IWBNAM Chapter 9

9. The Second Weekend

I had an unwelcome dream. The ching-chang-chong medley was a nightmare. The sight of kids pulling their eyes to the sides with that peculiar cruel smile felt like something I would never be able to forget.

Well, that’s why it stayed so vivid even after thirty years.

Nael let out a deep breath and got up. He wanted to sleep more, but staying in bed any longer would be a problem. What could he do? He was the Chancellor.

As always, he went over the day’s routine while retracing the dream. It wasn’t an unfamiliar memory, but seeing the past through Lee Juwon’s impressions felt different. For example, racial discrimination.

Lee Juwon had never experienced blatant racism. He had been to Guam, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam on family trips, but nothing happened there. During his first summer break as a college student, he had planned a one-month trip across Europe with friends. If he had gone, would he have gone through something unpleasant? Judging from acquaintances’ stories and what people posted on social media, it was pretty much guaranteed whether small or big.

Well, that didn’t matter now. There was no idiot alive who would dare make a racist remark to Azani.

There were other things that bothered him. He began to see several men from his past in a new light. Back then, Azani only grumbled that annoying punks kept picking fights for no reason, but the current him could sense something suspicious about them.

Experiencing Antigonos had broadened his understanding. Those guys hadn’t picked fights just because their personalities clashed. They hated being ignored so much that they tormented him just to get some kind of negative attention. All while hiding their sexual intent.

That tall, handsome noble two years his junior, what was his name again? Something von something. He couldn’t remember exactly, but starting with that guy, there were several others. Nael had never said or done anything to provoke them, yet at some point, these types showed up and tried to establish their existence by one-sidedly harassing him. If their motives were the same as Antigonos’s…

Wait. Was he some kind of devilishly charming gay magnet or something? No way.

Nael seriously revisited the past, then denied it. He had encountered tens of thousands of people in his life. Among that many, there would naturally be some who just didn’t like him for no reason. Surely they weren’t all gay. No. Absolutely not.

Live, you bastard.

…Though one of them did seem like it.

A memory from his lieutenant days surfaced. In a destroyed battleship, there had been a man who grabbed Azani’s hand and pulled him along. He was a sergeant who normally acted cocky and called people things like mademoiselle, fraulein, lady, and so on. When the battleship was hit during intense combat and they had to evacuate quickly, he had grabbed the panicked Azani and shoved him into an escape pod. Right before the door of the single-person pod closed, the man smiled and kissed him. He could have survived on his own if he wanted to.

Marcus Brandt… that was it.

Nael stopped exercising. The moment the scene vividly returned to him, he couldn’t focus anymore. Suddenly he grew curious. If Marcus Brandt and the other men who seemed to be secretly gay were looking at him from the other world, what would they think? Setting the possession itself aside, would they feel frustrated seeing him ultimately fall for one man?

Come to think of it, Antigonos really did have ridiculous luck. He managed to survive every time and win the person he wanted.

Nael gave a bitter smile. Did one need to rise to the rank of Imperial Marshal to be worthy of having this body? He sighed at the thought of spending another intimate evening with his younger boyfriend, then headed to the shower. Today was Saturday.

He worked until six and went straight to Antigonos’s residence. Only the head of security accompanied him; he let his secretary general and the rest go home. Nael wondered what the secretaries truly felt. Under normal circumstances, well, working Sundays wasn’t normal. It was an emergency situation, so technically they should’ve worked without a single day off, but thanks to their superior’s date plans, they got Sunday off. Would they secretly be glad? Or would they think working was still better?

“What do you think, Hessler?”

It felt too mean to ask the regular secretaries, so he asked the head of security. After all, the man was already working full-time without holidays.

“If someone wanted to keep every holiday, they wouldn’t have chosen to work in the Chancellor’s Office to begin with.”

“That’s true.”

Nael agreed. This wasn’t a workplace where leisurely work-life balance seekers could survive.

“Your Excellency.”

The head of security hesitated before speaking.

“Are you wondering how long you plan to keep visiting his house every time?”

Nael anticipated his question and spoke first. Hessler answered with a heavy expression, “Yes.”

“It’s only the second weekend, and you’re already feeling worn out?”

“Your Excellency…”

“I’m fine.”

Dealing with a troublesome client who was nasty but filthy rich was never easy. And contrary to what people assumed, that man didn’t actually force sadistic play. Aside from acting a bit indecent, that was it.

“I do not know what Admiral Kranaha’s true intentions are.”

“Don’t overthink it. He just wants to sleep with me. Actually, it’s a secret, but I think I’ve always been popular with men.”

“That does not sound like something to be proud of.”

“Why not be proud?”

The head of security stared quietly at Nael, who spoke lightly, then slowly opened his mouth.

“I will follow Your Excellency’s wishes. If you ever make other plans, please let me know.”

Nael gave a bitter smile. He said there was no need to take it seriously, yet the man still looked that grave. He really did have loyal subordinates.

“If you’ll follow my wishes, then just stay quiet and watch. If you scheme with the secretary general and cause trouble behind my back, that would be a problem.”

“…Yes.”

His answer came a bit late, which was suspicious, but Nael chose not to press him. If all they did was watch and investigate potential weaknesses, he could chalk it up to loyalty.

After a few exchanged words, they arrived at their destination. Antigonos was standing at the entrance of the main building. Nael got out of the car, pretending not to notice the head of security’s souring expression. The eager male concubine, looking delighted to receive the Chancellor, urged him to come in.

“You keep time very precisely.”

“Why would I be late?”

He answered casually and tried to head toward the dining area they had used before, but Antigonos stopped him.

“I’ve set up a table in the back garden. I thought an outdoor dinner on a weekend evening would be nice.”

“Really?”

This man knew what ambience was? It didn’t suit him. It seemed like a shallow trick by a concubine wanting to stay in the Chancellor’s favor, but Nael didn’t comment and simply walked toward the back garden. The estate’s garden was indeed beautiful.

A table had been set beside a small stream, with lanterns placed beside it. Nael appreciated the effort and didn’t hold back his praise. Antigonos seemed to know the admiration was sincere because pride spread across his face. He really had put thought into it.

Dining in a garden where the sound of running water could be heard was quite pleasant. The food and wine were excellent. Their dinner conversation was about the delicious military rations they had eaten before. Neither of them brought up anything about the Friday meeting.

Work-related talk only surfaced while they strolled after eating. Antigonos asked in a cautious tone:

“Are you alright? You look a bit tired today. I wondered if you didn’t sleep well last night.”

Instead of asking directly like he normally would, he circled around the question. It seemed he was genuinely worried in his own way.

“I’m tired because I’ve been working nonstop. It has nothing to do with Big Johann Meyer, so don’t worry about it.”

Nael didn’t want to dance around the subject, so he mentioned Big Johann Meyer’s name.

“How could it have nothing to do with him? That bastard really did say something disturbing! Yesterday he made a huge mistake. After liking you so much when you retired, he now demands to know why you retired? He behaved totally inconsistently.”

“I understand him. Think about how upset he must have been. You could see he felt ashamed too. So don’t hold it against him too much. Be generous and reconcile when you see him again.”

“Reconcile?”

Antigonos looked very displeased. Nael reached out and tapped his shoulder lightly, as if to soothe him. The two of them had once been on decent terms. He didn’t want their relationship to sour over something pointless.

“You know it was something that slipped out because he was distressed. And honestly, he wasn’t wrong. So don’t keep it in your heart. Just forget it.”

As Imperial Chancellor, he could never allow divisions among the senior commanders. He wasn’t going to overlook even the smallest sign of conflict. He didn’t care if he himself was criticized. As long as he could prevent discord between the Marshal and the senior general.

“You…”

Antigonos took Nael’s hand and quietly looked up at him. Nael didn’t avoid his gaze. Suddenly he noticed Antigonos staring at his lips as if entranced. But not here. Someone was surely watching. He didn’t want to engage in affection displays in front of others.

“If you’re really worried about me, then how about we just sleep tonight? Literally sleep.”

“That’s not happening.”

The moment he hinted at it, Antigonos immediately rejected the idea. Apparently that was that, and this was this.

“Hm. No?”

“I’ll allow one round, and then sleep.”

Nael looked up at him with deep suspicion.

“One round?”

“Yeah, one. By my standard.”

He seriously could not trust this man.

“Fine.”

Nael accepted the negotiation without adding more words. Though the man was unpleasant and annoying, he had never once done the full ching-chang-chong, eye-pulling, half-breed, yellow-skin, what’s-that-smell five-hit combo. Maybe that was why Nael never felt hatred during intimacy…

“I’ll serve you wholeheartedly, my dear Excellency.”

Antigonos spoke with a respectful tone and gestured toward the main building with one hand. It meant they should head inside now. Nael walked ahead with an indifferent expression. Behind him, the excited man followed proudly like he had already won.

* * *

Since they had already spent one night together, he thought the second time would be something he could handle calmly. He was wrong. Knowing the taste only made it harder to endure.

“Stop, Antigonos. Don’t lick there.”

Nael struggled to hold back the moans slipping out as he pleaded with the man who had his face buried between his legs. Being given oral twice had already been embarrassing, but when Antigonos greedily started putting his mouth on the back as well, he felt so ashamed and flustered he thought he might go insane.

He should have known better the moment the man claimed he would only do it once out of consideration. Still, he hoped that if the guy had even a shred of conscience, he would keep within reasonable limits and finish cleanly. Conscience, my ass. That bastard wasn’t just covered in that dull, reddish fur all over his body, his conscience seemed to be just as hairy. Perverted bear.

“Antigonos…”

Nael yanked the sheet toward himself and bit down on it. His hands were pressed into the mattress as he stared up at the ceiling. He tried to think of something dignified, something proper, anything else, but his attention kept getting dragged back down to his lower body. The bastard had shoved a cushion under his hips, spread his legs to the sides, and was persistently working him over with his mouth. The wet sounds and the damp, warm sensation made his mind grow hazy. He couldn’t think of anything else.

“Do you like it? My dear Regent?”

He asked the question while kissing the inside of Nael’s thigh. Nael couldn’t answer. The man’s thumb had pressed inward, firmly.

“Ah.”

His lips parted before he realized it, and a trembling whimper slipped out. Only after the sound escaped did he regain awareness and clamp his mouth shut, but the man had already heard it and let out a low, amused laugh.

“Seems you’re enjoying yourself. Then I can serve you even more wholeheartedly.”

No. The word wouldn’t come out. If he opened his mouth, he knew he wouldn’t be able to hold back the disgraceful sounds.

Nael turned his head away and squeezed his eyes shut. He felt horribly ashamed of his own body, which no longer even registered pain when the bastard shoved two fingers inside without hesitation. After so much relentless teasing, that loosened spot now seemed ready to accept something far bigger and far more intimidating.

“You’re allowed to make noise, so why do you keep stuffing something in your mouth, Your Excellency?”

Antigonos curled his fingers and studied Nael’s face. There was no sign of pain anywhere on that flushed face. The reddened, damp eyes only looked seductive.

Did his older lover even realize it? Just how easily he could drive a man crazy?

Antigonos grew curious. Judging by the reactions, it seemed true that he was Nael’s first male partner, but it was hard to believe no other man had ever harbored impure thoughts about him. Still, he chose not to ask. Even if there had been hidden lovers in the past, the person Nael was now belonged to him. He was fully prepared to generously understand every bit of Nael’s romantic history.

“Let me hear you. Nael, I want to hear you whimper.”

Antigonos added another finger and stirred inside him. He saw his older lover throw his head back and suck in a sharp breath. With his free hand, he quietly reached out and pulled away the sheet Nael had been biting. Once he confirmed Nael hadn’t even noticed and was only gasping helplessly, he prodded deeper with the fingers buried inside him. A long, pretty cry spilled out at once.

It sounded beautiful.

“Stop, stop… ugh, ah.”

And if he really did stop, what exactly was Nael supposed to do with this overheated body?

Antigonos let out a dark, low laugh as he continued his relentless handwork. He wanted to completely understand which spot inside made Nael react with pleasure, and how.

“Antigonos. Antigonos…”

The man could no longer even bring his legs together on his own; without being held open, he lay there with everything exposed, only calling his name.

“So, what should I do for you? Tell me.”

Antigonos mischievously withdrew his fingers. The suddenly empty spot twitched in surprise, as if bewildered. It was amusing.

“No, don’t, don’t…”

“What do you mean, don’t?”

He stopped because Nael told him to, so what was he supposed to do now? Antigonos brushed lightly around the edge, just enough to tease. A thin, desperate whimper spilled out, like something scorched to the core. A voice that melted a man’s nerves.

“How do you want me to do it? You tell me, Nael.”

His lust-soaked voice demanded an answer from him. Nael looked up at him with a resentful gaze. Bastard.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Speak.”

Antigonos pushed his thumb inside. The moment he did, the entrance twitched as if it had been waiting, clenching tightly around his finger. The way it tightened was electrifying.

“…Uh.”

“What was that? I didn’t hear you.”

Antigonos pressed insistently inside, then pulled his fingers out. Only then did the other man grow desperate enough to reluctantly open his mouth.

“You… put it in.”

“Hm.”

“Hurry up and do it once and finish.”

The refined older lover asked with a flushed face. It wasn’t exactly a cute tone. He still didn’t sound desperate enough.

“Let’s take our time. It’s not like we’re in a rush, so why end it quickly?”

Antigonos suddenly slipped his fingers in again, then pulled them out. Sometimes only his thumb, sometimes his index and middle fingers, sometimes three at once.

If this wasn’t torture, what was it?

He stirred things up irregularly inside and kept withdrawing abruptly, over and over, until the older lover could only let out pained sounds. His words weren’t clear anymore. It wasn’t just the lower half that had gone loose, his tongue seemed to have melted too.

“Ah, Antigonos. Ah.”

“Yeah… okay.”

Nael looked at Antigonos with a shiver of disgust as the man pretended to act uninterested while playing with him. But he couldn’t hold out any longer. Being pushed to the edge over and over, only to be dropped each time, made him want to throw away his pride and dignity altogether.

“Put it in, Antigonos. Please. Please… put it in.”

“Hm.”

It was something he said because he had no choice. He truly couldn’t stay like this any longer. Making excuses to himself, he kept repeating aloud the words Antigonos clearly wanted to hear.

“Put it in. I… I can’t stand how empty it feels down there. Fill me with yours.”

“Mmm.”

“Please, Antigonos. Please…”

“If you’ll let me come inside you without a condom.”

The man’s eyes glinted strangely as he set his condition. Nael glared at him for a moment, then weakly nodded. Finishing quickly was better in any case.

The moment he gave permission, Antigonos pressed the swollen, heavy tip against him and began rubbing along the entrance. It was as if he were teasing him, hovering at the edge as though about to enter but never doing so. Then, just as Nael exhaled in a brief moment of distraction, it drove in deep all at once.

“Ahh… ah, aaah.”

He couldn’t keep his mouth shut. His eyes flew open wide. His head fell back, and his back arched. His legs, lifted off the bed, trembled helplessly. His toes, which had been stretched out tight, curled on their own and then stretched again when his younger boyfriend almost pulled out completely before slamming back in without mercy.

“Ah, no…”

After all that teasing, the effect of finally being filled by that thick length was overwhelming. From his fully hardened member, a stream of white burst out.

“Coming just from being entered… that’s amazing.”

Antigonos looked down at their joined bodies with deep satisfaction in his own prowess. Their tightly connected lower halves looked obscenely indecent. The thought that he alone in the entire universe could witness this sight filled him with an almost unbearable thrill.

He brushed a finger along Nael’s perineum. His lover cried out and said something through his tears, but Antigonos ignored it and moved his hand upward. A faint outline showed through the smooth lower abdomen. There was no mistaking what that outline was. Antigonos began to slowly move his hips. Each time he did, the shape shifted subtly, feeding his sense of conquest.

“This is the best. Mm. Yes. This is it. Exactly this.”

With every thrust, more helpless whimpers spilled out, and that face… that face was unbearably beautiful. And the way he felt? His scent?

Who else in this universe could satisfy all his senses like this man?

Antigonos decided to stop holding back and began fully indulging in his lover’s body. It was just the two of them anyway. There was no need to maintain reason. So he let himself become a beast and revel in it. His older lover was such a noble man that he would surely understand everything.

Settling firmly between Nael’s legs, he leaned over him, kissed the nape of his neck, and ran his hands all over his body. Sweet cries rang endlessly in his ears.

Nael woke up in the middle of the night, feeling suffocated. He thought he was going to die from the hands gripping him tightly.

“….”

The first thing he saw upon opening his eyes was the muscular upper body of a fur-covered giant. He hated it.

Feeling disillusioned with life, he pushed Antigonos’s arm away and turned his body to the side. All he could do was sigh. The bastard had said he’d only do it once, but he ended up doing it two more times. Nael wasn’t completely blameless. After the first time, he should have ignored the way Antigonos hovered around him with that hungry look…

Worried that the man would keep groping him all night, and thinking once or twice didn’t make much difference anyway, he allowed it. And the bastard, thrilled, made it three. He did not understand the concept of “enough.”

“What, why.”

The man sensed the loss of warmth like a ghost and mumbled in his sleep as he clung to Nael from behind. Nael tried to avoid him, then gave up and allowed himself to be trapped in that forearm prison. He didn’t want to irritate Antigonos and accidentally wake him completely.

“Nael…”

As if reassured, he murmured Nael’s name and then pressed his nose into the nape of his neck, settling down. Nael let out a deep breath and closed his eyes. It irritated him, but he didn’t hate it. Strangely, he didn’t feel any resentment at all. He couldn’t explain why.

* * *

The weather was really nice. Rosenburg in May was nothing but clear skies. During the space pioneering era, when terraforming was underway, this region had been carefully selected among the best. This land, which retained all the advantages of Earth’s west–coast oceanic climate, firmly established itself as the political, cultural, and economic center of the Empire.

In terms of size, it was comparable to France and Germany combined. Of the five billion residents of the capital planet, about five hundred million lived within this administrative district. It wasn’t small, but five hundred million wasn’t exactly a comfortable number either. On top of that, Rosenburg had height restrictions on buildings except for those with special purposes. If someone wanted to live in an area where skyscraper apartments were prohibited, they had to be either incredibly wealthy or settle for a tiny room or a semi-basement.

So basically, it was like the Gangnam of Seoul?

Nael reclined slightly on the long sofa on the terrace and converted Rosenburg’s murderous housing prices and cost of living into 21st-century values. He remembered hearing that renting even a small room on the outskirts, where public transportation was inconvenient, cost two to three hundred euros a month.

Thinking about it, Gangnam was cheap. The decent parts of Rosenburg’s metropolitan district were probably comparable to New York, London, Paris, or Hong Kong. New graduates who couldn’t handle the rent typically found housing in adjacent administrative regions and suffered through hellish train commutes. In that sense, a few of his subordinates were extremely lucky. Thanks to meeting a wealthy and generous superior, they got to live and eat within their superior’s estate.

While commoners struggled with rent, living in cramped rooms, the upper class enjoyed spacious and beautiful mansions. It was a wonder a revolution hadn’t broken out yet.

Nael quietly looked down at the outer garden. It radiated the very essence of the bourgeoisie. The building itself wasn’t decorated extravagantly, but if he thought about the money needed just to enter and maintain a garden like this…

Suddenly, a spirit of Korean democratic pride flared up in his chest. Ah. Long live democracy! Defeat those wicked imperialist wolves and build a republic of liberty and equality. Red flavor, curious. Shout it, revolution!

“What are you thinking about?”

The man came over carrying two iced Americanos and sat across from him. Nael turned to him with a natural expression and reached out to take the cup. One sip, nicely cold, just right.

“I was thinking about Rosenburg’s housing prices.”

“Housing prices? Why all of a sudden?”

Antigonos also took a sip. But he didn’t seem accustomed to cold coffee, and after wrinkling his brow, he quickly set the cup down.

“Your estate is so impressive. As you know, ordinary people can hardly afford to own property in Rosenburg. They either live their whole lives crushed under bank loans or rent forever.”

No wonder that fantasy drama about a new graduate getting tricked into buying a haunted house became a huge hit. Everyone said it was entertaining, and even the Imperial Marshal knew its name. Was it Atelier of Elga? In any case, it was popular because so many people could relate.

“It’s ten-year installment payments. I really strained myself to buy it. You’re the rich one, aren’t you?”

Antigonos spoke with a slightly embarrassed tone and looked away. Nael stared at him. He could sense that the younger lover was frustrated that he couldn’t brag about his financial power. It was amusing. If he’d gone through with his rebellion, this mansion’s price would’ve meant nothing.

“It’s inherited family wealth. The only money I personally earned was my military salary.”

Let’s skip over the fact that his salary was worth over thirteen billion won a year in Korean currency.

“It’s funny to sit here worrying about housing prices with you. Neither of us is really in a position to worry about loans or living expenses.”

Antigonos grinned and absentmindedly brought the cup to his lips. Maybe he was getting used to it; this time he took a few more sips despite the slight grimace.

He didn’t need to force himself to drink something he didn’t like.

After refueling with a bit of caffeine, Nael set the cup down and turned his head toward the outside. The cool liquid sliding down his throat refreshed him noticeably.

They’d woken up after nine, washed up, had a late breakfast, and were relaxing on the terrace. At noon sharp, he planned to eat lunch and head home.

“What are you thinking about?”

This man just couldn’t leave him alone. It would’ve been nice if he read the room and let him rest, but he seemed desperate to start a conversation.

Nael stayed reclined against the armrest and only turned his head toward him. A sudden curiosity came to mind. Did this bastard refrain from racial slurs because he genuinely thought they were wrong, or did he only refrain from using them toward Nael?

“Antigonos. Do a ching-chang-chong for me.”

He asked casually. But Antigonos’s face froze instantly.

“Don’t test people like that. It’s disgusting.”

He answered coldly with a serious expression. Nael was inwardly surprised, but soon smiled.

“I was joking. Don’t be so sensitive.”

“Joking or not, there are things you can say and things you cannot say, Nael. What’s your intention, asking me to say garbage like that? Apologize.”

He spoke stiffly, expression still firm.

“Do I… really have to apologize?”

“Of course. Apologize properly. To me.”

Nael stared at him blankly, wondering if this was real, then obediently opened his mouth.

“My fault. I only said it as a joke.”

“Be careful next time. I’ll let it go now, but don’t ever joke like that again.”

Antigonos replied sternly.

“Fine.”

Nael answered reluctantly and turned away with a puzzled tilt of his head.

“I like how clearly you pronounce your words. Better than a news anchor.”

Antigonos suddenly continued in a softened tone.

“Really?”

Was that a compliment? It must be.

“You have beautiful eyes, your skin is like milk, and you always smell good…”

Did he misunderstand the reason for the ching-chang-chong comment? Antigonos started mumbling praise after praise.

“That’s enough.”

Nael quickly cut him off and sighed inwardly. Being showered with flattery about his looks was the last thing he wanted from that bastard.

A brief silence passed. Antigonos was the first to speak again.

“What are you thinking about right now?”

Nael straightened up and sat properly. He could guess why that bastard kept asking him the same question. He probably wanted to hear something like last time, some sweet line about having a younger boyfriend. But did he think Nael would conveniently say exactly what he wanted to hear? Absolutely not.

“Let me ask instead. What are you thinking about?”

“I like it when you answer my questions faithfully.”

The reply came instantly. Nael was at a loss for words.

“…Anyone hearing that would think I’ve always ignored you.”

“You did.”

“I ignored you?”

“Yes.”

Did he? He tried to recall the past. He did remember brushing him off whenever he said something ridiculous… well, yes, that had happened. But still…

“I never ignored you on purpose.”

He answered in an uncertain tone. The bastard snorted.

“The aggressor never knows. Only the victim suffers.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You have no right to feel wronged. If you have any conscience at all, you shouldn’t.”

Antigonos declared proudly. He took the very words Nael wanted to say and used them first. Who was accusing whom of lacking conscience here?

“……”

“What? Why? What?”

He looked strangely pleased. Nael didn’t hate that face. Had he grown attached to him already?

“Antigonos.”

“Say it.”

“Let’s not sleep together for these two weeks.”

Nael finally voiced what he had been debating when to say, wearing a serious expression.

“…Explain why, Azani.”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. It was different from when Nael had asked him to say ching-chang-chong. His demeanor grew heavy. His eyes turned cold. He demanded an explanation, ready to pounce if he didn’t like the answer.

“There are two consecutive state funerals scheduled. Convincing you came first, so I didn’t protest when we slept together, but honestly, I wanted to postpone it as much as possible.”

“The state funerals…”

“This Wednesday, there’s the state funeral for the Foreign Minister and the senior generals. Next Wednesday, it’s the funeral for Their Majesties. With all that going on, it wouldn’t look right for us to make a spectacle of sharing a bed. Can’t you put up with it for a little while?”

“……”

Antigonos crossed his arms, still wearing a fierce look.

“You’re not trying to pull something, are you?”

The earlier lighthearted atmosphere had disappeared completely. He stared straight into Nael’s eyes. Nael did not look away. He had no ulterior motive.

“What kind of scheme would I pull on you? I need you. I will never be the one to throw you away first.”

“Fine. I’ll believe you. But on one condition.”

“Say it.”

“I want to visit your house.”

That was it? Nael nodded.

“Alright. Come.”

It wasn’t a difficult request. Guests often visited his residence. If he was coming, Nael should offer him a meal. He was already thinking he should ask the cook to prepare a list of appropriate options when Antigonos continued speaking.

“I heard you’re good at cooking.”

“Me? Well, decent, I guess?”

“Could you make the meal yourself?”

The tension softened. The man who had been glaring at him with such hostility now sounded almost shy when adding his request.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll do it.”

Nael accepted readily. He would make something simple, shabu-shabu. To make it look fancy, he would bring out the nice hinoki steamer, arrange the meat, vegetables, mushrooms, and seafood neatly, pour in some store-bought broth, plate some side dishes nicely, and tell him to eat at his leisure.

“Not anything fancy. I want your usual home-style meal.”

“Home-style?”

It was an odd word. Nael looked at him, puzzled.

“You said you cook Asian dishes sometimes, right? Spicy food is fine. I can eat kimchi. I even practiced using chopsticks.”

Nael stared blankly at him. A moment ago the man was terrifying, but now he looked like a big, clueless neighborhood idiot.

“I don’t mind, but I can’t guarantee you’ll like the taste.”

“It’s fine. If you make it, I’ll like anything.”

“Alright. Got it.”

Oh, you practiced using chopsticks? In that case, the side dishes would be acorn jelly, braised quail eggs, and black beans. For the main dish, he’d grill a yellow corvina. He would make him eat while staring into the fish’s eyes. Westerners hated it when the fish head was left on and served whole. Enjoy, Antigonos.

Nael smiled kindly and promised to make him an Asian home-style meal. Antigonos replied with a bright face, saying he looked forward to it.

Cute bastard.

He muttered the words inwardly. Of course, he had absolutely no intention of changing the menu.