HTTRPIAO Ch 95-99

Dim moonlight settled in the darkened lounge.

The room, saturated in pheromones, felt like the depths of the ocean. The only sounds echoing in the space, quiet as the deep ocean, were ragged breaths and soft moans.

Etienne floundered, trapped in the sea of pheromones Rishar had unleashed. His snow-white legs, bright enough to glow even in the darkness, trembled continuously.

Then a large, warm hand rubbed his round knee as if to say it was alright. Even that was too strong a stimulation, making his body tremble.

“Haah…”

Etienne let out a whimper, feeling the pheromones brushing his delicate skin. Wherever Rishar’s pheromones touched, a chilling thrill arose.

Etienne curled up as if trying to escape the sensations pouring over him. His thighs closed and knees bent. He wanted to escape this feeling, even if just for a bit.

But Etienne’s wish wasn’t granted. A hand suddenly appeared from the darkness, grasping his snow-white, slender ankle.

“Ah!”

Etienne cried out as he felt his body being pulled. Through his blurry vision, he saw Rishar kissing his ankle.

He felt a soft touch on the protruding bone of his ankle. Soon after, soft lips lightly touched and left his ankle repeatedly.

“D-don’t…”

Etienne said, swallowing the moan that rose to his throat. Unable to bear the ticklish sensation, his toes curled involuntarily.

Rishar glanced down at Etienne trying to stop him, then bit the cute ankle bone as if throwing a tantrum.

“Unngh.”

As sharp teeth dug into his skin, his ankle tingled for a moment. Unable to bear the sensation climbing up his spine, Etienne turned his head to the side and moaned.

Rishar took in every bit of Etienne’s reaction without missing anything. Though he seemed to be struggling at first glance…

“Does it feel good?”

Rishar asked in a voice tinged with laugh. At his question, Etienne bit his lower lip hard. Shame washed over him at the thought of openly showing his excited state, intoxicated by Rishar’s pheromones.

When Etienne remained silent, Rishar didn’t ask further. Instead, he let out his pheromones even more.

“Ah…!”

Etienne let out a moan like a scream as the pheromones suddenly invaded his body. His eyes, wet with excitement, widened, and his trembling lips parted.

“Hnngh.”

Etienne tensed his throat, trying to hold back the strange sounds that kept trying to escape, and bit his lip hard.

But as the pheromones invaded again, a sound mixed with crying finally escaped between his teeth.

“You can make noise.”

“N-no.”

Etienne shook his head and clamped his lips shut again. Though he trusted the soundproofing of the lounge, he was conscious of Stella guarding the door and Celodine in the next room.

Even knowing they wouldn’t hear unless he made loud noises, he couldn’t help feeling embarrassed.

“Hmm.”

Rishar frowned slightly as he looked at Etienne constantly holding back his moans. Then he lowered his head and devoured the stubbornly closed lips.

“Mmph, ahh…!”

Etienne’s body jolted violently as the relentless intrusion of flesh pried his lips apart and ravaged the inside of his mouth.

Rishar cupped the back of Etienne’s head with one hand and slightly tilted his head. The rough kiss became gentler.

“Hah, mhm.”

The moment a tongue tip scraped his palate, his Adam’s apple trembled and a moan burst forth. But it didn’t escape outside.

Every sound from Etienne’s mouth was sucked into Rishar’s mouth through their sealed lips without exception.

Rishar greedily swallowed all of Etienne’s moans. At the same time, he poured his own pheromones into him. Instantly, Etienne’s body jumped like a fish caught in a net.

“Ahh…”

With the intense movement, a gap formed between his lips and a sobbing sound leaked out.

Feeling his lower abdomen tighten, Rishar tightly embraced the trembling body. He wanted to strip Etienne naked and have his way with him, but he had to hold back.

“That’s en… enough.”

Trapped in Rishar’s arms, Etienne pleaded in a tired voice. His voice didn’t come out properly as he was out of breath.

Trembling hands pushed against the firm chest. Though it was an extremely weak gesture, Rishar slightly moved his body away as Etienne wished.

“Haa…”

As the pressure constricting his body disappeared, Etienne felt relief but also a strange disappointment.

Rishar swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing, as he watched Etienne gasping for breath. With each exhale, a delicate scent like flowers soaked in rain flowed from him.

“Is this too hard to endure?”

“Rather than hard… Ah, hnn.”

Rishar’s gaze lingered on Etienne’s chest, rising and falling rapidly. Slowly, he moved his hand, his long index finger slipping beneath the parted shirt to trace the sharp line of Etienne’s collarbone.

“Then what, if it’s not that?”

“It’s…”

Etienne trailed off with a whimper. His shoulder twitched as Richard’s fingers brushed over his heated skin, caressing him in a sensual way. Rishar’s constant stimulation made it difficult to continue speaking.

“Strange, ngh, my body feels strange.”

Etienne managed to continue. It wasn’t painful or difficult, but too pleasurable to bear. The sensation of his body no longer being his own was frightening.

“Strange, you say…”

Rishar, who had been tapping Etienne’s collarbone as if pondering, leaned his upper body forward.

Etienne caught his breath at the weight felt over his body. Before he could say anything, his lips were devoured.

“Just a little more.”

Rishar gently sucked on the wet lips and whispered in a deep voice filled with desire.

He had almost completely erased the scents clinging to Etienne, but not perfectly. There were still some faint traces lingering.

“H-how much more…?”

Etienne stiffened his waist as he felt the pheromones slowly enveloping his body. He looked up at Rishar with anxious eyes.

“Just a little, mn?”

Rishar soothed Etienne, who was frightened by the excessive pleasure, as he let out his pheromones. He repeatedly withdrew his pheromones when Etienne seemed to struggle, then poured them out again.

Etienne was helplessly swept away by the tsunami Rishar created. His whole body trembled each time the pheromones surged. Now even his mind felt numb.

“Haah…”

Each time the pheromones surged like waves and receded, his toes curled and uncurled repeatedly. Etienne’s pheromones, responding to Rishar, intensified.

Rishar growled at the floral scent stirring his primal instincts. Their pheromones mixed completely.

“Ri-Rishar. Stop, hic, now…”

Etienne called out to Rishar with a sob. His mind turned blank and his whole body tightened.

Realizing Etienne had reached his limit, Rishar poured out his pheromones one last time.

Ah.

Etienne let out a silent gasp as Richard’s pheromones poured over him like a torrential downpour. His body, once taut and rigid, stiffened for a moment before going completely limp, as if all strength had drained away.

“Haa…”

Rishar exhaled languidly after pouring all his pheromones into Etienne. He looked down at Etienne panting beneath him with eyes deeper than usual.

The sight of him gasping for breath, his normally neat hair, clothes, and accessories all disheveled, was extremely erotic.

Feeling strength gathering below his waist, Rishar lifted Etienne’s body. Then he sat him on his thigh.

“Hnngh, ha, uh.”

Etienne buried his forehead in Rishar’s chest and made pained sounds, overwhelmed by intense exhaustion. Though the pheromone shower had ended, his body, invaded by Rishar’s scent, was still enveloped in a strange heat.

Rishar kissed the top of Etienne’s head as he tucked the sweaty hair behind his ear.

“I can’t…”

Etienne mumbled between gasps. His body felt heavy, like cotton soaked in water. His skin, feeling Rishar’s pheromones, tingled.

“It’s all over now.”

Rishar smiled as he stroked Etienne’s hair. It felt good to have him leaning against him, completely entrusting his body, when just a couple months ago he had drawn a line and kept his distance.

The hand playing with Etienne’s hair gradually moved lower. Though Etienne flinched at the touch caressing his nape, he didn’t stop him.

Given silent permission, Rishar felt along the white, slender neck as if searching for something. The skin where he had left marks was now completely unblemished. He didn’t like that.

Rishar looked at the exposed neck between disheveled hair with dissatisfied eyes, then lowered his head. Then he bared his teeth and bit the nape.

“Ahh!”

Etienne, who had been catching his breath while entrusting his body to Rishar, let out a short moan. His waist tensed momentarily.

Having finally left teeth marks on Etienne’s nape, Rishar inhaled with a satisfied expression.

“You…!”

“Now you only smell of me.”

Rishar murmured as he detached his lips after sucking hard on the reddened skin.

Etienne, who had raised his head in a sudden surge of emotion, found his gaze captured by the gently curved eyes and softly arched lips. It was a smile that looked so happy.

“And I only smell of you, hyung-nim.”

Rishar smiled brightly as he pressed his forehead against Etienne’s.

They say smiles are contagious; Etienne unknowingly let out a deflating sound and relaxed his body. Seeing his smiling face, he had no energy left to be angry.

Overcome with fatigue, Etienne leaned against Rishar as if collapsing. He had no strength left at all.

“Are you tired?”

“A little.”

Rishar asked as he pulled Etienne into his arms. Etienne answered with a mumble and blinked slowly.

“Yawn…”

Etienne yawned softly and squirmed in Rishar’s embrace. Then he buried his face between Rishar’s neck and collarbone.

As Rishar had said, the scent of violets that had been on him was now gone. Confirming this, the corners of Etienne’s lips lifted slightly.

Etienne had a timid smile and unconsciously took a deep breath, so deep that a sound escaped. A faint floral scent wafted through the refreshing fragrance that had penetrated deep into his lungs. It was the scent of Rishar and himself.

Would a flower drowning in the sea smell like this? As he inhaled the intermingled fragrances, an inexplicable sense of fullness rose in his chest. It was his possessive desire towards Rishar.

Etienne made an enigmatic expression as he realized the nature of his feelings. He had never even dreamed that he could harbor such possessiveness. This desire to possess someone was incredibly foreign to him.

Would he continue to feel like this from now on? Would he feel jealous every time Rishar came back with the scent of another Omega?

Etienne’s expression darkened as he thought about the future. Until the social season ended, situations like today would likely happen several more times. The thought of experiencing these emotions each time was already overwhelming.

I was too naive.

Etienne belatedly regretted it. Because he had been closer to Rishar than anyone else even before this, he never thought he would develop these new feelings towards him.

So when he heard that Stella had become Rishar’s partner, he didn’t think too much about it. However, hearing about it and actually seeing it were entirely different.

Him becoming closer to Rishar was probably the cause. Etienne let out a small sigh. He knew it, but there was no suitable solution that came to his mind.

Like a river flowing to meet the sea, he couldn’t stop the emotions steadily streaming towards Rishar.

Feeling a somewhat inexplicable melancholy, Etienne tapped Rishar’s shoulder with his forehead. At Etienne’s action, Rishar’s shoulder trembled and slightly rose.

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

“Dunno…”

Etienne mumbled in a small voice and sighed again. He felt like he was gradually losing his original self.

His only consolation was that Rishar felt the same. Perhaps his feelings were even more deep and intense.

Recalling the pheromones that had been relentlessly pressing against him moments ago, Etienne shivered slightly. Just thinking about that sensation made his body heat up again.

Etienne burrowed into Richard’s embrace like someone seeking warmth from the cold. Though there was a flicker of fear about the changes unfolding within him, it wasn’t an entirely unpleasant feeling. In fact, it even stirred a faint flutter of excitement.

“Hmm…”

Burying his face on the warm yet strangely cool skin, Etienne rubbed his cheek slowly like a spoiled child, feeling the trace of the warmth.

“Hyung-nim?”

Rishar called out with a somewhat flustered voice as Etienne rubbed his cheek on his skin. He was happy that Etienne felt comfortable with him, but right now, it was a bit—no, very—complicated.

Rishar clenched and unclenched his fist to regain his composure. He had gripped it so tightly that blue veins showed up on the back of his hand. He considered himself patient, but not with Etienne, he was an exception.

“I’m sleepy…”

Unaware of Rishar’s inner turmoil, Etienne pressed his body closer. He enjoyed the pleasantly warm skin and refreshing scent of his body.

“If you’re tired, you can rest for a bit.”

Rishar observed Etienne’s complexion and raised his hand to cover Etienne’s eyes. Etienne closed and then opened his eyes within the night sky Rishar had created. As his vision darkened, drowsiness washed over him.

“We should return to the banquet hall though…”

Etienne mumbled with a voice filled with sleepiness. His head was hazy and his body was languid. His voice was slightly hoarse. He wanted to just fall asleep without thinking about anything.

“Just sleep.”

“What if people think something strange?”

Etienne forced himself to rise, putting strength into his drooping eyelids. Then Rishar wrapped his arm around Etienne’s waist and pulled him closer.

“They’ll just think you went back because you were tired. It’s okay. If there are any problems, I’ll handle them.”

Rishar whispered reassuringly, adjusting his position so Etienne could lean more comfortably. Then he lifted the hand supporting Etienne’s waist and gently stroked his back.

Etienne could no longer resist. He rested his face on Rishar’s chest and gradually closed his eyes. The regular heartbeat echoing in his ears was like a sweet lullaby.

Feeling the strength drain from Etienne’s body, Rishar smiled faintly.

“Sitting like this, we look just like lovers enjoying a secret affair.”

At the sound of his laughing voice, Etienne’s drowsy eyes flew open. In an instant, his body stiffened. His sleepiness completely vanished.

“Do you feel uncomfortable somewhere?”

Feeling the tension return to Etienne’s body, Rishar tilted his head towards him.

“No… uhm.”

Etienne mumbled an ambiguous response. The word ‘lovers’ had struck him deeply. It was something he had been avoiding all along. A guilt-laden gaze turned towards Rishar.

Are you okay with this?

Etienne barely suppressed the words rising in his throat. He wanted to ask Rishar but also didn’t want to. What if he wasn’t? The thought made his blood run cold.

The current relationship between Etienne and Rishar was hard to precisely define. Though Rishar had confessed some time ago, Etienne still was torn on his feelings and Rishar had never rushed him.

While he was more proactively approaching in some ways, overall he behaved as usual. The only noticeable changes were the increased physical intimacy like kissing and their pheromones being mixed together, which hadn’t occurred before.

As a result, situations like today continued where Etienne didn’t fully reciprocate Rishar’s feelings but also didn’t reject his actions.

“…It’s nothing.”

Once again, Etienne chose silence. He could be called a coward, but he couldn’t help it. Without being sure of his own feelings, he didn’t want to create an awkward relationship by bringing things to the surface.

He probably didn’t mean anything by that. I’m just overthinking it.

Etienne rationalized in his head and tried to act nonchalant. However, the perceptive Rishar immediately understood why Etienne was behaving this way.

“Is it because of what I just said?”

“Eh? No, well… yeah.”

Momentarily flustered, Etienne first denied it, then softly affirmed it. Denying it now seemed unlikely to convince Rishar.

“I’m sorry. I got carried away and talked without thinking twice.”

“No!”

Startled by Rishar’s apology, Etienne involuntarily raised his voice. He continued, hesitant.

“Just, how should I put this? I feel like I’ve become somewhat shameless…”

“Shameless?”

Rishar repeated the word, sounding bewildered. Embarrassed by his reaction, Etienne lowered his head.

“Well, I haven’t given you a proper answer, but here I am, doing this and that with you… It feels like I’m using you for my own interest.”

Watching Etienne ramble incoherently, Rishar’s lips twitched.

Seeing Etienne seriously contemplating their relationship, wavering and experiencing various emotions made him want to laugh.

He pressed down the corners of his lips that kept trying to rise and composed his expression.

“Hmm, if we’re being precise, aren’t I the more shameless one for satisfying my desires by exploiting the fact that you can’t refuse me?”

“But you’re also doing that to help me…”

Etienne mumbled, his lips moving hesitantly. Their hands, facing each other, fidgeted slightly.

“Using helping you as an excuse to do these things?”

Rishar lightly kissed the fidgeting lips and smiled. Etienne stiffened at the soft, smooth contact.

Without breaking his gaze from Etienne, Rishar grabbed his wrist and brought it to his own lips.

“Like this too.”

“Ah!”

Etienne let out a small groan from the pain on his wrist. Rishar bit into the delicate skin, deliberately making a wet sound as he sucked strongly. A red spot instantly bloomed on the white skin.

“Indeed, I seem to be the more shameless one.”

Pressing his lips on the mark he created, Rishar lifted the hand he was holding. Long fingers slipped between fine hair strands, completely enveloping the round nape of the neck.

“Take your time to think it over. It’s okay to wrestle with it as much as you need.”

Confident in his ability to wait, Rishar enclosed Etienne in his embrace and kissed the top of his head. The hand that followed the round nape down to the neck gently stroked his back.

“Now, sleep.”

Rishar whispered in a soft, gentle tone. Tap, tap, his large hand beat a steady rhythm on the back. Etienne’s lips moved as if to say something, then closed again.

The body that hadn’t slept properly for weeks quickly became intoxicated by the warm intimacy and grew limp. Etienne yawned, unable to fight the overwhelming sleepiness. He wanted to talk more with Rishar, but his eyes kept closing.

He could no longer worry about whether Antoine might find him or if Eris might come looking for him.

“I’ll rest just for a bit…”

Finally surrendering to his instincts, Etienne slowly closed his eyes. Like a flower sinking into water, his consciousness gradually subsided. Etienne fell into a sleep as sweet as honey, something he hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

 

ⅦI. The Moment the Heart Blooms

 

“We’re set to begin mine development starting next week.”

“Already?”

Etienne was slightly surprised as he received the documents from Reyan.

Since Reyan’s early morning visit under the pretense of checking on his health, he had anticipated it was about mine development, but the work was proceeding much faster than expected.

“Isn’t this being rushed?”

“I have a mining expert in my merchant group, so the work is progressing quickly. What’s the point of being slow when all we need is to hire workers for the mine?”

Reyan smiled with a good-natured expression. Etienne easily read the anxiety hidden behind his smile. Reyan was quite anxious right now.

No wonder, as Leona’s movements after returning from the east were unusual. She had plans to make Etienne the crown prince within the next year. Her intention was to end everything before Rishar’s power became stronger.

This year’s social season was crucial for Leona’s plan to succeed, as nobles from across the empire would gather in the capital.

Therefore, she had been enthusiastically working with Mathias, the Margrave, to recruit nobles in a neutral position. Her goal was to bring as many nobles to her side as possible.

As Leona moved busily, Reyan’s heart began beating faster.

If it resulted in Etienne becoming crown prince, Reyan would have accomplished nothing. In such a case, even if Etienne later broke free from Leona’s influence, he wouldn’t be able to speak up.

Reyan intended to establish some merit for Etienne before he solidified his position as crown prince. His accelerating the mine development was for this reason.

“You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot¹, it’s best to proceed immediately.”

“Hmm.”

Etienne nodded and carefully read the documents Reyan handed over. The business plan and profit distribution documents were flawless. It seemed he hadn’t been sitting idly in the position of Vice Minister of Industry for the past few years.

“You’re not taking any additional investments? The mine seems quite large, and it might be burdensome for you to handle alone, Count.”

“It’s fine.”

Reyan answered confidently. He added an explanation with a look that suggested there was no need to worry.

“It would be a lie to say it’s not burdensome, but if I gather people, there’s a high chance the Empress would find out. Once the full-scale development begins, investment funds can be recovered quickly, so I’ll consider it an investment for the future.”

“If the Count is okay with it…”

Etienne trailed off, observing Reyan’s expression. He hesitated for a moment, as if he had something to say, and then carefully spoke.

“Actually, I’ve been hearing that the nobles operating merchant groups have been suffering considerable losses due to Grand Duke Eckhart. Were you affected by it, Count?”

As Rishar’s name came up, the smile disappeared from Reyan’s face. His expression twisted in an instant, and he let out a deep sigh.

“Don’t even mention it. Recently, he’s been poking around everywhere, and the trouble has been more than I can handle.”

Recently, Rishar, who became the captain of the security force, had proclaimed a massive effort to straighten the order in the capital. The first thing he did was clean up the back alleys. Simultaneously, he reorganized the internal structure of the security force.

Rishar had thoroughly identified and rooted out all the officers who had been taking bribes and covering for merchant groups over the past few years.

The merchant groups connected to these officers were also subjected to tax investigations. Most of these were groups operated by or connected to the noble faction.

“Is it true that Viscount Reeve was arrested the other day? If I remember correctly, he was proceeding with a wool textile business with you, Count Herace.”

“Unfortunately, it’s true. His merchant group was found to have been conducting illegal trade with the Bisk Kingdom… He was caught red-handed and couldn’t escape.”

Reyan ground his teeth in frustration. The fact that the date and location were precisely leaked meant there was a traitor within them.

“From Grand Duke Eckhart’s perspective, this year is also important. It seems he’s determined to interfere with our funding sources. The biggest problem is that information is leaking from somewhere. Because of this, everyone is laying low.”

“That’s serious. If what the Count says is true, does that mean we have a traitor or a spy on our side? Have you discovered anything?”

“I’m sorry. I haven’t identified anything yet.”

Reyan’s expression darkened at Etienne’s question. He was already suffering headaches because of this matter.

“Even with things like this, you haven’t identified who did it? Not even a little?”

“That… no.”

Reyan lowered his head with an embarrassed expression as Etienne pressed him. Etienne was inwardly relieved by his response. After all, the traitor Reyan was talking about was him.

He had been worried that Reyan might suspect him, but based on his reaction, it seemed he could be at ease. Etienne put on a worried expression and spoke.

“Count, I’m asking just in case, but you haven’t been involved in anything illegal…”

“Absolutely not!”

Reyan was startled and cut off Etienne’s words, denying it. However, Etienne narrowed his eyes, suggesting he didn’t believe Reyan’s words.

“Really?”

“You don’t need to worry.”

Reyan answered with a confident expression. Etienne looked at him with suspicious eyes while nodding as if he understood.

In fact, Etienne knew Reyan was lying. He had heard from Rishar that Reyan had been interfering with salt, a national monopoly item, since the year before last.

In the Frederick Empire, salt was one of the imperial family’s main sources of income, managed by the Ministry of Industry. After becoming Vice Minister, Reyan had been embezzling salt.

Tampering with national monopoly items was a serious crime that could be considered treason. Rishar planned to use this to bring down Reyan and deal a blow to Leona.

To do this, he needed to find evidence or catch Reyan in the act.

“I understand. I trust you.”

Etienne didn’t pursue the matter further and readily backed down. Reyan, who had been examining Etienne’s face with wary eyes, smiled as if nothing had happened.

“Then please sign here. Once you sign, we’ll start work tomorrow.”

Reyan urged with a giggling smile. He had one reason for wanting Etienne’s signature.

It was a serious crime for a nobleman to arbitrarily touch imperial or noble family property. Even if Etienne had initially proposed it, he could be implicated if things went wrong.

So Reyan had created a safety net. Besides the power of attorney granting him mining development rights, he obtained Etienne’s signature on the development and business plan to create an escape route.

“Here you go.”

Etienne signed without hesitation. After all, this was just another weapon to attack Reyan. Since Rishar and Edwin had targeted Reyan, his signature wouldn’t change Reyan’s future.

“Thank you. Ahem.”

Reyan received the documents and burst into laughter before quickly clearing his throat. He realized he had been too undignified in front of Etienne.

“By the way, I heard you were quite ill, and I’m sorry for interrupting your rest…”

“It’s okay. After resting for two days doing nothing, I’m much better today.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I heard you left in the middle of the ball.”

“I’ve never been in a place with Alphas and Omegas for so long before… There’s a limit to enduring it with medication.”

Etienne brought out a prepared excuse. During the debutante ball, it was said that Etienne had returned early due to poor health.

While Etienne was asleep, Rishar had Celodine inform Antoine and Eris that Etienne had returned to the palace because he wasn’t feeling well.

Celodine didn’t stop there. He strongly argued to Leona that Etienne had been exposed to too many pheromones and needed at least two days of rest.

Leona reluctantly agreed. Thanks to this, Etienne could rest for the first time in weeks. Contrary to what they had worried about, things had been resolved well.

“Oh, by the way, the apothecary you introduced to me is very capable, Count. Thank you.”

“What have I possibly done? Celodine brought her for your sake. I just wrote a letter of introduction.”

“That letter of introduction played a crucial role in persuading her. You were quite helpful during the ball as well.”

“I’m truly glad I could help Your Highness. Oh, I’m hosting one next week, and there are some people I’d like to introduce you to, Your Highness, and I wonder if you’ll have time?”

“Next week…”

Etienne trailed off, lost in thought. The people Reyan wanted to introduce were surely nobles from the noble faction who were dissatisfied with Leona and Count Herace. Not all nobles in the faction blindly followed those two.

“I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’ll probably be able to attend. I’ll make time.”

After some contemplation, Etienne accepted Reyan’s invitation. He didn’t want to go, but it was a place he had to attend.

As soon as Etienne agreed, Reyan’s face brightened. Having accomplished all the goals he had for this visit, he smiled and rose up.

“I’ll send you the invitation right away.”

“Do so. I’ll see you then.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Reyan bowed politely and left the reception room. As soon as he disappeared, Etienne quickly recalled the conversation they had.

“Lady Viena.”

“You called, Your Highness?”

Viena, who had been standing by the door, quickly approached. As his exclusive knight, she had been playing the role of messenger lately.

“Deliver this to Grand Duke Eckhart.”

“Yes, sir.”

Viena received the note, quickly memorized its contents, then returned it to Etienne. She then disappeared with quick steps.

Left alone, Etienne burned the note in the incense. The small piece of paper turned to ash in an instant.

“Phew.”

Etienne let out a sigh and leaned back on the sofa with a tired face. He had been tense throughout the conversation with Reyan, and now his head was aching.

“Well done.”

Ben, who had seen Reyan off, brought warm fruit tea. Etienne stared blankly at the steaming teacup and asked in an exhausted voice,

“Didn’t you say Marquis Miles’s son would be coming to the palace today?”

“Yes, it’s today.”

“Of all days.”

Etienne clicked his tongue with a displeased expression. Theodore, the heir of Marquis Miles, had become Etienne’s temporary assistant from today. Leona appointed him.

“This is going to be quite annoying.”

Etienne muttered to himself while picking up his teacup. He hadn’t met Theodore since the triumph ceremony.

In the meantime, Theodore had contacted him several times, wanting to properly apologize. But Etienne had firmly refused. He didn’t want to get involved with Theodore.

However, that was now impossible. From the moment Leona brought up the temporary assistant story, he had felt uneasy, and as expected, Theodore had been chosen.

“The appointment was in the afternoon, right?”

“Uh… Actually, he’s already in the palace and is waiting to meet Your Highness.”

“What?”

At Ben’s response, Etienne frowned while holding the teacup. He put down the teacup and showed his displeasure.

“He’s already here? I remember we were supposed to meet in the afternoon.”

“It seems he paid his respects to Her Majesty in the morning. He said he would wait quietly until the appointment time, so I’ve shown him to the second reception room.”

Ben bowed his head apologetically. He was one of the people who knew best how uncomfortable Etienne was with Theodore. Ben cautiously continued while watching Etienne’s darkening mood.

“What do you want me to do? Since it’s Marquis Miles who didn’t keep the appointment time…”

“It’s not like we can do something about it. I’ll meet him.”

Etienne sighed and answered. Apart from finding Theodore’s actions offensive, he couldn’t keep him waiting after knowing he was here.

More precisely, he didn’t want Theodore to stay in his palace for long. It would be better to quickly finish the conversation and send him away.

“The second reception room?”

“Yes, I’ll call him right away.”

“No. I’ll go myself.”

Etienne stood up and headed to there. No matter how he thought about it, Theodore becoming his assistant this time didn’t seem like a coincidence.

An Omega hiding his status, and now attaching a dominant Alpha like Theodore as his temporary assistant?

Considering Leona’s personality, this was incomprehensible. She was absolutely not someone who moved without thinking. There must be something behind this…

“Ah.”

Like a lightning bolt of realization, his tightly closed lips parted. Etienne stopped walking and let out a low exclamation. He had understood Leona’s intention.

“Your Highness?”

Ben, following behind Etienne, looked puzzled when he suddenly stopped. Instead of answering Ben, Etienne let out a hollow laugh.

“This is truly absurd.”

“Pardon?”

“No, I wasn’t talking to you. Don’t worry about it.”

Etienne smiled slightly at Ben, who looked confused, and then moved again. His face heading to the reception room was hardened as if he had never smiled.

Leona had made Theodore Etienne’s assistant as a measure for the future. She was already drawing the picture of what would happen after Etienne became the crown prince.

After winning the succession struggle and Etienne becoming crown prince, she would undoubtedly seat Theodore next to him.

“Ha.”

Another hollow laugh escaped Etienne’s lips. He couldn’t tell whether he should admire Leona’s thorough preparedness or sigh at her ruthlessness that didn’t consider her child’s feelings at all.

He understood why Leona chose Theodore. At the current point, the Miles family was the most excellent piece she could choose.

Being one of the top 10 noble families in the empire and a family that had consistently produced dominant Alphas, they were impeccable to become the imperial in-laws.

Moreover, Marquis Miles, along with the Duke Herace, was at the center of leading the nobility. He was even completely infatuated with Leona. This meant that even if Etienne was revealed to be an Omega to him, he was not someone who would turn his back on them.

Rather, he might welcome it as an opportunity to strengthen his own power.

Considering everything, Theodore was a tool that satisfied Leona in terms of family, lineage, and characteristics. He was a stud perfect for combining with Etienne to continue the imperial bloodline.

The problem was that Etienne had no favor towards Theodore.

But this was never about considering my feelings.

Etienne’s face twisted into a bitter smile as he mocked himself. Whether in the past or now, his feelings had never been worth considering to Leona.

How many owners would care about the feelings of the tool they use?

Leona would never care about Etienne’s feelings even a bit. She would simply issue commands, and that would be all.

It had always been like this. Etienne’s life had always been controlled by Leona.

From a very young age, he was conditioned to follow all of Leona’s commands.

After growing to a certain extent, he had complaints about Leona’s behavior but never properly rebelled. He had grown up and lived like that.

If he hadn’t met Rishar and seen hope in him, he would have probably lived weakly as her chess piece until his death.

“I didn’t know there was more to be disappointed about…”

Etienne murmured softly, staring coldly at the second reception room’s door. He already didn’t like Theodore, but knowing Leona’s intention made him even more uncomfortable.

“His Highness, Etienne de Frederick, is here!”

With Ben’s shout, the reception room door opened. Etienne slightly furrowed his brow at the birch tree fragrance felt between the opened doors. It was Theodore’s pheromones.

“Your Highness!”

Theodore, sitting with a tense face, was startled when Etienne entered and stood up. Then, realizing his mistake, he quickly bowed his head.

“I greet the Star of the Empire.”

Theodore greeted Etienne in an excited voice. He suppressed his racing heart while looking at Etienne.

Since the triumph ceremony banquet, Theodore had blamed himself and spent each day in regret.

Etienne had not mentioned anything about that night. Instead of punishing Theodore, he refused his apologies by not allowing him to contact him.

Theodore was burning with anxiety due to the continued rejection. He couldn’t understand how to seek forgiveness from Etienne or how to approach him.

Then an opportunity came to Theodore. He received a proposal from the Empress to become Etienne’s temporary assistant.

Theodore accepted the Empress’s offer without hesitation. He couldn’t miss the chance to stay close to Etienne.

And today, he gathered his trembling heart and entered the palace.

“Starting today, I will have the honor of serving Your Highness. Though I may be lacking, I will do my utmost to assist you.”

“There’s no need for that. It’s just a formality anyway.”

Unlike Theodore, who was full of expectations, Etienne was as cold and dry as a winter wind. Etienne sat down, completely crushing Theodore’s excitement.

“Marquis Miles’s son, you will only accompany me to official events like hunting competitions. Your assistance won’t be required for any of my private schedules.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Just as I said. Although Her Majesty commanded me to take you as my temporary assistant, I do not need it.”

“I apologize, Your Highness, but I’m not sure I quite understand what you’re saying.”

“You don’t need to be by my side every day like other assistants. If there’s nothing special, you don’t even need to enter the palace.”

Etienne cut him off sharply. He felt a bit sorry for Theodore, but the moment he smelled his pheromones, he felt it was better to draw a clear line now.

Unless he intended to accept Theodore’s feelings, it was better for both of them to give him no room.

“As you are aware, I’m a very territorial person. I don’t like it when someone carelessly invades my space. So, I’d appreciate it if you’d respect those boundaries.”

“Ah…”

“If I need you in the future, I’ll send someone. You can come only then.”

Theodore moved his lips, looking bewildered by Etienne setting such boundaries between them. He hadn’t thought Etienne would welcome him, but he didn’t expect him to put up a wall.

“Is it because of what happened last time? Are you still angry with me…”

“Last time? No, that’s not it. I was indeed angry about your actions back then, Miles, but not now. If I was going to make an issue of it, I wouldn’t have accepted you as my assistant in the first place.”

“But…”

“As I said before, I have no intention of making you work for me. I have even less desire to fulfill what you want.”

At the ruthless rejection, Theodore clenched his teeth. He trembled like someone who had been greatly insulted.

“Why is that?”

“You don’t know?”

In response to Theodore’s question, Etienne tilted his head askew and countered. Even at this moment, Theodore’s body was emitting a stimulating scent.

Etienne frowned at the birch tree scent pricking his nose. For some time now, Theodore would subtly emit pheromones whenever he met Etienne.

It was because of this that Etienne came to know the desire Theodore harbored.

Until now, Theodore had taken advantage of the fact that Etienne, being a Beta, couldn’t smell his scent, and had slyly satisfied his own desires. He had marked Etienne’s body with his pheromones as if claiming ownership.

Etienne had to suppress the rising disgust and irritation from within. If it had been unconscious, he might have understood, but unfortunately, Theodore’s actions were clearly intentional.

Knowing this, Etienne couldn’t protest or get angry at Theodore’s rudeness. He couldn’t let it be discovered that he could actually smell his pheromones.

So Etienne had to endure Theodore’s actions, almost sexual harassment, and pretend to know nothing. The only resistance he could make was to refuse and avoid Theodore’s approach.

“Marquis Miles’s son.”

Etienne clenched his teeth, feeling Theodore’s scent growing thicker. It was disgustingly unpleasant to be the object of desire for someone he not only didn’t like but was close to hating.

“I do not keep people who look at me ‘that way’ by my side.”

Theodore had his breath caught in his throat like someone who had been struck at his core when Etienne spoke. Etienne looked directly into his wavering eyes and opened his mouth.

“If you can truly show loyalty with a pure heart, I’ll welcome you. However, if you cannot, I will refuse here and now. I hope you do not harbor any strange expectations that I might change my mind.”

“Why… Why are you always so cruel to me? What have I done wrong to you, Your Highness?”

Theodore asked with a trembling voice. His tone was filled with a sense of injustice and despair. Etienne bit his lower lip, feeling the pheromones that had grown more intense just moments ago.

From Theodore’s perspective, it was understandable to feel wronged. It would seem that Etienne hated him for no reason.

Etienne didn’t necessarily not want to explain the reason. In his honest heart, he wanted to immediately reveal the disgusting things Theodore had done to him. But he had to endure. It was not yet the right time.

“You have done nothing wrong, sorry, but isn’t this for both of our sakes?”

Etienne spoke with sincerity. He hoped Theodore would now cut off his attention to him. Seeing Theodore’s expression as if the world had collapsed, he felt a tiny bit of sympathy, but he could not let him be.

“Can’t you give me a chance…?”

“A chance? You seem unaware, Miles, but I have already given you several chances.”

“What?”

“You’re the one who did not recognize those chances and kicked them away, so let’s end this conversation here. Continuing this talk will only make things uncomfortable going forward.”

It’s better to cut off feelings before they become uncontrollable. Etienne was determined to remain firm to the end. It was better this way to prevent Theodore from harboring futile hopes.

Thinking this, Etienne opened his mouth again but then paused. For some reason, Rishar came to mind. While he could cut off Theodore’s feelings like this, he couldn’t do the same with Rishar’s feelings.

Is this current situation of neither accepting nor completely rejecting him truly right? As that thought came to him, he momentarily couldn’t speak.

At that moment, a voice filled with resentment came from across the room.

“Then what about Grand Duke Eckhart?”

“What?”

Etienne hardened his eyes when Theodore brought up Rishar.

“Why is Grand Duke Eckhart’s name suddenly coming up? What does he have to do with this conversation?”

“If I can’t look at you with ‘those eyes’, isn’t it the same for Grand Duke Eckhart? Surely you’re not saying you aren’t aware that he and I are looking at you in the same way?”

Theodore’s lips curled. His eyes were as fierce as his gaze.

“I know, even if others don’t, that the Grand Duke rejected the marriage proposal from the Mathias family because of you.”

Theodore gritted his teeth as he spoke. At first, he had been uncertain. Knowing that Rishar and Etienne were politically opposed, he thought it might be his misunderstanding.

Even when Rishar had stopped him at the triumph ceremony and when he heard about what happened in the banquet hall, he had doubted it. But he became certain at the debutante ball.

At the time when Etienne had restrained Rishar, who was angry at people who had carelessly spread rumors, Theodore had also been in the reception hall. And he had seen Rishar’s expression when looking at Etienne.

His lingering doubts turned into certainty in an instant. The softly folding corners of his eyes, the gaze that looked lovingly helpless, the atmosphere that had warmed like turning from mid-winter to early spring – they were all saying the same thing.

Rishar harbored the same feelings as him.

“Didn’t he reject the marriage proposal, saying he would marry someone he likes regardless of their gender? Isn’t that statement made with the Prince in mind?”

Theodore spoke with a confident voice. His accusatory attitude changed Etienne’s expression. He looked coldly at Theodore. If Theodore were to say something strange to Leona, everything could be ruined.

“I can’t understand what you want to say. Even if we assume Grand Duke Eckhart has feelings for me, would anything change? Are you doubting our relationship? Are you saying I’m collaborating with the Grand Duke?”

“No, that’s not what I meant. Given the situation, you would not dare to act thoughtlessly, Your Highness, but it’s true that you give him a special treatment.”

As Etienne spoke strongly, Theodore took a step back with a gesture while still staring at him with bloodshot eyes. The image of Etienne consoling Rishar was vivid in his mind.

Etienne’s attitude toward Rishar was completely different from how he treated others. The affectionate tone and gentle demeanor were things he never showed to Theodore. Remembering this, an uncontrollable jealousy rose within him.

“Please answer me. Why can you accept him and not me?”

“What an absurd question, it’s not even worth answering.”

Etienne shook his head in disbelief. He was even tired of arguing with Theodore in this manner.

“Honestly, I’d like to kick you out right now, but out of respect for Marquis Miles, I’ll give you a special answer. It’s true, I do feel more at ease with Grand duke Eckhart than with you. He’s not like you.”

“What exactly…?”

“Are you that curious why I reject you but accept the Grand Duke? It’s simple. Grand Duke Eckhart doesn’t act as selfishly as you do.”

“What?”

“He doesn’t ignore my wishes to satisfy his own greed or force himself on me. That’s the difference between you and him and the reason I treat you differently.”

Yes, they’re truly different. Etienne bit his lip firmly. Rishar had never approached him recklessly. He never forced his feelings or complained about Etienne not understanding his feelings.

He had his moments of selfishness, true, but he always considered Etienne’s feelings. Knowing that an Alpha’s pheromones could be poison to someone that weak, he had never carelessly let out his pheromones, even when he thought Etienne was a Beta.

Except for moments when he couldn’t control his emotions and momentarily revealed his pheromones, Rishar had always carefully controled his pheromones so as not to make Etienne uncomfortable or strain him.

So it was okay. Not because Etienne cherished and liked Rishar, but because Rishar respected and considered him in every moment, his pheromones were unlike other Alphas’ – never unpleasant or overwhelming. That was the difference between Rishar and Theodore.

“I never…”

“Enough!”

Etienne raised his voice, cutting off Theodore’s words. Seeing the unknown strong side of him, Theodore was taken aback.

“Don’t even think about denying it. You must have some idea, right?”

Etienne spoke sharply with a hardened expression. For a moment, Theodore was speechless, looking confused.

“What are you talking about…”

“You tell me. You know better what I’m talking about. If you want to deny it, go ahead. If you truly don’t know, then so be it.”

At Etienne’s words, Theodore opened his mouth with a ‘don’t tell me…’ expression. His lips moved as if to say something, but then he closed his mouth again. Cold sweat ran down his back.

Etienne dismissed Theodore as if he had nothing more to say.

“My kindness toward you ends here. If you continue to bother me, I’ll treat it as insubordination. Leave now.”

“Your Highness, just a moment, please hear me…”

“Didn’t you hear me say to leave?”

Etienne raised his voice, not hiding his irritation. His truly angry demeanor made Theodore pause.

“If there’s anything I need help with later, I’ll call you. I hope your heart is sorted out when we meet again.”

The words that crushed even a glimmer of hope made Theodore’s head drop. The hand resting on his thigh clenched tightly.

“…I will take my leave.”

After a while, Theodore, who had risen unsteadily from his seat, bowed politely to Etienne. Etienne did not even give him a glance. Theodore looked at Etienne, who was ignoring him with resentment, and then turned his body.

“Phew.”

Etienne exhaled the breath he had been holding at the sound of the closing door. Then he pressed his throbbing temples with his hand.

“Ben, please open the windows wide.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ben, who had been watching from the doorway, quickly opened the windows. A warm spring breeze blew through the widely opened windows. Etienne felt the birch scent filling the reception room gradually fading and leaned back on the sofa.

“Are you alright?”

Ben, who had firmly tied the curtains so they wouldn’t flutter, asked cautiously. At his question, Etienne let out a deflating laugh.

“What’s not alright? It was something I had to do anyway.”

“Still… he won’t say anything strange to the Empress, right?”

Ben couldn’t hide his worried expression. The words Theodore had just spoken were weighing on his mind.

“It’ll be fine. Even Her Majesty knows that Richard is favorable toward me. If Marquis Miles’s son says something like that, she’ll probably think it’s a good thing. She’ll likely try to use me as bait to set a trap.”

Etienne spoke with confidence. Over the past few years, he had distanced himself from Rishar for this very reason. He had pretended to be distant so as not to be used to harm Rishar, but now the situation had changed.

Etienne even had plans to counterattack if Leona tried to harm Rishar through him. So he didn’t care what Theodore might say to Leona.

“I’m getting thirsty from all this talking. Could you bring me some cold water?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Etienne tried to ignore the creeping anxiety, tightly clasping his hands together. Then, feeling pain, he flinched and dropped his hands. His wrist, brushed by his sleeve, was sore.

“…”

Etienne felt the tingling on his skin and subtly pulled down his sleeve. As he did, a hidden wound was revealed. It was a bite mark left by Rishar a few days ago.

“…It’s okay.”

Everything will be okay. Looking at the dark mark on his wrist, Etienne muttered to himself. As he repeated it like a spell, his trembling gradually subsided. Instead, a painful longing rose.

Etienne suppressed the loneliness seeping into his chest and brought his wrist, still marked by Richard’s touch, to his lips. Gently, he pressed his mouth over the lingering traces of that day’s heat. Today, more than ever, he missed Richard.