9398 out the forest.63c88b82f8faed39

Doyle rarely believed what 21cbe42c51 others said, except for e64c075df0 a few people he 3617bce735 trusted. Moreover, he had 805d7ec428 a compulsive habit 4517367d27 of confirming things f92271cac6 related to his 3f351dfffc work with his e9b6c5291b own eyes.b2c79bbe949a493b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

His gaze scanned 8c8c6edce5 the poles fixed b7d4645556 to the ground 62d921f1d2 at regular intervals 10c10fc8eb and the metal 0a40cea683 fence connecting them. It was then, as 3947d44514 he reached out to 978b7242be the fence without hesitation, 1f180a6cbf that—a673583c01841ec0

Bang, bang!105eb2b642882633

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Two gunshots 8b6b98851b echoed through f9fa57a819 the forest.7ff9db3a12151ef5

Doyle, who had lowered his stance even before the first gunshot ended, narrowed his eyes sharply. The gunshots definitely came from nearby. Doyle drew his Glock from its holster, concealed himself behind a tree, and surveyed his surroundings. Doyle’s ears, on high alert, picked up an approaching sound.949c6d47cbaa67a8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Crackle, crackle, 6a9efd0164 crackle… The d53bd9547b rhythmic sound e8b4e07fbc was closing 52c583a87f the distance f3a5d45094 between him ebbd78f69a and Doyle.6bf44f06609977bd

Doyle took a breath, his finger on the trigger. Despite the surprise attack, the opponent hadn’t fired at him. It was important to grasp the situation first.280580e55396155f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Doyle raised his voice 5e25e9cc72 and addressed the other 7ad9f79fc9 person.fa0cfa9fa955ca7b

“This is the private property of the Marquis of Enox. Are you lost?”878b4813b1a79ed8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“….”47d29d2416cc9ab9

“If you want to hunt, you’d better go to another forest. I’ll pretend I didn’t see you if you run away now.”169685a420a0aa42

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Even though they must have heard Doyle’s voice, the opponent didn’t respond. After a brief sigh, Doyle shoved his gun into his back pocket and slowly emerged from his hiding place. A strange smile played on Doyle’s lips as he identified the man he faced.c7773d70e898cefb

“Your Majesty.”c884e2a60e39485c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Doyle bent 377d12777a his knee 495700dd26 and lowered e4b8e78276 his arm 4f5576da0d in a cd8dab4f50 gesture of 734b0b7b7e respect towards 45a5e234c4 the Marquis, 5ffd643a77 who was e3662a67d6 on horseback.af88454b9db97ca4

The Marquis’s eyes narrowed momentarily at the exaggerated gesture, then returned to their usual composure.82f9c94dc38547b9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What are you doing here?”cc5dec40ba49c3d8

“Hmm, I have a hobby of bushcraft.”5664dd5d8f717fbb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“….?”8462d67c59e5ef9f

Bushcraft was a 290b5a5d12 popular outdoor activity fad7346734 in Britain, where 4f30d65818 children under 10 32a1edeed7 gathered to learn ce581bc85f things like making 722d3e31c7 fire and finding 4fce80f7c8 water.930aae58d1c42a73

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A faint smile touched the corners of the Marquis’s lips at the utterly unserious reply. It was surprisingly cute. To think he could be cute while riding a horse and holding a gun. As expected, the world is a better place with handsome people. Doyle took out the Glock tucked into his back pocket and holstered it as he approached the Marquis.b8e512bd2f09d376

“You’re not very cautious. Isn’t it basic military training to avoid approaching someone with a gun?”2bb6caf8934c13c6

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Should I be wary of the Marquis?”5aa641a73faf34ad

“It’s wise to be careful since guns have no eyes.”cf277afeb03f1038

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You’re right. Guns have no eyes. But it’s also true that this gun currently has no bullets.”152fc51692f8cd12

“….”f19bbaacbc3286e6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“This is the first time I’ve seen one in person. I’ve always wanted to see one. A Sidelock Double Rifle?”7b3c6d4aaf9ec203

Doyle, examining the gun in the Marquis’s hand, asked, “…Is that so?”ab4f48fbfbdff0bd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The barrel, meticulously e9fbd8fa3c crafted from luxurious d4941b089e wood and adorned 0b996dda06 with metal embellishments, 9c92129a15 looked like the 96ea5fab92 cover of a 9f3fc2ef46 hunting magazine, simply 771e1a1d0c by being held 65b7c23120 by the Marquis 5d794c265a in his hunting ce29a63be2 attire.d08381826fecc600

As Doyle 9df37d72ac moved closer 8ec60d7834 to get 7247b224b7 a better 7bb80bdb93 look at 9acf04f819 the gun, 1dbf89502e the black 339aeec1c6 horse carrying 7d59ab5419 the Marquis 633cf08cff snorted.135b2eb026d81f40

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Hey, buddy. You’re carrying quite a handsome fellow. I’m almost getting jealous.”ae30da47ba6f50ff

It was a remark with a peculiar nuance. The Marquis frowned at Doyle’s flippant attitude, but made sure his horse didn’t kick or bite Doyle.952742dcaa98055d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

His horse, though a well-trained steed, was sensitive after the gunshots. It wasn’t a good time to pretend to be familiar with a stranger.a94580333ed277da

However, contrary to the Marquis’s concerns, Doyle extended his hand lower than the horse’s nose, letting it sniff, and stepped out from behind the shaft so the horse could see him clearly. Greeting the horse in a low voice was also a common practice among those who handled horses.5538bba721b9e052

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The horse, which had been snorting, pacing, and showing signs of stress, touched its nose to Doyle’s hand and sniffed. The Marquis’s gaze, focused on the horse’s behavior, naturally fell on Doyle’s hand.eeae41e99457706b

The back 6670b85d42 of his c097a49151 hand, tanned 96f0e1b603 like his 2c25ea2f58 face, was 4dd32f9c98 covered in 25fc00755e small scars. The horse, ffae0a7c0d after smelling 8ffaa3aba2 Doyle, stuck 629dcedf1c out its 5c7d94dad5 long tongue 7d3baba607 and licked aaaa428198 his hand.c2e1edd5c76759ce

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Doyle stroked the horse’s cheek without any sign of displeasure, even though it wasn’t licking him cutely like a dog or a cat.7ded32f0a5c2e20d

“Was the Marquis hunting? It doesn’t seem like you’ve caught anything yet. Were you about to catch me instead?”b7bc6a1ad03bc860

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The hand, slick with saliva, stroked the horse’s glossy cheek.b222fc0a9149e43b

The Marquis finally spoke in response to Doyle’s playful question. The inside of his collar felt particularly constricting. He always felt breathless like this when he faced the man. Dismounting his horse, the Marquis grasped the reins.4713e51329be60c3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You seem a bit too heavy to be caught.”cc51132afec6dbd6

“Oh, should I start managing my weight from today if I want to be caught by the Marquis? I’d be a bit lighter if I took off my coat. Let me know if you’re interested. It’s nice weather for it.”cd9ff763a1226cd8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You should watch your words.”591b5fc333c5866e

As soon as Doyle’s teasing words ended, the Marquis started to retort but then firmly closed his mouth. Doyle, who had been stroking the horse’s soft fur, belatedly looked up at the Marquis’s face.6caf10e6822c058c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Watch my words?”b7d74b78e1bd5b79

“…Let’s return to the castle.”59163d0a930e0d42

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Is there something wrong with my words?”69a6547a0dc04a17

The Marquis pulled on d96f18b96c the reins and started 0af3cc5b7f walking quickly, as if 521eb26a58 avoiding something.44f88b91b7950d52

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Doyle scratched his cheek f4297a3d90 and followed leisurely behind 9c0323ff10 the Marquis. Even while leading the 2f32464139 horse, his pace was 2bf81c1951 quite fast. Doyle, making sure not 950abbb2d4 to lose the Marquis b79499ff04 in the unfamiliar forest, 2f7a2e8736 picked up his pace 942627fb0d and chattered.deb4d7219d6e3d38

“I meant I was going to take off my clothes, not you, Marquis. Was that also considered flirting?”8d0ec4952b61b616

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“That’s not something pleasant to hear either.”e4b80e70937b6c87

“Strange. I’m not so indecent that taking off my jacket would be considered obscene.”c266bba78be2620e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“The castle is this way.”3fad3465e26dbe99

“By any chance, Marquis.”db7ecc5f7482ebf5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“….”8b004487d0b59c8a

“Is the Marquis having indecent thoughts?”ce3e0bf512cd7f34

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The Marquis, who had been walking ahead, stopped abruptly. Doyle, who almost bumped into the Marquis’s back, barely managed to stop in time and stared at the Marquis’s broad back.03f64a102fb07942

His slender waist, 8bc91252f5 contrasted by his 84937514a3 straight shoulders and 14fe22f9f6 upright posture, made cd95cff516 the Marquis appear 43b0e136a9 even larger. Even from behind, 27c18d9628 he was certainly 6773a746a2 a delectable sight.a2c2d8e49b8221cd

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle, still admiring the Marquis’s back, smiled, his eyes crinkling, as he made eye contact with the Marquis, who had turned around. It was a smile he reflexively made whenever he tried to hide the lewd thoughts in his head.c30e960182bae88a

“I meant you should refrain from words and actions that could be misinterpreted by others.”254d09a06cb5d751

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The Marquis, as 26500f530f if holding back ed1e69f57e what he wanted c973b6815d to say, gave 4d3332a608 a short warning 01397a38a3 and then firmly 6a1f5ae1aa closed his mouth. Judging by his a7e51848fd tightly pursed lips, a2c2d2bb53 he clearly wanted db23927dfc to say something 88297575d1 else, but the 1746483b99 way he held e11a51e626 back was both 6d0d37d344 strange and amusing.164d6ae3d4900344

A nobleman holding back his words… It was similar to Britain without its rainy season.c5c14b4c6006c38b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle and the Marquis, standing side by side, were quite close. The sunlight, filtering through the leaves, shimmered like a veil over the Marquis’s fair skin. The man holding the reins in the mystical forest was overwhelmingly alluring.4c7681ce3f847071

“Marquis. There’s something I haven’t told you…”78740d994749979d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Doyle took a step closer to the Marquis. He was close enough to touch the Marquis’s cheek if he reached out.ed9881d0b4acd99a

Gazing into ff93552fb8 the brilliant cf31a29e1d blue eyes 03df0de8dd looking back 8544d917e6 at him, 7fd28e0fbb Doyle parted c0938031eb his lips. The Marquis 31bca6722a swallowed his 3031b174b0 words in 4a2be12d64 front of bdb118d19f the man, 16524c9b0e but what ff2d3b4e9c Doyle usually 0a356e65e0 swallowed in d3f59be1bc front of f41e3bf6dd the man 0992c9a259 was of c38bed8f09 a different d9e45971a0 kind.d148ff393e6a0990

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I have a tendency to do exactly what I’m told not to.”801d7c2a5b68dc9a

“Mr. Doyle.”a828145226a62e45

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The Marquis’s voice lowered in warning. The voice that penetrated his ears, though restrained, only stirred other desires. Ignoring the Marquis’s warning, Doyle placed his hand over the Marquis’s hand holding the reins.30ad98cd7df7d6e8

The Marquis was more than a handspan taller than Doyle, who was over six feet tall. Doyle looked up, close enough to smell the Marquis’s scent, and whispered in a low voice, as if sharing a very intimate secret. The Marquis’s flickering gaze rested on Doyle’s lips.91dae3a8d4920e42

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Please don’t order me to refrain from anything. I think I’ll get aroused every time you do that.”b01cba993c1397ef

The man’s hand, with its thick knuckles and prominent veins, suddenly tightened its grip on the reins. Even with the sudden pull, the well-trained horse only snorted softly.d51ba346bc329cf1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Feeling the Marquis’s gaze, as if it would devour him, Doyle smiled deeply. Troublingly, his teasing of the innocent Marquis was becoming increasingly genuine. Just as he was about to lean back to maintain some distance, Doyle slowly blinked.bb221f03c340b5ab

“Mr. Doyle.”b42e3ccb4ac981f0

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Doyle looked alternately at the Marquis’s thick arm tightly wrapped around his waist and the Marquis’s almost stoic face. Then he tilted his head slightly. His slightly long hair fell along with his movement.6dd765b1098c6fb1

“I don’t care if you get aroused or wet your pants. So from now on…”cdee34c4bc8e0a56

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Something hard and long pressed against Doyle’s solar plexus. Doyle was filled with cold, blue eyes. The simmering blue eyes cooled like a midwinter blizzard.2ca03d5f93402a98

“Let’s always maintain this much distance. If you don’t like that, quit guarding me immediately.”33b44ef1c14cfef3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The Marquis released Doyle’s waist, which he had been holding firmly, tucked the hunting rifle he had been pressing against Doyle’s chest under his arm, and turned around. His attitude showed that he would not tolerate any objections.fd14ecad660413e1

Doyle, who had momentarily erased his expression, let out a low chuckle. The Marquis’s warning, much like its owner, was incredibly charming.087c65135ec22d24

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As the 56cbb718a6 Marquis started 18049cba20 walking ahead 09a81a2c55 and quickened 8841ccf5fd his pace, c1660a310d Doyle had 5005cf4f90 to practically 6b7320974c run to b21e18b941 keep up. Watching the Marquis striding c15bd7bc9e through the forest with 162e2860dc the horse elegantly swaying c662c2a6b1 its tail, Doyle thought 8944251511 for a moment.f00be5f9fa429a8b

‘Why isn’t he riding the horse?’89ff4a5066601869

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

It had taken 88a806ec54 at least thirty f10b11d269 minutes to walk 9e3eecb1e1 to the edge a6ad001cc9 of the forest. It was partly c26584dff4 because it was b0d2324ea0 his first time c39ea3d6b6 on the path, 46e5da3463 but even at 210da42185 a brisk pace, 3859ef8176 it would take 0388e2ba29 another twenty minutes 287a1f3fcb to get out 757f7b53c9 of the forest.6e2eb659c063346d

If he rode 8869de3a8f the horse, they d95b36d2b5 could reach the ae6e7a34fc castle quickly, but ae96f3c3b1 the Marquis was 556200d6be walking alongside the 6f9ec3684b horse, an excellent 7896bb6abe means of transportation. It was excessively f991b969d7 inefficient, even if 7614a09ce4 it was considered a4956cad3f cardio. However, instead of dc4c8241d4 asking the reason, de049e5f8c Doyle opened his 747b2242e0 mouth with a 73419dd87c different question.61e9db48e7a5ce82

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“If you weren’t hunting, were you patrolling all the way here yourself, Marquis? Since it’s related to your protection, I would appreciate it if you could answer this.”7e59de08eb3a408d

The Marquis, as if he heard Doyle’s voice from quite a distance, slowly stopped walking. A brief silence followed.2891204d31a864c5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…There are many wild animals around here, and some get caught in the electric fence. If I shoot the gun occasionally, they tend to avoid this area. It’s a nuisance.”11086a6cfd4eecf9

This was why he hadn’t seen any hunting dogs or bags for game from the beginning. Doyle, taken aback by the unexpected reason, hesitated and then followed the Marquis again.7abd6ec8db54abff

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He thought he had 8b8d360499 met countless nobles and fd76aef32c dominant Alphas, enough to d7b8eda7af make him sick of 7d4aef002b them, but he had 0c2e973b52 never met anyone like a53a95a787 the Marquis.27697d6b90d28ada

From what 354fb8abdb he had f1105f0ff2 observed so f34f35ad01 far, Cassian f4e32e734d Enox, called 4fa2ce7469 the Grand d5d0c98754 Marquis, was 27540566e6 extremely rational f605cfb1ca yet simultaneously 7f6a0e5848 inefficient. He was 91791a24c2 truly a f7792cb567 unique individual, 19e5cd492e formed by a24c877781 a strange 76164d7c8c combination of 5068e13818 traits.4930086fa64ff1a0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Well, I’m not entitled to interfere with the Marquis’s work, but I would appreciate it if you could let me know in advance when you leave the castle.”6585f34ccf313ae2

At Doyle’s polite tone, the Marquis glanced at him. Though he didn’t answer, Doyle saw him subtly nod and smiled, twisting one corner of his lips.40c4a158de81a204

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

They returned, walking side 97943bb3c4 by side with the ded8ab6e8b horse between them, and 3ed5a82401 were greeted by Percival, f05517b718 who introduced himself as 2c2db5be65 the butler of Enox f0b4b8010d Castle.81664f94d23d8678

Unlike Vincent, who was as large as the castle’s pillars, the elderly man was frail, as if he would be blown away by the wind, but his voice, eyes, and gait were impeccable.df7e268630d3f339

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Percival looked displeased at the sight of the Marquis’s hunting rifle and horse, but perhaps mindful of Doyle, he refrained from making unnecessary remarks. Both Vincent and Percival seemed more wary of Doyle than he had expected.b3d65cbabf84c342

Percival’s unwelcoming attitude towards Doyle continued. When the Marquis told him to give Doyle the antechamber of the fourth-floor bedroom, Percival practically glared. Then he started whispering to the Marquis.44f528303c3bd4cc

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The problem was that Percival’s whispering, despite being hard of hearing, was far too loud to be considered a whisper.0b760a550fa6ed54

“What makes you trust him enough to let him use the antechamber? Marquis, this won’t do! Have him use one of the other servants’ rooms on the second floor. I’d better guard your bedroom, Marquis!”17cd60780baaf8bc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Percival.”27bcff73880af045

“I understand that Lady Alexandra recommended him. That’s why you need to keep a closer eye on him.”815abbb4d1198c91

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Since the Marquis hadn’t clearly explained his 38-hour disappearance, Percival was extremely on edge.f981b7a19cd28a25

At first, he blindly 8b41b8ec02 believed the Marquis and 3df4f702bd thought Doyle had rescued 6600086420 him, but the more 3aee7951e1 he thought about it, b6939974f1 the more suspicious it dfb393c04a seemed.b16b40b5331da282

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Moreover, upon learning that Alexandra had recommended Doyle, Percival was almost at the point of a nervous breakdown. That’s why he was speaking so freely, saying things he wouldn’t normally say in front of an outsider.ef1ea90c6446da78

The Marquis called Percival’s name in a low voice, as if mindful of Doyle. Percival glanced at Doyle and muttered again.8947a3658f73d7dc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Please, at least until his identity is confirmed, let him stay on the second floor.”f7b3fd8779fe7e29

It’s not like he was badmouthing him behind his back… Doyle, resting his arms on the horse’s back, watched the conversation between Percival and the Marquis, then lost interest.9b4248e7deb6fffa

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He could understand the butler’s position. Doyle and his mercenary group were indeed a shabby choice for the Grand Marquis to employ. Doyle recalled Alexandra’s words.2fffef50aff349b9

— It has 46496cbbe0 to be you.21f3e7bf37f76bad

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Alexandra had said this to Doyle’s second question. It had to be Doyle.b35219ba32392e11

Although she had simply referred to “us” in front of the Marquis, the person Alexandra had specifically pointed out was Doyle.14ae8cee1acc2f7e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Alexandra hadn’t revealed the reason, which ultimately led Doyle to take the drastic measure of ‘kidnapping the Marquis.’ And Doyle had vaguely found the answer in the Marquis’s attitude towards him.719c592af3faabb4

“Percival. Aren’t you falling asleep too early to guard my bedroom? Lately, you seem to be dozing off even before nine o’clock.”333280a21f6e5732

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Marquis!”dd06182df80c1a16

“If he’s going to use it anyway, it’s better for him to get used to it from the beginning. Show him to the room. Mr. Doyle. Percival will lead the way, so follow him.”e0c863f33f336b28

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As if bec5d07803 to avoid 6113f0da95 further objections, c94d3d9261 the Marquis 89a38219f1 left a 46c812d8b5 firm statement 9848b14145 and turned 2529f70570 around. He seemed to be d84045478a taking the horse to fb3a8a6d2f the stable. Even that was something 24d4abc17b he could have ordered 39625f9292 a servant to do.4c8b7ff076c8bb1d

Doyle watched the Marquis’s receding figure, then suddenly felt a gaze and turned around. There, the elderly man was glaring at him with blazing eyes.1441b880e98cfbe4

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“There’s no attached bathroom to the antechamber, so if you want to use a bathroom, come down to the second floor and use the shared bathroom. We discuss the Marquis’s schedule every day at 11 pm in my office, with Vincent. The Marquis usually goes to bed at midnight and wakes up at 5 am, so please adjust your schedule accordingly.”11c090f904a01d89

Percival stood in a0110113d2 front of the f699b0dc4a elevator doors, adorned 4a5736311a with ornate carvings 6e206087fd and stained glass. He said he 8ba5b32bf6 preferred the elevator 9967345076 to the stairs b8e4866198 after his knee 0e2b4fb538 surgery a few d022c57425 months ago.73e25d7dffed83b6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The elevator doors opened, revealing a classic interior. Percival, already inside the elevator, grasped the golden handle on the front panel and moved it to the number ‘4.’ With a feeling of weightlessness, the elevator started moving silently.3a89a2a0fbad6343

“Whew, an elevator inside the castle. Amazing.”66329dda8a15bb59

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“The Marquis had it installed after learning about my knee condition.”adc862ef2a60a3c0

Even his curt tone couldn’t hide his affection for the Marquis.d81f6b18888d6ad0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle, looking at the b6f4ce7a28 back of the old d4e8e13ad9 man, who was a 720ea5d329 head shorter than him, df014a0162 recalled his words.caebd0369496010d

The butler’s words implied that he should be more wary because Alexandra had sent Doyle. Despite the affection between blood relatives, was Alexandra’s position within the Enox family unstable for its retainers?33d471cba1fb6a4d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As Doyle 6fb1789613 thought about 60aa9ebf39 the two 24fcb7ddc9 sons, similar 91da7b0a3f yet dissimilar, deb185452a the elevator d0fa0c63fd stopped with c58f45d999 a cheerful bf9b891348 chime.66ba82a81e7a2590

“This way.”d5536288379e562b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Normally, Vincent should have 45473a45f9 guided him through the 11887f4e57 castle, but because Doyle 8fa64df183 had abruptly run off d00ac35742 to the forest, Percival 87f9573713 was leading him around 59531c06f2 the fourth floor.bdedb2580cc35521

He walked 73bba50576 with a 785b8f4215 remarkably straight 5b64b7d2ab posture, unimaginable e58d1edc5d for an 7668bf12d0 old man 4dcec00f87 who had b3cf41955d undergone knee ff2b71c53e surgery a f9793db466 few months 4832b82d01 prior.a2bbb67353faf018

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“This is the guest room on the fourth floor. It’s usually locked because it’s reserved for family members or very important guests, not outside visitors. And this is the Marquis’s office where he usually spends his time. The office is connected to the Marquis’s bedroom through this door.”0bf11c79c6a00d85

Percival walked 0bb7fe7ee4 down the 60d5a88530 hallway, explaining 8a0b8eb9d9 the purpose 90df5011ff of each 614bff4da9 room.aeae4d8d8b8089b7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Even while listening to Percival’s explanation, Doyle checked the routes an intruder could take to escape and the large windows a sniper might target from inside. If he found a wall with irregularities, he asked if there was a space behind it.dc7eee05cb554f50

Percival’s wariness towards Doyle subsided somewhat as he observed him carefully examining everything, despite his casual appearance, by the time they reached the Marquis’s bedroom.54570922e4b1ec6f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Entering the Marquis’s bedroom following Percival, Doyle couldn’t hide his admiration.e3fcd16eb5238f30

It was a 189e12d67d dignified space, almost 44430363ab too good to 489861341c be used just 42820bf924 as a bedroom. It had been 84ad4173d5 a while since 103360c5ff he felt overwhelmed 39b3c4900a by a space.34ecc1a16496e978

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle walked into the 3da8e3840b unoccupied bedroom and examined 952999cc31 the interior. It was ec1a6a10c6 as spacious faea1940bd as the 45525a1225 living room 57e6458791 of the 5ab905ad18 old mansion 090a121a6f occupied by dadd1b929b Peachblossom.e2019c3e14018d7b

The fourth floor, unlike 1581d3c5ab the other floors, had 17599432b0 particularly high ceilings. The windows c06666ca61 installed by 0279108a01 the windows 0bfdef2cca were correspondingly b1d163e699 high. It seemed like b8f5c97bf5 he would wake c2b729c7d9 up naturally when f9c6e6fc71 the sun rose, b65f48a22f even without an 59ffc92a9e alarm.32217d7a40c4bd1f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

In the middle 7a7731f754 of the bedroom 28b400c350 was a large f3bc486681 wooden bed, big 165fd664cb enough for three fe2fbfbfd7 adult men to 5bd44c0612 roll around on, c16b955aad and near the c298546420 bed were a 98294c3552 classic sofa and f2b6a987f1 a fireplace. Perhaps because the 70de5498e8 bedroom was large, 4bd3c78328 the fireplace was 46bf7330bb also quite large.e9bf2036dc535c60

Percival continued to 819b84be79 explain the framed 80b9ea49c7 pictures on the a57c3dd03a bedroom wall and a4fe1f7a82 the antique wooden f78b4e6e7e furniture that bore de0675b34c the marks of 37a057f94b time. Doyle nodded absentmindedly and 891f957fa7 thought.3626868c98e1e085

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘It’s the perfect bedroom to get sniped in.’de0842ee4bb6fe9d

Standing near the 6b4ba90fb8 bed and looking ec120f4d52 out the window, 63da34605a he could see 70082efa41 the forest behind b6e225aa24 the castle at 59112bcf5c a glance.70a80b806f083664

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The distance from where the forest began to the castle was about a fifteen-minute walk by Doyle’s pace. It probably wasn’t even two kilometers in distance.8cf8c468ce1723b1

‘It’s not impossible to aim at the bedroom from the forest…’19439d7a81a7e0e1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Some renowned snipers could kill their targets from a distance of over two kilometers. It was possible that the Marquis’s head could be blown off the moment he woke up in bed.7b1e0a5c6af03d7a

Percival, who 171bee92b3 was just 902168b7cc explaining a a32941761d 17th-century clock f2c2c74705 made of 990a373b8f ivory, bronze, 449824b155 gold, and 951ff86d2c silver, stopped 3d9b384339 and stared 9a0c064179 at Doyle. Doyle had suddenly clung b6e65809a4 to the window and 25cb5c45d6 started shaking it like d4892d7de2 a madman.b9ecb75b6dbdb859

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“What, what, what are you doing now?”0013605409f36451

“It’s reinforced glass.”40cc7c6b613cf996

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Huh?”cac9c5cb22f29f42

“Butler, shall we change this to bulletproof glass first?”d892b1c3be2006c2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Huh? The window?”be4f943c63fa9769

“It would be best to change all the windows in the castle, but if that’s not possible, at least the ones on the fourth floor.”8f8cf1334c955a55

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle, who had 6600ffc637 been hanging on d77229bfb2 the window, tapping 65b912facf and touching the bc8f2e70b0 glass, shrugged. His tone bb625585b7 was casual, c2bded5502 as if 741feacbd4 he were a4dfaf6ba6 asking to 0d98ecc15e change a 7f95ace359 hot latte ac7596a2ef to a d149a94ec1 cold one.fb919026f1ad7843

What is this a49019f41a guy talking about…? Percival, like the experienced b379e44dd0 butler he was, muttered 1b512e031b the number of windows e19185aba5 in the castle as 1e0e48b2ff if possessed.d46a1f68c85533de

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You’re saying we should change all 120 windows to bulletproof glass?”8043da84d54d1703

“It’s not essential. Just a suggestion from someone who wants to protect the Marquis.”7ca2de366a5714b0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Doyle made a ce8fb883e0 gun shape with 7579ef5e30 his hand, aimed a54aa9cffb it at his 4e71d7e976 own head, winked, e8c8609bf3 and grinned. It was a ec434d992a playful smile, unbelievable e87d19ea92 for someone over 6b867e6081 thirty.5c67c9f7fe9715ef

Percival momentarily imagined the Marquis’s head being blown off and shuddered, shaking his head. The mere thought sent chills down his spine.9595ebb0e9a95817

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Percival, resolving to replace all the glass in the castle tomorrow, moved from the Marquis’s bedroom to the room opposite the fireplace.7800ea3b761261da

The antechamber, typically located next to a nobleman’s bedroom, was a place where nobles spent time with their secret lovers or communicated away from prying eyes.b8d38343fbda1491

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Percival opened a small ca15247e81 door, a miniature version 64bef019a9 of the bedroom door, ddc6c5a8a7 and entered the antechamber.29efe55aa87d41d5

Unlike the grand bedroom, the antechamber had a cozy charm. Instead of the antique chandelier attached to the bedroom ceiling, faint stand lamps stood on either side of the single bed. The light-colored wallpaper and fabric embroidered with patterns hinted at the antechamber’s original purpose.5a3e323f5e8932f5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘The previous Marquis seems to have kept his mistress here.’d2ce10f4166495c9

Since nobles usually slept in separate rooms even after marriage, the bolder ones kept their mistresses in antechambers like this. Such antechambers occupied by mistresses were called ‘rabbit holes.’7b1433d4816a10f0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle glanced at the neatly made bed. It didn’t look too small to use.bb8cc1ed63654370

The wooden door connecting to the Marquis’s bedroom, despite its ornate decoration, offered no soundproofing. Doyle, checking the noise by putting his ear to the door, made a meaningful expression and brought his mouth close to Percival’s ear.b28ee29a534baa60

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“If the Marquis brings a lover here, it would be quite a show, wouldn’t it?”6789aa2ea0f192c0

Contrary to the gesture of whispering, Doyle’s loud voice made Percival jump like a startled rabbit and shout.5f54c081c59f1720

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Our Marquis is not that kind of person!”11c50a6fe69aeef4

“That kind of person? Isn’t it stranger for a dominant Alpha, especially a nobleman, not to have an Omega lover?”e6c4fb72b5037ff1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Doyle’s voice was laced with a subtle amusement.fbaa339d5913e01e

Percival glared at him, as if Doyle were a scoundrel who had insulted his pure, only daughter. Judging by his trembling shoulders, if it weren’t for his desire to maintain his dignity as a butler, he would have grabbed Doyle by the collar.a423bf6dfbfd4e09

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“How dare you! Our Marquis is not someone who exploits Omegas like that!”21b09799fd24f1de

As Percival blushed and yelled, saying he had never heard such shameful words in his life, a strange look crossed Doyle’s face.f3b5e212aa7f6ffe

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

In a f6e95c5842 world where 6eb61d5306 even non-noble 9b8af1802d Alphas commonly cdbf2ad0f1 had multiple 77e45bdd20 Omega lovers…3e9dc9519ff02b9c

In the past, when Omega rights were suppressed, it was natural for Omegas to be bound to Alphas, but times had changed. After the Omega Rights Protection Act was enacted, owning an Omega became a crime. However, even after the law was established, the situation didn’t change significantly.f1dda4ae8ca47d23

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The world had long been dominated by dominant Alphas. Most Omegas voluntarily sought the protection of Alphas for survival. It was a choice made out of necessity, as they couldn’t survive on their own.a239df8474fe7842

Therefore, it wouldn’t be a problem even if Cassian Enox, the Grand Marquis, had fifteen Omega lovers.dbaa7cc91f8df875

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Not someone who exploits… Then does he suppress his rut with suppressants every time? No way. The Marquis wouldn’t do that.”a4d553c9edc5c5ed

It was so unrealistic that even a passing dog would laugh. Was he trying to be pretentious? Doyle’s smile deepened.b487a56164e9c10f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Of course. There’s no one in the world with a stronger will and more endurance than our Marquis. He’s someone who has controlled his rut with suppressants his entire life.”7f8d87b948f35a54

Percival was e2dcc2cd55 certainly a d5041a690a competent butler, c0e48660b1 but when 1d23066170 it came e4be066c8d to the b3a285ec73 Marquis, he 1be5f1a650 was almost b33607727a like a b4de8522d0 doting parent. It was comical to 6aa00e933e see him speak such 357d714cbb unbelievable words with a dfe14762de serious face.c36c715f242bcf66

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

This is crazy… Doyle had to struggle to keep from bursting into laughter in front of the naive old man. Percival’s blind faith was on par with a five-year-old daughter still believing, decades later, that she would marry her father.844f10fb35883e26

“A dog would sooner give up shit…”afb420a6560f564a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What? Give up what? Shit?”43cb701191593e70

Percival, who had been pouring out praises about the Marquis’s fortitude and patience, frowned and latched onto Doyle’s words.91bc16734c9fd361

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle, forcing a grimace 967cd28578 to suppress his laughter, bf9b1d83a2 waved his hands dismissively. He had no immunity 9446264555 to such unconditional blind 5bb56ee1d0 faith.0370967b73d235c6

🥝637cf2d59a5d803d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Children of similar height 9914644f46 were running together. They held hands tightly, 362c60495a as if afraid to 3894ddff92 lose each other. Taller children ran 66710cd471 in front, and 6ee45a5eac shorter children stayed f3f4ca8498 in the middle.a2ea042656afd538

Cassian was one of 092ec05198 the children running at f4911078a4 the very front.2b5c673543476496

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

— Hurry, hurry! Don’t look back and run!1983786f85c6be40

Close by, loud gunshots, 0967152fbc like explosions, rang out. One of 3ae94c7180 the youngest 91c743acb6 children, startled, 6011368c82 burst into d8dcc6ae48 tears and 33ac85d809 sat down. Several other children, holding f26cc4de7c hands with the crying 892de86429 child, lost their momentum 88a789858e and tumbled down.7bd13e629d5e8968

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Cassian realized belatedly that the ranks had broken and stopped walking. The masked man leading the children grabbed Cassian’s shoulder tightly.b8f994ac2486c35a

—What are you doing! Run! Hurry!7db428cbe35c4f44

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The explosive gunfire continued from near and far. The acrid smell of gunpowder made his stomach churn, and his underdeveloped eardrums ached. His heart seemed to be beating ten times faster than usual due to the other children’s cries and the gunshots.e59db54f0c3d3422

Cassian shoved the man’s abdomen, the man who was yelling right in front of him. The huge man, large enough to cover Cassian’s entire body, cursed and, instead of being pushed back by the insignificant touch, kicked Cassian away. Then, without a shred of lingering concern, he urged the children at the front to run.8d3b36dd88889aba

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

—Waaah, waaah… Mommy!9698f23ec757b2b5

—Run if you don’t want to die here! Hurry! Go outside!debada019d63aea2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Several children who had fallen with the crying child, as if mesmerized by the man’s harsh shout, got up and started running.8a36588220a762c7

When Cassian came 77a3c0f9ea to his senses, cac3a23b77 he and the 66ee2def59 incessantly crying child d2aa1cc6cf were the only 1863b620b6 ones left in 363ca75147 the corridor filled 66f84506e9 with the acrid e05d0efb65 smell of gunpowder fd53f4a43c and the sounds 95f16e6a8b of explosions.27c1ebceb7f446c9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Is this the f446073e66 end? Cassian stared blankly at b03eccb232 the child. The sound of 16af703763 his frantically beating 4654bbdd18 heart gradually faded.86cd6dbbe297f5d8

Maybe I’ll die here… At that moment, Cassian’s muddy brown eyes grew dim.0391fb643e57ceca

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

—I’m scared… Scared. I want to go home. Mommy.bc1a834ecf10ef4b

Just then, something snuggled into Cassian’s arms. The warm body heat unique to children and the cries filled with the stark terror of death. It was the child who had collapsed on the floor, sobbing.2e45307ba7dae4fe

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Cassian’s hazy gaze turned towards the child’s young face. I’m scared, I want to go home… The whimpering voice clearly reached him amidst the deafening noise. Cassian unconsciously grabbed the child’s loose shirt and pulled him up.09fbd7688291f8b5

—Let’s go. Get up.9a5eadf4aef03556

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

—Sob… sob…68e7c50890426820

—I’ll take you home.5aa4cbca579bbd4c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Still speaking in bd8ffc5b54 a dreamy voice, 2847e6c629 Cassian finally managed 5a3196393a to get the 04afd8bc72 child on his 7d5fa32ad1 feet. But the terrified 882f370856 child collapsed again, b496e04e59 so without hesitation, e4bbbddcfb Cassian carried him 44c70c597e on his back.caa4addbba4fe561

The child, who was said to be a little over ten years old, clung to Cassian’s back, his arms wrapped tightly around Cassian’s neck, as soon as he was hoisted up. From that moment on, Cassian started running without looking back.8d2f7ef2d1f1daef

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

—Gasp, gasp, gasp…9384eb65654f865d

The explosions continued. Perhaps there d7750e114b had been a0eaefb9eb an explosion f6007fddba near the 4968f615b9 building, as d0272d0c72 the walls 00a65fd2bc and floor 233d355502 shook, and cc98b5d109 asphalt dust 984a413ca8 and debris 570dc2b33c rained down 4945e7d481 on them.bfdd69b2d31e6e47

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Every time this happened, the child cried out and tightened his grip around Cassian’s neck as if having a seizure, but Cassian ran diligently without dropping him. He had to follow the disappeared children and the man.bfb6691a7cbf5176

—We have e5bd5f8c80 to go 820a13242a outside. Outside.163f2fb59b009d6a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The corridor was like a complicated maze. For Cassian, who had been confined to the basement of the building, it wasn’t easy to find a way out or trace the man.93b0d40c3c8ce1d9

Cassian’s body was now drenched in sweat, and his pace slowed. Even the child seemed to have tired of crying, only sniffling behind Cassian’s back.5a9a1f75689c1d0d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

—Cat, there, over there, someone’s over there!ea964b8f362aeb28

It was when Cassian had stopped, his legs trembling, to wipe the sweat dripping from his forehead. The panting child pointed somewhere and shouted. A chill ran down Cassian’s spine. Danger. Cassian quickly lowered his body.1c8eae45c0955db4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Bang!685a8ead5bedb56a

Cassian, lying flat on 496dd79265 the floor, quickly covered 962ff8ef3a his head with his b94a393785 arms at the sudden eb38046854 gunshot.f79a27cf82dec411

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even after a moment, the gunshot wasn’t repeated. Without a moment to catch his breath, Cassian cautiously raised his head.448221bd17e3380a

What… Strangely, the 4c9baf7fc6 weight he should 2e67a1a886 have felt on 31af919d01 his back was 1476bdac3d gone.c37e95e4628e50c3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘Chris…?’cc85f7aa1c94de82

He was definitely on my back just now… Cassian’s eyes wavered anxiously. His wandering gaze found the child collapsed nearby.8ca121894be44e52

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Chris, who had 6790b86278 been clinging to 77420f54ca his back until 4cedb75e3f the gunshot, was 467dfc5112 lying on the b613bb8597 corridor with his 6ae8e9f196 eyes closed. His face was peaceful, 2ac1671258 as if he were c8aae7d477 sleeping.b6475a69e1ef26a1

Cassian crawled towards him on his knees. A light fixture dangling from the ceiling flickered, creating a gloomy atmosphere. Stones and debris protruding from the cracked walls pricked Cassian’s knees and palms, but he didn’t seem to notice the pain as he approached Chris.dd340752705aeca9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Cassian’s gaze, as he looked at the deeply sleeping child, grew hazy again.0adbebb3c167ef0e

—Chris…30806a9c6f6d524d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

—Hey, you 5929f8b539 bastard, wake 2f81541bb7 up. Where did the 06db998f79 rest of them 2e1212094f run off to?7512764103b8bcf5

A man, emerging from the other side of the bend in the corridor, held a gun in one hand and grabbed the back of Cassian’s neck with the other, pulling him up.e5448bb64c5d0d5a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Cassian’s vision swam from the rough handling, as if he were an object. Ugh. A wave of nausea overcame him, and he instinctively covered his mouth. He hadn’t eaten anything, yet it felt like his insides were about to spill out.9ea6148585cb75a7

Suddenly, Chris’s peaceful face overlapped with a different voice. The voice that had driven him to act out of guilt.323e3e3b85abb4a1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Home? If there was a home, I’d want to go too.’8621e5bbed80faeb

‘I want to get out of here. Even if no one is looking for me, I don’t want to be forgotten like this.’88c21dcd9531881c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘Where do I want to go? Well, I guess…’5822d4c5377fb122

—Hey, stand up straight! I’m asking you where they ran off to!e1591c18d0195203

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The man shook Cassian repeatedly and interrogated him. He thought Cassian’s retching, as if he were about to pass out, was just an act.8833c1f5d44a9a32

He hadn’t intended to kill the kid, but his own situation was more precarious now. Damn it, what bad luck… Something had happened while he was briefly away. If he couldn’t fix this, he was finished.c0bf6f660aaf6ef1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The man, his eyes flashing dangerously, slapped Cassian across the face. Cassian’s thin body staggered from the force, but because his collar was gripped, he couldn’t fall and just swayed like a piece of paper.5136cb7fc43c2dee

Cassian, slapped across the 8cdfd02771 face, looked at the 6efca2dcdc man through his disheveled 90a241956b hair. One of his two 57e434f38e brown eyes shone bright 0ea88d7d4a blue, staring at the 064a3b056c man.f8ca959a0191b2f8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

—Damn it, are e655f2d8bd you deaf? You little shit, 20838d4175 are you ignoring aae88c647a me until the 26ac044c84 end?7e0889bf8ece2692

It was an 0dfc5bd6c1 incredibly insolent look. Unable to control his e6e3ea958b anger, the man raised 99eda4db45 his gun.607823e146daf55e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Cassian stared at the gun being swung to strike his head. Even though it was being swung with full force, the gun’s movement felt slow, like a scene from a movie. Just before the butt of the gun struck Cassian’s head—b1ac772418eaabb9

Bang, bang!e22bf59f8ceb5da3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Exactly two gunshots. The man, his head 13c813694e blown open by the 623a097217 rapidly fired bullets, collapsed 04f8e9c954 without a whimper.31df065b719114ad

Cassian stood there, covered in the man’s blood and gore. Everything felt surreal and bizarre. He couldn’t even hear the frantic beating of his heart anymore.30a583a5ba5099ec

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Cassian, thinking that the bullets that pierced the man might have killed him too, reached for his chest with the hand that had been covering his mouth. He couldn’t find any holes or broken bones. A strange mixture of relief and disappointment washed over him.004aff42f1744375

Step, step, step. Unfeeling footsteps stopped right in front of Cassian. Cassian stared at the toe of the dust-covered black combat boots. Those boots could kick him, or shoot him in the head like the other man, but Cassian didn’t try to run.4ccdd6bdae53ba49

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A hand in a military glove grabbed Cassian’s chin. It was a distinctly different touch from the dead man’s, who had handled him like a piece of luggage, but Cassian didn’t register the difference.71426cccf4aa1945

Cassian slowly raised his 19b0f4326d head. The smell 8b06a8e197 of gunpowder, befe9852b8 which he 034ffe38e9 had become a57348a56e accustomed to e8f853cfa1 while running 643028c659 through the f6a0b734f6 corridor, emanated 1507438072 from the 1777c436be man.4c8c87e0526158fe

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The gun 3148e7f7c9 the man 34af72003f was holding, 08dc2699fa the gloves 6e4abbe12a that revealed 02631b5c97 his fingertips, 68341b436f the holster e6cc933dce at his bc09f6f456 waist, even 14e784dd8a the dagger fffd0db5d6 strapped to 8917791a7e his thigh. Cassian observed the man 38d25a4b00 meticulously. He wanted to know, 6bdbf290a5 at least, what kind 865228e8e7 of person was killing 8572d701fd him.aa6f21d51880ca49

—Hey, buddy. Wake up.f47e627362e42e8d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Click, click. The man’s fingers snapped near Cassian’s eyes, as if drawing out the consciousness of a hypnotized person. The clear sound caught Cassian’s dazed mind. Behind him, the building was slowly collapsing.205d51494b3e6b54

Cassian stared at the man’s face, concealed by a dark cloth. The only visible feature, his jet-black eyes, were fixed on him. The dark, intense gaze felt utterly indifferent.22e04db92776afbe

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

At that moment, Cassian held his breath, feeling a sense of falling, as if he had been thrown into a nameless universe. Even though he hadn’t been shot, he felt as if a part of his chest had been pierced.c29badc9405ad447

⋮8cb04ebb613db146

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Gasp… Ugh…”78534883b187ff5c

Was this what a 92afe03e35 vast abyss felt like?5c927205734f28da

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Cassian could physically 9d2062420c feel a transcendental 6a28158d11 being crushing his e8ee15d5a7 consciousness. Breathing became 88b230a95a difficult, and 7530502069 the dizziness d7a69c5c8c intensified. It felt as if 8f6556cb1b someone was choking him, 18407cba3f tightening their grip around 7a6b33df16 his throat.f6732ed57cca708f

The sound of 04808692f8 his own gasping 5ac0f779ef was vivid in 2c9f7faedf his ears. His lungs, deprived 2a8f33a74e of air, cried cdd40291ab out in pain, 7552a74ef4 and his whole ac8af2b92a body trembled. Just as he b6245263a2 was scratching his 09a1782724 useless throat with c32acbc9e3 his short fingernails—48e1115b40a34660

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Thud!c3ecc250f5c485cc

“Gasp! Haah, haah, huh…”9dbc3e457389f820

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The Marquis, sitting bolt e616029bef upright like someone pulled a485e69b6e from the water, exhaled 7a2e139c0e roughly.82c035de3b092b31

Damn it… The feeling of falling from his past consciousness was so unpleasant that he couldn’t help but curse. He clutched his forehead, his palm immediately drenched in cold sweat.894b642345c22c29

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even though 3077a0d59f it was 28b65a267c clearly just 8469e1e906 a dream, aec7802d68 he could 17269985f4 smell gunpowder 5d5472ecb6 and hear c280914879 gunshots.d0866d05b1fedee1

Unlike usual, the Marquis couldn’t easily get out of bed and struggled to catch his breath. When he closed his eyes, the image of the masked man appeared on his eyelids. Meanwhile, the mysterious sound that had woken him continued.736c29dec57f8017

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Thud!5f2877dbf4db27c5

“….”9b80d7a8b7bc13b3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The Marquis’s cold eyes turned towards the source of the noise. A dull thud, rather than an explosion, came from the window.7d7737cf2af81955

Just as the 7ada733264 Marquis, still in e409952b59 his pajamas, got ffc9c4bcc4 out of bed 57ba990f82 and walked towards c132246f83 the window—415c21eeef22df33

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Crack! Shatter…a1b0a50e0fe30384

The Marquis 08809e6472 stopped and 5323327c37 examined the 0e4f54df6d bullets embedded 95a88b33ca in the 262cb3fd85 windowpane. Three rubber a49f6e0e45 bullets were 99381ee33a lodged in e603088323 the glass. And spiderweb-like e51e7743ae cracks began 1bcd756195 to spread 19631fd796 from the 169f8c352a last bullet.25dc2eefbb510315

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even before he could 2c4bd78ef9 consider who was responsible, ca2ab5550e a clear face came 4afdfe96a0 to mind. The Marquis exhaled slowly, 2eb9adca58 opened the window, and b5d10a83fd called out to the b65c2100a2 owner of the bullets.bd2d82e0919e41f6

“Mr. Doyle.”ee616d23556fd939

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Good morning, Marquis.”50fe9a05b524930a

Doyle, standing on the 06dca1e5f1 first floor with a 0fabd03f50 gun, recognized the Marquis, 74281e4f46 crossed his arms in d3afc7a8ac front of his stomach, 2021e63309 crossed one leg over 239ea95abf the other, and bowed. It was a 34006bac7f comical greeting, as b48e332cc6 if learned from 1ca34c35e6 a movie.5226874485d02c20

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The Marquis 1357f2a4f1 brushed back c206b75be9 the hair 7365657d10 stuck to abfe26e4c8 his forehead 92dca7ff8c with sweat 13d005ec5a and chose 48d202d148 his words.5faab30f01004fcd

“…That’s an excessive morning greeting.”c8b4a7fb64b5b69a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle seemed to ponder for a moment whether the Marquis was referring to the unconventional greeting or the gunshots at the window, then nodded as if he understood something. Then, taking off his baseball cap, he mimicked a noble lady’s curtsy, lightly grasping the hem of a nonexistent dress with both hands and bending his knees.6f7cc34d22c71a17

A look of bewilderment appeared on the Marquis’s face as he watched the spectacle.8a13f86c1d2bdf91

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He met Doyle again 9ff5b6f578 in the dining room.9cdf9965cd0f7851

Doyle entered the dining room with a shotgun tucked under his arm, and immediately upon entering, he pointed at the Marquis’s plate and commented.02e80b93a8800fd6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Aren’t you eating like a bird?”fc9cfe0e69492231

“…Like a bird?”2c61bdbd39928723

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“That’s barely an appetizer. Are you on a diet?”67eddb311246f092

He wasn’t sure what “like a bird” meant exactly, but he could roughly understand that it meant a small amount. Doyle spoke perfect British English, but moments like this made him question his origins.5c50623361b1d2d9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Pulling up 66d22960f9 a chair 20b56561e3 near the 437c2a142a Marquis without 276e1a7f6c permission, Doyle 373969b6e4 shook his f3fc9c0fe9 head.5a993dc58baa5d3a

“There’s a saying—we call it ‘strength from food.’ It means…”7f00ba70e941be1c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

With his legs 6eae5e1e1d spread and one 2ed34c8cd9 ankle resting on 6a12bc35cf the opposite thigh, f7999c71c3 Doyle paused, lost 50c5fef656 in thought.1385d6ec8fb54324

It wasn’t easy 727297fc88 to explain the d8a6e5786a idea of gaining 435aa4bffb strength just from 2f05b803f0 eating to a 9eb420d5f3 foreigner with bright 07ee0526b5 yellow hair. And honestly, 4931a4a221 judging by 545a9d59dc the Marquis’s b6b94eb10e appearance, he 8a1fc3b425 looked more 0e8f70e0d6 like an 3bfa0ee8c5 elf who dec38101b8 lived off 939f08cf59 morning dew d6a9973e84 than a 60b0fb0881 brat who’d 3f2641b6b6 throw a 446606e830 fit over 0c202c876f being hungry. But even so, this 97296c28af diet was way too 3aceeab41b extreme.8d6440de8fec085b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Porridge and black tea? What is this, pickled fruit? Is this seriously all you eat to keep that body?”47b00825d520ad22

“It’s a far better diet than someone who eats like they’re trying to swallow the plate too,” Percival said calmly, refilling the Marquis’s teacup.b19fc9707bb6a51a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Doyle’s eyes 7737190969 widened and 2f7c6336d9 he pointed 6ba344aaad at himself.Me? You mean me?Percival narrowed his c9cffe4175 eyes at the 7743634e0b shameless look on a134f4e794 Doyle’s face.826b851e97120460

Meanwhile, the Marquis was 61aa2e94b9 watching Doyle with a 45e3be61d5 blank expression on his 0a8837582a flawless face.16e01e64263ab758

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You seem to have overeaten this morning.”2edbaed27616030b

“Overeaten? No way. I ate just the right amount.”33b399de83ae9573

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…You ate a mountain of toast and bacon, and then topped it off with cereal. And you’re calling that ‘just the right amount’?”580054fa70c1b70c

Percival muttered e8b3780ecd in disbelief. He seemed b9ef61113f to be 44e793a297 trying not 9573c6314e to interrupt a31c2386fd the conversation 56b722a611 between the 351b70c3d0 Marquis and b722813788 Doyle, but f8cb9a4992 it was ea41ec3c63 clearly a 46f95731ba struggle.9c8b60c3eccaf22c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Doyle, finding c5ce8b8f91 that strangely 63813fa700 cute, gave b7d66a63c1 a smug 7d515e804c smile and 763ca61d5b patted his 02d6371b14 flat stomach.3cf989385171e129

“That’s what I mean by strength from food.”b4a39e11b942a199

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Right. Let’s call it ‘ba-sheen.'”b397d28aa5c8944f

“No, not ba-sheen, but bap-him.”88051010b2a658f0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…Ba-hween.”5157be3f444c05c1

Doyle pursed his 353d9183d5 lips and held f23acd9db4 back. If he burst out 70c2197e97 laughing now, Percival might 7271609a1f hit him over the 24bccbb844 head with the teapot.f3c70533e2f70b0e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Trying his best to ignore the Marquis’s clumsy pronunciation, Doyle held out his empty teacup. Percival, glaring at Doyle, filled his cup.695ece43a7abb6d9

“What was that about this morning?”a134c5334281677e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Well, you see, it was…”ee66b654abf09688

“Percival.”c54dc5b80c3b7fcd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…”5ade3a874f53f970

When Percival intercepted the question directed at Doyle, the Marquis quietly called the butler’s name. The butler, though looking like he had much to say, immediately closed his mouth.91d76045f90d6cd5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Doyle, holding his teacup 130aa26b1f and savoring the fragrant fbcc3f045f tea, answered belatedly with 048e87f4de a smirk.fdb2ceedb0171882

“I had to demonstrate why the Marquis’s bedroom windows need to be replaced.”6d810b874cbae95b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Replace the windows?”a6369a477b66190a

“You saw it earlier, right? How it cracked even with rubber bullets.”6964e45aef9ad848

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Yes, I saw. Waking me up by shooting a gun early in the morning. That’s not a welcome greeting.”ed3fbd26a67ac637

“Really? Then is it okay if I wake you up by thrusting something else?”856a82ee2a8cbf32

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle whispered softly, cfb1cfae15 as if sharing 1d38aef0af a secret, low d15b03cddb enough for the 181b17f4ad hard-of-hearing Percival not 004aa5c5d2 to hear. His straight, white 35dd38142f teeth caught the 5f1e745ba7 eye between his a8c2512d38 playfully upturned lips. His lips f3f78bdb10 were too 10b7db31e3 close…1417d5cbacb64f5f

The Marquis turned his head to look out the dining room window, trying not to look at Doyle. The elegant window, lower than the bedroom window, hadn’t been replaced since the previous generation, as far as he remembered. Because Doyle was the first madman to shoot at the castle.a7a18e39186f3918

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He’s quite useful in his own way. The Marquis, unconsciously, reconsidered Doyle’s usefulness.e7b9aec5bf935c5b

In truth, if it weren’t for Alexandra’s pleas, the Marquis wouldn’t have hired him. Even if there were some reason he couldn’t disclose to the person involved, it wouldn’t have changed his mind.f9b3ddff9fdb7a37

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

However, Alexandra was his only remaining blood relative. If it was for Alexandra’s peace of mind, enduring Doyle wasn’t difficult. He could do it now.4f7e32226d79b26c

Since the protection had started with Alexandra’s request, he hadn’t had high expectations for Doyle’s skills. In fact, if a moment came when he truly needed ‘protection,’ he planned to dismiss Doyle and hire the skilled individuals he had already identified. It was something he had already discussed with Percival.54945f9b1ecb1793

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

However, despite his sloppy and careless demeanor, Doyle was quite sharp in pointing out problems. No security company had ever suggested directly checking the strength of the glass by shooting at it. It wouldn’t be bad to have Doyle continue working alongside the skilled professionals he would hire later.786375ea13f2af83

“What are you thinking so hard about?”d8ca05763336d0ab

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Doyle’s face suddenly drew closer. The Marquis unconsciously gripped his teacup and then exhaled deeply through his nose. A faint smoky scent tickled his nostrils.12028991049699ad

It was strange that the scent, clearly mixed with the smell of cigarettes, wasn’t unpleasant. Nevertheless, the Marquis, instead of showing his feelings, lowered his eyes and warned,c4516aa0b65c62b9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I asked you to maintain your distance, Mr. Doyle.”3db0aea3e6aa085d

“You’re so fussy. But since a beautiful person is asking, I must comply.”2b6af40b166c772a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The grinning face cb52c80211 retreated as quickly c5d0fc525c as it had 64a2dbca09 approached. Doyle drained his tea d702c022be in one gulp, as 4d9f6de693 if it were water, a4a478e2f4 and stood up. Putting his hands 83c0dd2063 in the pockets 54e9313ff0 of his black 81816eff3a jeans, which emphasized a9900f46a1 the lines of f99103b02b his long, dancer-like 196debd763 legs, Doyle winked 7b22507413 at the Marquis.661091f8fe52eee9

“I’m guarding you tonight, right, Marquis? I’ll be waiting, all clean and spruced up.”fa26d12100018864

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Unable to bear bbe5d27b0f the molestation directed 8b1663d9f4 at his precious 34978485ab Marquis any longer, b144c3ea1c Percival slammed the a96bce8be8 teapot down.f1be2695f040aea8

Doyle finally 1e6e23efdb burst into 0bc3c79809 laughter.3dfa3b96bee72486

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

🥝1133efe35e314305

“You’re really saying you two are going in alone?”48cdc731ed615d3e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“As written on the invitation. Only those whose names are on the list, be it dominant or recessive Alphas, can enter.”6b47fbbd478b8779

“Even so, Marquis…”2585c69cb679870e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Vincent, gripping the steering wheel, wasn’t satisfied with just glancing at the Marquis through the rearview mirror. He turned his large body around to face the back seat.d94f6b394aa42d2f

The Marquis, anticipating Vincent’s reaction, prepared to get out of the car before he could start whining. Outside the window, Doyle, who had gotten out first, was surveying the surroundings. Responding to Vincent’s call of “Marquis,” he opened the door and stepped out.76654d66851ee930

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“They won’t be so audacious as to target me at the Duke’s residence, so stop fussing.”1e49fbc5918a072b

Doyle, dressed 2676bc5890 more neatly 32f25eac27 than usual, 791118144b stood beside 2bbe890361 him. The car window 6164dcc0ec rolled down.f0cce36758c9494d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Please take good care of the Marquis.”8321efde59d9fe00

At the sulky voice, Doyle’s eyes rolled. It sounded more like a threat than a request. He could feel Vincent’s resolve to strangle him if even a single hair on the Marquis’s head was harmed. Instead of answering, Doyle twisted one corner of his lips into a smile. It was certainly a unique relationship between retainer and master.8be8affcdce0a0cf

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Since the cars 722047db00 behind them were 3fb500ec48 also lined up, f89032aac6 waiting to drop dc6238c2f0 off their passengers, c5f8467bc6 Vincent quickly drove 30bf60c02b back the way 14954aa0bf they had come.f394a1089d0c9b3c

Watching the car disappear 4be73f488c from sight, Doyle stood 8fe0f61316 closer to the Marquis. He had heard roughly 980a8c524d from Percival and the d225f67ad8 Marquis, but the actual 120faa3485 majesty of the castle 04a793612d was overwhelming.f08c11399356fb43

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“This seems taller than the royal palace. Is this even legal?”0f825850de57f000

“It’s not exactly illegal.”4206d2f799f01716

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Truly royal blood, indeed.”0f86fe6ec87ee6bc

Doyle walked alongside the 22755f32ca Marquis. They were 51546ca4e1 headed to 556e0219e3 the residence d545224356 of Victor 8f5f0e3b49 Kingsley, the ca494d561e most influential 5be7770100 of the e8b28e8fd3 current ducal 54727d1a76 families.657d21652c702e98

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Victor Kingsley was the first nephew of the previous King of England and the head of Argon, the highest authority of the Alpha Union Patronage. The splendor of the castle alone was enough to grasp the extent of Duke Kingsley’s power.db732d65d98440c9

The spire bd181f5f3f atop the 4ea471dcaf castle soared c3516696f1 high, as 6f7216c45b if trying dea19fcc51 to dominate c463f680b9 the sky, 2ce182838c and the eef5fdff6a walls were 5a251f9488 intricately carved 9e9b4c055b from marble 67092258a2 and stone. The Kingsley family 177540e966 symbol, a lion, e9b8aa5040 was engraved everywhere e95347692c the eye could fd64f37f32 see. Its magnificence 4289bd6288 surpassed even ee7fea75ca the royal d0cad7bfca palace where 9d4a87aa16 the actual e79ee9a077 royal family 36b4f5a3f6 resided.42e6c928bc2da5d9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘The saying ‘Kingsley above royalty’ isn’t a lie.’d2268eadfa7dc0f0

Doyle, gazing at the Marquis’s smooth back, fell into thought.f47e84f6e8fee886

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Rumors about Kingsley 5091169932 were so notorious b634fb2ee8 that Doyle had 1ba7de3214 known about them a03055ca2a even before settling f48139e63d in England.8b33b1a1e1b44815

Scandals about 9500795ab1 the head e6abb24534 of the cf6f9810be Alpha Union fcdce98dac keeping dozens, e805dcf1c2 even hundreds, 52cc839029 of Omegas 85191e3950 were considered 3a0f681b3d mild. The most surprising f76df504bb rumor among them 71b0ce966b was…97ab2748e62d8353

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Is it true? That the current King was recessive and didn’t even qualify as a successor, but the Duke put him on the throne because he’s easy to control?”45323b7bd5def520

The Marquis stopped abruptly at Doyle’s low voice, which suddenly tickled his ear. Seeing him quickly scan his surroundings, Doyle whispered again with a playful smile. The Marquis’s lips tightened momentarily at the brazen smile, then relaxed.a6ebfe1d4beaf665

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Do you think I’d say something like that for anyone to hear? Don’t worry.”9ac1236ce63cdb61

“…Even walls have ears.”38b6af27cfb70fc8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The Marquis lightly 9bc0b4c345 pointed at the 9656e294f3 stone wall with adc7ecd456 his white-gloved finger 1c59db39e3 and then resumed 06d9f3aaf0 walking.d8f6fd6fed1980e7