KTD Chapter 3 (Part 2)

LONG CHAPTER AHEAD

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“Have you found them?”

Jaynie’s voice was casual, revealing little interest in the details, much like a typical client.

“Yes, but…”

Rick’s hesitation was apparent as he weighed how to explain the complexities of the situation.

“Are there many of them?”

“Yes.”

“How can we narrow it down?”

Rick placed a hand over his chest and respectfully sought Jaynie’s understanding.

“That’s exactly the issue, Your Grace. Joachim has vanished. We have employed every method available, but due to the vastness of the empire, the search is difficult. If you would grant us more time…”

Jaynie interrupted.

“If we find Joachim, can we identify his parents?”

“We plan to compare hair samples from the nobles on the list using identity magic,” Rick answered.

“How many nobles are on the list?”

Rick grew even more polite in his response.

“Approximately eighty-five. Based on the information we’ve gathered so far…”

Jaynie extended his hand. Rick, nervous, handed over the list without hesitation as Jaynie simply said, “Give it to me.”

With both hands, Rick passed the list titled Noble Names from Westville, 17 Years Ago.

Jaynie looked over the names before speaking.

“Joachim.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Can you read?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Read it.”

The servant behind Jaynie stepped forward and took the list, reading aloud in a clear, melodious voice.

“Gale Herbert, Ismael Norton, Selma Owen, Vibil Neade…”

Joachim.

Rick fought the urge to look directly at Joachim. He could barely believe it. He had searched high and low, yet it made sense now. Of course, the Blurwin heir had found him when no one else could.

Westville was a city dominated by slums, with the majority of its population being prostitutes—a notorious pleasure district.

The Blurwin heir had visited Westville and had picked up Joachim.

It was unheard of for a noble to personally inquire into the background of a servant. That sort of thing was typically handled by lower-ranked staff. Rick couldn’t help but suspect that Jaynie’s request to the guild could only have one reason.

The young master seemed quite fond of his servant and had wanted to assist him in finding his birth parents.

“There are a lot,” Rick remarked.

“Yes, there are,” Jaynie replied indifferently.

“It’ll be difficult to find them,” Rick muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the task ahead.

“Yes…”

The servant lowered his head and spoke softly. When Jaynie extended his hand, the servant placed his cheek against Jaynie’s palm. Rick was utterly shocked. The infamous Blurwin heir—touching someone? Even though he was wearing gloves, the contact was unmistakably intimate. Rick’s heart pounded as he tried to look away and act as if he hadn’t noticed.

Jaynie leaned in and whispered something softly into the servant’s ear. Rick assumed it was some form of comfort.

“Yes, master,” the servant murmured.

The boy looked noticeably dejected, and Rick thought to himself, He’s probably given up hope.

After all, finding parents who were lost nearly twenty years ago was no simple task. And how likely was it that those parents were nobles in the first place?

Joachim might have been a striking beauty, somewhere between a boy and a young man, but Rick didn’t think his appearance alone was enough to suggest noble lineage.

With looks like that, if he’d been abandoned by his biological parents in the past, it’s not surprising he might entertain delusions that his heritage is somehow special, Rick thought cynically.

Yet, it was clear that Jaynie Blurwin was deeply concerned for his servant. He seemed almost unsure of how to comfort the boy.

Jaynie gently stroked Joachim’s cheek again and whispered something else. But while comfort was comfort, the investigation was a separate matter. Even if Jaynie doted on his servant, there was no reason to waste further time on a hopeless cause.

“This will do. Let’s end the request here,” Jaynie said decisively.

“Are you certain you don’t want us to continue with the investigation?” Rick asked.

“Yes.”

“And the remaining payment?”

“Handle it as you see fit.”

Jaynie’s voice was devoid of any interest. He sounded just like every other noble when the matter was concluded.

Rick bowed his head and left the room, though his mind was abuzz with fascination over what he had just witnessed.

The Blurwin heir, taking in a servant and treating him this way? That’s the kind of gossip nobles live for.

There were many in the capital who had been curious about Jaynie Blurwin since his return.

Who will find this tidbit most intriguing?

Not long after, rumors about Jaynie Blurwin and his beloved servant began circulating through the social circles of the capital.

* * *

Once the branch manager of the Information Guild left, Joachim stepped away from Jaynie. Jaynie removed his gloves and let them drop to the floor. Joachim picked them up. When he returned with a fresh pair, Jaynie simply held out his hands, indicating for Joachim to put them on for him. Joachim complied.

‘So fussy.’

Since forming the pact, Joachim had remained by Jaynie’s side. Unlike before, he wasn’t confined but instead served as Jaynie’s personal attendant, staying close to him.

Though he wasn’t doing the menial labor of a servant, Joachim quickly realized just how particular Jaynie could be.

First of all, he was overly sensitive to physical contact. If anyone, even Joachim, so much as brushed against him by accident, Jaynie would immediately discard his gloves. He seemed uncomfortable with anyone touching him and utterly unwilling to touch others himself.

To assist Jaynie with dressing, Joachim had to first learn how to put on his clothes without touching Jaynie’s bare skin. Fortunately, Joachim was a quick learner and mastered it with little trouble.

But Jaynie’s demands didn’t stop there. He was frequently plagued by headaches, and perhaps because of this, even the slightest noise—like Joachim’s breathing—seemed to irritate him. Joachim had to train himself to remain as still and silent as a statue.

By comparison, keeping himself clean, presentable, and smiling like a decorative ornament was easy.

Joachim still didn’t understand why he had to serve as Jaynie’s attendant.

“You chatter too much. Keep your mouth shut and do as you’re told. Have you ever seen an attendant speak without their master’s permission?” Jaynie often said to silence him. For the most part, Joachim kept his mouth shut.

But after hearing the report from the branch manager, he couldn’t hold back.

“Eighty-five people?!”

“There could be more,” Jaynie replied nonchalantly.

“You guessed your parents were nobles, but not everyone riding in carriages is a noble. They could have been wealthy gentry. If that’s the case, the number would be even higher.”

“Damn it, this is driving me crazy….”

“Watch your language.”

“It’s driving me crazy, young master.”

Joachim was certain the man he had seen was a noble. Yet the number eighty-five kept swirling in his mind, making him want to curse. How in the world were they supposed to find and identify eighty-five nobles?

Preoccupied with his frustration, Joachim didn’t consider why Jaynie had told him to ‘behave nicely’ in front of the branch manager.

Jaynie spoke. “The man who just left is the branch manager of the Information Guild in the capital. His job is to sell whatever information he gathers to anyone willing to pay. Half the ridiculous rumors circulating in the capital likely came from him.”

“And?”

“He saw how I treated you. He’ll go out and spread rumors about how I’ve taken in a cherished attendant.”

“What? What have you even done for me, young master?”

Joachim’s tone was incredulous. Jaynie glanced at him, unimpressed by the question.

“I’ve been kind to you,” Jaynie said.

“…What?”

Joachim couldn’t recall a single instance of Jaynie being ‘kind’ to him. But Jaynie didn’t seem interested in addressing his confusion.

“Bringing a cherished attendant to a banquet isn’t strange.”

“…I’m going to a banquet?”

“Yes. It’s a royal banquet.”

Joachim wasn’t interested in the details of the banquet itself.

“Why am I going there?”

“Because all the nobles of the empire will be gathered there.”

It was a party hosted by the imperial family, an event open to anyone with a noble title. It was an opportunity for nobles to catch a rare glimpse of the imperial family, so practically no one missed it unless they truly had no presentable attire for such a social gathering.

The person Joachim sought certainly wouldn’t be among those who skipped it. After all, his enemy had the power and resources to track down and burn down a house just to silence an illegitimate child.

Jaynie hadn’t initially planned to attend, even though the invitation had come through Enzo. But as life rarely went as planned, here they were.

“Find him yourself. See if your enemy is there.”

Joachim felt his heart race. His excitement made it hard to breathe, his ribs expanding and contracting almost painfully.

“What if the person I’m looking for isn’t there?”

“Then the list will be much shorter. All we’d need to do is check which nobles didn’t attend.”

“What if they are there?”

Wasn’t that the whole reason they were going? Jaynie glanced at him, puzzled by the question.

“They’ll recognize my face. They’ll realize I’m looking for them,” Joachim said.

He wasn’t ready to die the moment he met his enemy.

“Cover your face.”

“…What?”

“Wear a veil.”

“A veil? Like the ones brides wear?”

The only veils Joachim knew of were the light, white, translucent ones brides used during weddings.

“Yes.”

“But I’m not a bride.”

“I know. Who would marry you?”

“…”

Jaynie had a peculiar talent for provoking people with seemingly casual remarks.

“There are plenty of eccentric nobles. If I say I don’t want anyone else to see my cherished attendant’s face, they’ll believe it.”

Joachim stared at him with a blank expression, unimpressed. Jaynie, on the other hand, felt his actions were considerate enough to touch even the most ungrateful thief.

On the day of the party, Joachim was dragged by the servants to stand before a mirror as they dressed him up. His face was powdered, scented oil was applied to his hair, and he was adorned like a decorative doll.

Finally, a veil was placed over his head, concealing his carefully made-up face.

Joachim was dumbfounded.

‘Why bother dressing me up if you’re just going to cover it all?’

Standing in front of the carriage, another thought struck him. ‘Is this veil even necessary?’

Jaynie Blurwin stood nearby, dressed sharply in a high-collared outfit that exuded elegance. Even Joachim, who had been subjected to Jaynie’s kicks more than once, found himself momentarily forgetting his grudges when their eyes met.

The butler of the mansion reminded Joachim of his duty: a servant’s role was to please their master.

But Jaynie didn’t need anyone to make him stand out. Just standing there, he effortlessly captivated everyone’s attention. Joachim felt like his own presence was entirely overshadowed by Jaynie, veil or not.

“What are you doing?” Jaynie asked.

“I’m coming,” Joachim replied, snapping out of his daze and hurrying forward, embarrassed by his lapse in focus.

As he climbed into the carriage, Jaynie coldly remarked, “What you should say is, ‘I’m sorry.’”

“…”

The carriage started moving.

Joachim sighed deeply. He fully expected to either exact his revenge or die trying. He also knew the latter was far more likely.

But ever since meeting Jaynie, his life had veered off in a direction he couldn’t have anticipated.

* * *

Isota heard about Jaynie Blurwin’s decision to attend the party—not from Jaynie himself, but through the gossip swirling among those around him.

“Lord Blurwin is attending!”

“I’ve never had the chance to meet him. What is he like?”

The chandelier-lit ballroom had an open center for dancing, but Isota wasn’t on the dance floor. Instead, he was seated with his friends, occupying one of the best spots while drinking glass after glass of wine.

Jaynie had been absent from the capital’s social circles for three years. Many had already forgotten about him.

‘Three years is more than enough time for things to change,’ Isota thought.

Those who knew about his connection to Jaynie glanced at him, curious for his reaction. Isota said nothing, and they took his silence as permission to chatter freely.

“He’s not a social person, is he? Even when he’s in the capital, he avoids gatherings entirely.”

“I heard he has a phobia about crowds—some kind of germaphobia.”

“No, it’s not just germs. He doesn’t like people in general.”

The usual remarks about Jaynie passed around the group. Everyone knew he was a Beta, so it wasn’t even mentioned. It wasn’t an important detail to anyone.

What mattered in the social world was whether someone could fit in. Were they fun, beautiful, charming? Could they captivate a room with their presence?

Jaynie might never inherit the dukedom, but what did that matter? It wasn’t like anyone planned to marry him.

Most of those gathered were already engaged or married. Among nobles in their twenties from prominent families, it was rare to be unattached. Even though engagements often ended as quickly as they began, such arrangements were the norm.

In truth, Jaynie Blurwin was one of the few exceptions.

“Have you heard the rumor? It’s rather strange. I’m not even sure it’s appropriate to mention here,” one person said, lowering their voice.

Someone else, eager to show they were in the know, sent a sly glance. “Ah, you mean how he took in an illegitimate child? That story?”

“No, not that. Although that’s quite the intriguing tale as well. I meant something else.”

“Wait, I haven’t heard anything! What are you talking about?”

The moment the word illegitimate was mentioned, Isota lost interest. Though he called these people friends, the only person he truly considered a friend was Jaynie Blurwin.

Even if they were currently estranged.

Isota felt irritated.

These so-called friends were nothing more than talkative nobles trying to win his favor. Their role was to amuse him and keep him entertained.

But if they were going to spout nonsense that annoyed him, they were utterly useless. Fed up, Isota abruptly stood, muttering, “Excuse me,” before slipping away.

As luck would have it, Enzo was just entering the ballroom. Isota, for no particular reason, grabbed Enzo in a friendly manner and lowered his voice to ask, “Enzo, have you seen Jaynie?”

“Not yet. I don’t think he’s arrived,” Enzo replied.

“Why does he always show up so late? He won’t even stay long anyway,” Isota grumbled.

What was the point of attending social gatherings if not to socialize? Jaynie seemed to lack even the barest sense of purpose when it came to such things.

“If you want to see him so badly, why don’t you tell him to come early? He’d probably like it,” Enzo teased.

“What would he like? He doesn’t even answer my messages,” Isota shot back.

“That’s why you’re upset?” Enzo asked, smiling warmly as if he were humoring a younger sibling.

“Try again. He’ll respond. Jaynie’s grown up a lot, you know.”

“Sure, of course he has,” Isota replied with a scrunched nose, giving Enzo a pointed once-over.

‘Typical,’ Isota thought.

Enzo was optimistic and broad-minded—qualities that made him an excellent leader to serve under. But as a brother? He was insufferable.

His stubbornness was as unyielding as steel, and once he made up his mind about someone, he wouldn’t waver. He trusted completely and without reservation.

Isota thought Enzo should’ve dragged Jaynie to the palace himself. Jaynie would’ve listened to Enzo.

Just as Enzo always listened to Jaynie.

If things had gone that way, this long cold war between them wouldn’t have happened.

Jaynie, upon arriving in the capital, had not stepped foot in the imperial palace. Considering how often he had played and stayed there as a child, it was baffling.

Instead, he shut himself away in his mansion and acted distant, even to Isota when they met after so long.

Frankly, none of that really mattered. Jaynie’s lack of sociability wasn’t new—it was just how he’d always been.

What Isota couldn’t stand, though, was the unfairness of it all.

Jaynie was the one who hadn’t responded to his letters. If anyone had the right to be angry, it was Isota. Why was Jaynie the one holding a grudge?

And yet, Isota couldn’t believe how much he let himself get dragged into this mess.

‘You’re so infuriating, Jaynie Blurwin.’

Despite everything, Isota wanted to reconcile. If Enzo had forced them to make peace, they’d probably have grumbled but eventually bonded over making snide remarks about Enzo. Just like old times—sipping wine in some forgotten corner of the ballroom.

In truth, Enzo wasn’t even necessary. Isota had decided that if he saw Jaynie tonight, he’d make amends himself.

Though the last time they met, Jaynie had felt strangely unfamiliar….

At that moment, an attendant announced Jaynie’s arrival.

“Lord Jaynie Blurwin of Blurwin has arrived.”

Enzo set down his glass and moved toward the entrance to greet him. Isota, unable to avoid the situation, reluctantly followed.

Jaynie entered with one companion.

Enzo spread his arms and embraced Jaynie.

“You made it?”

“I won’t stay long.”

“Doesn’t matter—you’re here, and that’s what counts. Isota, look! The person you’ve been waiting for is here.”

“I wasn’t waiting,” Isota retorted. “…Jaynie. It’s been a while.”

He gave Jaynie a small nod. Jaynie, unlike last time, didn’t meet him with that cold, unfamiliar gaze. Instead, he simply nodded back.

“Isota.”

Jaynie, raised among the imperial family, had learned to conceal his emotions. He could keep his face entirely neutral if he wanted to. But Isota, who had known him for years, could see the subtle signs of reluctance.

It was the same as the last time. Jaynie didn’t seem happy to see him.

Did I really do something wrong?

The thought left Isota frozen mid-step, letting Jaynie and Enzo walk ahead.

Thanks to this, Isota was able to observe Jaynie’s companion.

The companion was an Alpha boy wearing a white veil. He seemed to be about the same height as Isota.

But Alphas didn’t wear decorative veils. Those were strictly associated with Omegas. Even in the most extravagant noble circles, where eccentric fashion choices were the norm, putting something like that on an Alpha man felt almost perverse.

Yet Jaynie, of all people, wasn’t someone who indulged in strange tastes. He didn’t seem to have any taste at all—he simply didn’t interact with anyone.

It was obvious at a glance that the companion was an Alpha. Alphas and Omegas could instinctively recognize each other—it was an innate awareness.

Jaynie’s first companion?

An Alpha?

And one dressed so strangely?

Isota couldn’t help himself.

“Who’s that behind you?”

“My cherished attendant. Don’t touch the veil,” Jaynie replied curtly.

Jaynie responded curtly.

Isota had so many questions. Why is an Alpha serving as your attendant? And what’s with calling him your ‘cherished attendant’?

Among nobles, such a term might be used for attendants who also provided… nocturnal services. But Jaynie? That couldn’t be true. How could someone who hated strangers even tolerate having anyone so close? And why on earth was the boy wearing a veil? It was such an odd choice—Jaynie was starting to seem like someone with truly bizarre tastes.

Out of all these swirling thoughts, only one made it past his lips.

“Will his face wear out if I look at it?”

“It will. Even I try not to look at it too much because it’s too precious,” Jaynie replied without even glancing at him.

Has he lost his mind?

Isota was stunned. The Jaynie Blurwin he knew wouldn’t say something so ridiculously embarrassing even under torture.

Just then, the veiled attendant flinched and grabbed at Jaynie’s sleeve.

Seriously, has he gone insane?

Isota thought again, incredulous.

This was a gathering attended by the imperial princes. Jaynie himself, as the son of the Grand Princess, was in line for the throne. An attendant—especially one as lowly as this—had no business interfering in such a space.

And yet, Jaynie, who despised physical contact, hadn’t shaken the boy off. Isota fully expected him to reprimand the attendant or, at worst, punish him immediately. At best, he’d scold him now and deal with it later.

But Jaynie did neither. Instead, he excused himself to Enzo and Isota, then walked with the attendant to the far side of the room. Tilting his head slightly, he leaned in to listen as the boy whispered something to him.

“…”

Even Enzo widened his eyes in surprise and glanced at Isota, who could only shrug in disbelief.

When Jaynie returned, Isota didn’t know what to say.

Fortunately, Jaynie spoke first, making Isota’s hesitation irrelevant.

“Excuse me,” Jaynie said before stepping past them. He was heading toward a cluster of people surrounding a particularly popular noble. As Jaynie approached, the crowd parted for him.

Isota quickly recognized the person at the center of the group: Vibil Neade.

Vibil was a collateral member of the Blurwin family, a man Jaynie openly despised. The expression on Vibil’s handsome face suggested he was surprised Jaynie was approaching him at all.

And why wouldn’t he be? Jaynie treated most of his relatives like pests, but his disdain for Vibil was special. Their mutual dislike wasn’t exactly a secret.

But now Jaynie was initiating a conversation with him.

Isota couldn’t hold back any longer.

“What is he doing?”

“Trying to mend ties with a collateral branch?” Enzo replied, though he didn’t sound confident.

“Yeah, right! Since when does Jaynie bow first to anyone?”

Enzo had to concede to that point.

“I told you—Jaynie’s matured,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Of course, it wasn’t just them who were confused. The scene was bewildering to everyone watching.

* * *

Jaynie had braced himself for the possibility of attending the banquet for several days. It was his worst nightmare, so Joachim should have been grateful for his sacrifice. But Joachim managed to find his enemy on the very first day.

To Jaynie’s surprise, the man was someone he also knew.

‘Vibil Neade.’

Jaynie couldn’t help but reflect on the nature of connections.

Some people live their lives meticulously building grudges, entangling themselves in situations where multiple threads of hatred eventually converge.

Like the noble standing before him now.

“Well, Lord Jaynie. To think you’ve come to see me,” Vibil said with a smile.

“I was worried you’d been avoiding these gatherings to avoid meeting me. It seems I overestimated my importance.”

It wasn’t an overestimation. There had been times Jaynie skipped gatherings simply because he loathed Vibil. Among the many self-absorbed nobles, Vibil was particularly insufferable, taking his inflated sense of self to another level.

To be fair, his arrogance wasn’t entirely unwarranted. Vibil was a handsome nobleman with striking red hair and a confident presence. But Jaynie found him repulsive, largely due to their long-standing animosity.

Since Jaynie’s first forays into the social scene, Vibil had made it his mission to insult him. It was impossible to like someone like that.

“I didn’t know you were in the capital,” Jaynie said.

As Vibil was a knight in service to his father and a titled noble, Jaynie had to maintain a polite tone in formal settings. It was one of the reasons Jaynie despised social events.

Vibil laughed pleasantly.

“Well, it’s understandable. Even without seeing me, I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about me. Word travels fast, after all. I’ve heard you’ve had many… lively events at your estate recently.”

The implication—busy tormenting the grand princess’s illegitimate child—was clear. Jaynie raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Those around them gasped, hiding their faces behind fans, clearly understanding the innuendo.

“Some people might find studying enjoyable, but I’m no scholar by nature. My father is a strict teacher, as you know, so I’ve been preoccupied with my studies and haven’t kept up with the happenings in the capital,” Jaynie replied.

After the Grand Princess’s death, Jaynie had been sent to the dukedom, ostensibly for heir training. That was the common understanding.

‘Too busy studying to even enjoy the capital,’ people would say.

Vibil’s thinly veiled displeasure showed for a moment.

“Oh, the Duke…”

But of course, he couldn’t openly insult the Duke.

‘At this point, his influence was still limited,’ Jaynie thought, observing Vibil’s restraint.

Jaynie was a Beta. Everyone knew that positioning him as the duke’s heir was an ambitious move on the Duke’s part, which fueled opposition from collateral branches of the family.

Among them, Vibil Neade had been the most vocal. He aspired to be the next duke and viewed Jaynie as an obstacle. Later, he would formally challenge Jaynie’s claim to the heirship, sparking a succession conflict.

But he hadn’t yet risen to that level.

‘This man is Joachim’s biological father?’

When Joachim had pointed him out, Jaynie had been shocked, though he hid it well.

Vibil Neade would die five years later.

It was around that time Joachim performed his first miracle. Perhaps Vibil’s death had led Joachim to some divine epiphany.

‘At least I know Joachim didn’t commit patricide.’

One mystery was solved.

The future Cardinal Joachim had failed to take his revenge. Jaynie knew exactly who was responsible for Vibil Neade’s death.

Now, addressing a man he once despised more than anything, Jaynie spoke.

“Still, since I’m in the capital, I should fulfill my social duties. Would you recommend any new gatherings I should attend?”

“Hmm?”

“I’d appreciate your advice. Surely there isn’t a gathering in the capital you don’t know about, Sir Neade.”

Vibil raised an eyebrow, clearly wondering if Jaynie had gone mad.

“Well, that wouldn’t be difficult….”

“The chef at my estate is skilled in Eastern cuisine. I’d like to invite you to try it.”

“…If you extend an invitation, I would be honored to visit.”

Jaynie maintained the most cordial demeanor he could muster. Vibil looked increasingly suspicious but couldn’t outright refuse such an offer. Jaynie was the Duke’s only direct heir. Even if Vibil had insulted him many times before, rejecting such a polished invitation would be unwise.

As Jaynie walked back toward Enzo, ignoring the puzzled stares of the onlookers, he felt a sense of completion.

“My work here is done,” he said.

“You’re leaving?”

Enzo was dumbfounded. He wasn’t sure Jaynie had even stayed for ten minutes.

“After receiving an invitation, it’ll be hard for him to badmouth me,” Jaynie added.

‘At least for now.’

Jaynie had even flattered Vibil enough to paint him as a socialite admired by everyone. With Jaynie’s unexpected change in attitude, Vibil would undoubtedly be thrown off balance.

Enzo had invited Jaynie for one reason: to silence Vibil. Now that the goal had been achieved, there was no reason to stop him from leaving.

Jaynie collected Joachim, who had been waiting by the wall, and exited the ballroom.

Though many people didn’t know who the Blurwin heir was, by the time Jaynie left, everyone in attendance had heard his name.

The capital was full of nobles eager to gossip, just like Isota’s current companions.

When someone asked, ‘Who is that beautiful young man?’ they eagerly shared everything they knew. Rumors about the peculiar, germophobic Jaynie Blurwin showing a sudden interest in a mysterious attendant were already spreading.

One of the nobles beside Isota exclaimed, “Oh! That attendant is the subject of the rumors!”

“What rumors?” Isota asked, scowling.

“You haven’t heard? Lord Blurwin’s mysterious attendant!”

Even Enzo’s ears perked up at that. The noble, delighted to share, spilled everything they knew.

Nobles keeping personal attendants wasn’t scandalous in itself. But for someone like Jaynie Blurwin, who had never shown interest in anyone before, it was another matter entirely.

Everyone was now curious about who would become the Beta heir’s first lover.

The fact that this attendant was an Alpha—and not even a fellow Beta—only added to the intrigue. Such a pairing was considered strange, even by noble standards. Jaynie Blurwin, it seemed, was a man of eccentric tastes, cherishing an Alpha servant.

By the end of the night, the only person unaware of the rumors was the man at their center.

* * *

Jaynie was the only noble to leave the banquet so early. The moment they sat down in the carriage, Joachim lunged at him.

“What did you just do?”

Jaynie’s earlier statement rang true—he had found Joachim’s enemy at the party.

His body had trembled so badly that he couldn’t steady himself without clutching Jaynie’s sleeve. It had been Jaynie who told him, ‘Who is it? If you can’t say it, at least point them out,’ snapping him out of his stupor.

But then Jaynie had gone ahead and invited Joachim’s enemy to the estate.

‘So he’s just another noble trying to sell me out like some illegitimate brat,’ Joachim thought bitterly.

But the pact was absolute. If Jaynie broke it, noble or not, he would die.

Joachim clung to reason and refrained from grabbing Jaynie by the collar. But he did grip Jaynie’s wrist, his hands trembling with tension. Jaynie pried Joachim’s fingers off one by one, then reached for a drink.

“Your enemy’s name is Vibil Neade. He’s a vassal of my family, part of a collateral branch, wealthy, and well-connected in the social scene. Even as a vassal, I can’t kill him without consequence.”

“That’s not what we agreed on!” Joachim shouted, his voice sharp with frustration. Jaynie wondered if this future cardinal was really this dense.

“Is he your only enemy?”

“…What?”

“What about the servants who burned down your house? Do you want to forgive them? How generous of you.”

“Of course not! Why would I forgive them?”

Joachim yanked off his veil and threw it aside, his face contorted with anger.

The servants who had restrained his family, set the fire, and hunted for him amidst the chaos—he hadn’t spared them out of mercy. His entire focus had been consumed by the noble who had issued the order.

Joachim began to ramble incoherently.

“Could you kill them? No, wait, you said he’s an important vassal. I know that! I know you can’t touch another noble’s servants so easily. And I don’t even know where those servants are….”

This wasn’t even part of the original pact. Joachim had no idea why Jaynie had brought it up. But now that Jaynie had, Joachim couldn’t help but view the servants as part of his list of ‘enemies.’

The pact only required Jaynie to do one thing:

‘Kill Joachim’s enemy.’