TPWTM 6

“Yes…? Thank you.”

Lord Delode tilted his head, feeling awkward at Yurik’s unexpectedly warm compliment, something he had never heard before.

Yurik had been sick, and it seemed he had returned a little strange. The two men glanced at each other, then quickly scurried to their desks, pretending to work on a pile of documents without making eye contact with Yurik.

Yurik was once again deeply impressed by their diligent and hardworking attitude as they immediately resumed their tasks.

Ah! Look at that upright and proper conduct that cannot be seen in anyone else! How…! He stopped his deep thinking there. Yurik came to his senses and sat down at his own desk, beginning to go through the backlog of documents.

As he frantically flipped through the documents, sorting out what needed to be reported to the Prime Minister, the morning hours flew by in a flash.

Yurik, who tended not to look back at anything once he focused, was examining the documents, skipping even his lunch break.

As if knowing this, someone knocked on the door of the office where only Yurik remained. Without even lifting his head, Yurik spoke.

“Come in.”

“Oh, Yurik!”

“Ah…”

Yurik’s face crumpled into a frown as he saw Lawson Tanner entering with his arms wide open. He was an official from the Ministry of Justice and a long-time friend of Yurik who enjoyed visiting him to ramble on with useless information.

The last time, he had come chattering about a rumor that Yurik and Lady Ashel were close friends.

Yurik grasped his forehead as if facing a nuisance. The mountain of paperwork was already killing him, and now another troublesome thing had rolled in.

“Lawson. If you’re going to talk nonsense, please just leave. I’m really busy right now.”

Yurik said, pointing to the pile of documents on his desk. Lawson smiled brightly, circled Yurik’s desk, and after pushing aside some documents on it, rested his chin on his hands.

His eyes were sparkling intensely, which was unsettling. Why is he looking at me like that.

“Yurik, are you planning to kick out a friend you haven’t seen in a while so coldly?”

“Don’t you know that public and private matters must be strictly separated?”

“Aah, the Prince of the North is still as cold as ice…!”

“If you do that again, it’s a real duel, Lawson Tanner.”

“Ahaha, I get it, I get it. Hey, you’ve been resting, so why do you look even more haggard? Have you been eating properly? You still shine even like this, but if you’re like this, the countless omegas and young ladies of our empire will shed tears.”

“I have no interest in such things, so you don’t need to tell me.”

“I know that. You still haven’t found a partner to go to the victory banquet with, have you?”

“That is,”

Lawson stopped Yurik, who was about to say something, with his finger.

“Aah, poor Yurik, the cold nobleman of the North blows a cold wind and can’t even find a partner…!”

“I told you not to do that.”

“Anyway, for the sake of such a Yurik Windsor, I will personally step in to help.”

“Could you please not do anything? And I’m busy, so let’s please talk about useless things later.”

Yurik said to Lawson as he scribbled a signature on a document, but Lawson didn’t even pretend to listen. It was Yurik who was bursting with frustration at him. Just as Yurik was about to say one more thing, Lawson spoke with a meaningful smile on his face.

“Viscount Zandakan’s masquerade ball. Do you know it’s being held in two days?”

“…Viscount Zandakan, you say.”

“Yes, Yurik. A new aristocrat who rose from Gentry. You know, the Zandakan that is said to rival the Chevinelle family in gold.”

At Lawson’s words, Yurik’s mouth fell shut. Yurik looked at Lawson with narrowed eyes, then dipped his pen into the inkwell.

“Tell me more.”

“Yes, I knew you’d be curious about this information. As expected, even the noble Windsor family is no match for gold. But with Zandakan, it can’t be helped. They are the ‘real deal’. And isn’t Lady Zandakan quite famous?”

“Is Lady Zandakan that famous?”

Yurik asked, flipping through a document without looking at Lawson. Lawson stared at Yurik with a dumbfounded expression.

“Yurik, don’t tell me you don’t know Lady Zandakan? My goodness, the number one flower of the capital, Ratrei! The incarnation of a fairy resembling a Pleonia! You don’t know Lady Isabelle Zandakan!”

“…Don’t even bring up the Pleonia.”

“No, that’s not what’s important!”

“It’s important to me.”

It was. Very.

Yurik pressed his forehead.

“So, what about Lady Zandakan?”

“Didn’t you tell me not to speak of it?”

“…I meant not to speak of that flower.”

Lawson pretended to be extremely sulky (it was disgusting to see a grown alpha male act like that, but Yurik endured it) and then turned back to Yurik with a prim look.

“Lady Zandakan is holding a masquerade ball. In two days.”

“A masquerade ball?”

“Yes. A masquerade ball, of all things. That dream-like time of a midsummer night where you can become the most vulgar person or the most noble! Since it’s a party hosted by a fairy-like person, it’s bound to be incredibly sophisticated. So, Yurik, this is your last chance. It’s the most suitable party to find a partner before the victory banquet.”

Yurik frowned. Although Lawson embellished it to sound like a fairy’s party from an opera, the actual masquerade balls thrown by nobles were not such dream-like events of a midsummer night.

More people went with the intention of hiding their faces, disregarding social status, high or low, and enjoying themselves with this person and that person without reservation, pretending not to know each other. In reality, the parties were often risqué and sordid.

At least, every masquerade ball he had seen was like that. All of them, without a single exception. Yurik, who had acted like a block of wood there and returned home alone at night without fail, showed a negative reaction to Lawson’s words.

“A masquerade ball, how fitting for a vulgar upstart to show off their wealth in such a way.”

“Oh! Yurik, the Zandakan family’s wealth is worth showing off. And it’s obvious what a party that gathers young men and women until late at dawn is for.”

Lawson began to explain with a sly grin just how immense that family’s gold was.

How many properties they had, how many mines they owned, and that they had even invested in the railway tracks that were beginning to be laid across the empire, and so on. Yurik tried to ignore his words as much as possible, but he couldn’t get the documents into his head.

Yurik’s mind was spinning furiously. He knew well that there were many upstarts among the new nobles who had risen from Gentry. That’s how they would have been able to buy their noble titles.

Instead of Karon Chevinelle, what if he tried to make a deal with her?

The Zandakan family was also a merchant family, so they would be sharp with calculations, and although they didn’t match the stature of the Windsor family… it was enough to borrow some urgent money.

He would propose an engagement and offer to raise their family’s name value. If the family was so rich that their money was rotting away, wouldn’t they be able to manage 1.5 million gold without difficulty?

Just get engaged and then break it off, without even thinking about marriage. That would certainly be too much of a loss for the Windsor family… Yurik thought with a serious face, chewing on the tip of his pen.

‘This… seems okay, doesn’t it?’

And he reached a conclusion. Thinking about it, it wasn’t bad. He was in a difficult situation where he couldn’t explain the circumstances to Karon right now, and he didn’t want to show a servile side to that man, so he would rather propose a deal to Zandakan.

“Lord Yurik, what are you thinking so hard about while we’re talking about the ball…”

“I’ll go.”

“Huh?”

“I said I’ll go.”

“Hmm?”

“The ball, when did you say it was?”

“Just a moment ago you said it was a vulgar upstart’s way, yes, yes. Of course, Yurik, you thought well! At the very least, shouldn’t you enjoy what you can before the victory banquet? The parties hosted by the imperial family are so old-fashioned. You know!”

“Stop the nonsense, did you say it’s in two days?”

“Yes, it’s in two days. Yurik, but don’t you dare covet the young lady I’ve got my eye on. She and I have promised a very passionate night on that day…!”

“Oh, for real.”

Yurik finally threw a book from next to the pile of documents at Lawson. Lawson ducked nimbly, got up gracefully, picked up the fallen book, dusted it off, placed it on the desk, and then left with a grin and a wave.

His footsteps were very light, as if he had achieved his purpose.

As Lawson closed the office door on his way out, Yurik pressed his brow and briefly put down his pen.

The Zandakan family…

Not bad. Not bad at all. They couldn’t compare to Chevinelle, but they were a decent enough substitute. If only thinking about the money, of course.

Yurik stared out the window with a reluctant expression.

What on earth was he doing. It felt like he was throwing a whole fit and fuss. To propose a fake engagement to someone else just to avoid that person, Karon Chevinelle.

But considering the family’s current situation, he couldn’t delay any longer. It was one of two choices. Either reveal the truth to Karon as soon as possible, or find a substitute.

‘Karon probably doesn’t want to marry an alpha either.’

Yurik thought with a serious expression, staring out the window.

Yurik prayed that Viscount Zandakan’s daughter would be knowledgeable and rational. That way, they could have a clean, contractual relationship without any clinging.

• ~ *

Two days passed in a flash. Yurik had spent the two days in a whirlwind, and it was only when Lawson handed him a document, winked, and reminded him it was tonight, that he remembered the masquerade ball again.

For nobles, activities like social clubs were close to an obligation. The same was true for Yurik, so the preparations for the party had been finished long ago.

At Lawson’s prodding, Yurik sent him away with a tired look and a sign of acknowledgment. He had to endure the urge to hit him for winking constantly, as it was quite disgusting.

After finishing work and returning to the mansion, he went through the final preparations for the party, getting polished and shined.

‘I must look appealing enough for Lady Isabelle Zandakan to be tempted.’

He was confident that his appearance, at least, was second to none, but a jewel shines brighter the more it is polished. Yurik, along with his attendants and maids, pushed himself even harder to groom himself to his best condition.

He tied a luxurious blue cravat, and on it, he pinned a deep blue sapphire that resembled his eyes.

He wore a artisan-made jacket of a deep blue-black material with a faint sheen, layered with lace, pinned brooches and ornaments, wore sharply creased black trousers and shiny black shoes, and swept his hair back lightly.

The maids stared at Yurik with dazed expressions.

“As expected… of our young Viscount.”

“Having the young Viscount is the welfare of the Windsor family…”

He couldn’t quite hear their words as they whispered to each other, making eye contact.

Yurik adjusted his appearance in the mirror and finally looked for the mask he would wear. The white mask was studded with jewels and had peacock feathers attached, a very expensive mask.

This was also an item purchased for social events, and though it was absurd to wear something worn once again, it couldn’t be helped this time.

Yurik sighed and ordered them to pack it, then left the mansion.

The time was 9 PM. The time for the party to begin.

He headed to Viscount Zandakan’s townhouse in a carriage. Usually, one would enter with a partner, but a masquerade ball required no partner, as one entered alone.

It was a sort of hidden meaning to love one another inside without being constrained. The young people burned with passion for it.

But Yurik… He just wanted to achieve his goal and return home quickly.

When the carriage arrived and stopped in front of the Zandakan townhouse, a moment later, someone knocked on the door.

Yurik sighed as he received the mask from his attendant. The attendant looked at Yurik, bewildered by the knock. Was he receiving a post-party invitation before even attending the party? Yurik said reluctantly.

“Open the door. It’s Lord Lawson.”

“Ah, yes.”

The attendant opened the carriage door. As expected, Lawson was waiting in front of the carriage with a broad smile.

Yurik looked at him reluctantly as he got out.

“How did you know it was this carriage?”

“A hunch, a hunch. A natural-born hunch.”

“You’re talking nonsense even here.”

“Just play along.”

“No.”

“Hmph, you’re like a block of ice. The great name of the North…”

“I told you you’d get a real punch if you do that again.”

“Ahem, anyway, you really went all out getting ready today, didn’t you? Are you really planning to bewitch Lady Zandakan?”

“I have one goal.”

“Ha, I just don’t understand why you’re so fixated on Lady Isabelle Zandakan. She is beautiful. But, certainly Lady Ashel, and the other omegas around you, there were surely many omegas as beautiful as her.”

“…”

Watching Lawson contemplate with his hand on his chin as if in question, Yurik said nothing. Indeed, what could he say?

How could he explain in words that his family’s debt was overflowing, a situation that no one but an upstart family like the Zandakans could handle, and that he himself had to do the foolish act of trading honor for money?

Of course, there had been an excellent choice before him, but that was already crossed out. Karon Chevinelle… that man… Yurik lightly touched his forehead at the thought of him.

Would he come here too? It wouldn’t make sense for him, the empire’s prodigal son and playboy, to miss a ball like this. He would probably come. No, he would have definitely received an invitation. He would come, and hang around omegas again… and would enjoy the party with that handsome face of his, nonchalantly accepting the flirtations of young ladies.

He would, for sure. He wasn’t a man to be tied down by marriage or engagement. That Karon Chevinelle.

Still, it was a relief that it was a masquerade ball. If by chance he saw Karon laughing with someone else or cozied up with another partner, he would feel… very… very… very what? This, too, hurt his pride a bit. Yurik decided not to think about it anymore.

“Haa…”

A deep sigh escaped on its own. Lawson, next to him, chided him for sighing as if the ground would collapse, but he didn’t hear. His sighs were increasing day by day.

• ~ *

A large, black four-wheeled carriage ran down a street where the light from the street lamps spread faintly. The splendid carriage was also large and magnificent inside, and Arianen, riding in such a carriage for the first time in his life, could not hide his excitement.

He gazed at the scenery of the capital, Ratrei, flashing by outside the window, his eyes sparkling.

‘My goodness! To think a day would come when I would ride in a carriage like this! But I knew a day like this would come eventually!’

Arianen thought. Sometime, a long, long time ago, that is, when he was a little younger, when he was called to the mansion full of blooming roses and saw the platinum-blond young master for the first time, he had had such thoughts.

If he could have that young viscount, he could have this mansion.

A bed with a flowy canopy, clothes adorned with splendid lace, buttons with gold threads, white bread, high-quality butter, rich milk. He had dreamed that his daily life could be filled with such things.

‘What was that to him? A rut partner?’

However, the young master with eyes as cold and clear as Yuri’s had shattered that dream into pieces.

Perhaps if he had gone to another viscount’s family, Arianen’s dream, which might have been easily achieved, became difficult after meeting Yurik Windsor.

That person was a cold-blooded man, a man who did not succumb to desire, and a man he wanted to possess so very much… yet for a decade, he had never once given Arianen an opening.

‘…What are you doing.’

There was one time he had smelled his pheromone. Arianen smiled softly at the sudden memory.

There had never been a time when Yurik was as angry as he was then. How much he had cried alone, not being called for months after that day. But how deeply impressed he had been by the fact that only he knew his pheromone. Yurik probably wouldn’t know.

Anyway, Arianen put aside the thoughts of the past and glanced at Karon, who was sitting in front of him. Now was the time to be faithful to the present, not to focus on the past.

Yurik was a man from whom he had only managed to steal a pheromone, but the handsome man before him was a man whose potential to be completely his was open. And unlike the young viscount, he was a young duke with a high status!

“Hmm?”

Karon, who had been resting his chin on the window frame, suddenly felt the gaze and looked at Arianen.

As if it were nothing, but with extreme grace, Arianen drew the shy yet pure smile he had researched his entire life.

Karon paused for a moment, looking Arianen up and down, then smiled back before turning his head away again.

Yes, he had a chance. Arianen cheered inwardly. What he wanted was not something big.

He wouldn’t take the position of the legal wife even if it was offered. He was satisfied merely as a mistress. If only he could become a beloved mistress. If he could live a prosperous and happy life leaning on that love. That was enough.

‘At this party, I will capture him completely.’

It was a party he could not have even dreamed of spectating as a commoner, but Karon had readily allowed it, and even prepared a wonderful outfit for him!

Didn’t this mean he had feelings for him! Of course, he had enticed him by saying he knew his real fiancée, but what did that matter!

The truth was that he had accepted, regardless. Arianen stroked the voluminous pieces of fabric he was wearing and smiled contentedly.

Of course, Arianen knew for certain the identity of the real fiancée.

He hadn’t just been a fool while frequenting the Windsor mansion for ten years. He could easily find out the rumors circulating among the servants, and he could also figure out what they were hushing up.

Arianen knew for certain the fact that Sehil, the omega of the Windsor family, had run away, and that the person who had to respond to the marriage proposal from the Chevinelle family was none other than Yurik Windsor.

He intended to use this information to act as cunningly and naively as possible. He was confident he could do it.

There was one thing Arianen was missing. That Yurik was not a definite betrothed, but had merely intended to propose an engagement to Karon, and that Karon had not even heard the news yet.

Arianen did not know that.

Meanwhile, Karon, seeing Arianen’s excited state that was evident despite his attempts to hide it, couldn’t help but smile slightly.

‘He has a separate fiancée?’

Did that mean Sehil Windsor was not the fiancée? Then who was his prospective fiancée?

Karon was curious about that, but he was also curious about how on earth Arianen had obtained such information.

The Windsor family wouldn’t carelessly leak such words to a servant.

If that ice-cold man knew such important words were leaking, he wouldn’t have let it go.

Karon smirked again at the face of Yurik that automatically came to mind. Arianen heard the laugh, looked at Karon, and smiled shyly. Karon smiled back gently.

‘Perhaps he has another half-sibling. Or another omega.’

Does the Count and Countess have an illegitimate child?

Karon’s thoughts drifted elsewhere. He never imagined that the other party could be Yurik.

It felt like he was solving a riddle right now. No, it felt like Yurik was a suspect shrouded in mystery, and he was a detective secretly investigating him.

What truth would be revealed when he was stripped bare, for him to be wrapped in so many layers?

Karon was so curious that he took Arianen’s hand. This was a very comfortable hand, one that could be shaken off at any time. He held it with a feeling that could be dismissed as a joke.

And on the other hand, he also felt a strange sense of anticipation. About the identity of his prospective fiancée.

‘Who knows. It might be Yurik.’

Perhaps he himself was looking forward to such a stimulus. With a strangely fluttering heart, Karon stared at the rapidly scattering scenery outside the window.

• ~ *

The masquerade ball began. Yurik leaned against the wall and scanned the people who had hidden themselves with all sorts of colorful masks.

Somewhere among them would be Lady Zandakan. Lady Zandakan, despite being the host, had hidden herself without revealing her appearance. The start of the banquet was announced by a man in a formal suit wearing a white mask like the Phantom of the Opera. When he clapped a castanet-like starting device, making a snap! sound, the orchestra on the stage began to play.

A rich violin melody filled the hall, which was bathed in purple, blue, orange, all sorts of vivid, gloomy, and yet sensually appearing lights.

“Hey, is that hair a wig?”

As Yurik was looking around, sipping champagne while leaning against the wall, a man wearing a flamboyant rabbit mask approached him and reached out his hand as if to grab his exposed platinum blonde hair.

Yurik glared at the man engaging in the unpleasant act and slapped his hand away.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“What am I doing? If that platinum blonde is real, I want to spend tonight with you.”

A voice whispering lasciviously. And a strange scent that could be smelled as soon as he approached. The man was as tall as Yurik, but his upper body seemed a bit thicker.

The man snatched the champagne glass Yurik was holding, drank it in one gulp, and stared at Yurik with a sticky gaze.

“I have no intention of doing so.”

“No intention? Isn’t it a bit much to play hard to get when you’ve come to a place like this?”

“I said I don’t want to…”

Crash!

When he pushed away the chest of the man who was trying to touch his mask as if to see his face, the man dropped the empty champagne glass.

A loud and noisy sound was made, but no one paid attention. This was because in various places, more intense and sticky commotions were occurring.

“Hey. You. Platinum blonde.”

Yurik slapped away the rabbit-masked man’s hand as he frowned and tried to grab his arm, then squeezed through the crowd of people.

Even when standing still, all sorts of riffraff would cling to him, making parties like this truly exhausting.

‘I need to quickly find Lady Zandakan, state my intention for a deal, and go back.’

Of course, he didn’t know if he could go back easily. He would probably have to match her mood and at least be her partner.

He had no intention of going for an after-party, but for the duration of the masquerade ball, for tonight, he was willing to stand by her side like a doll and be her accessory.

Yurik turned his head in disgust as he saw people already drunk, humming and dancing, clinging to each other and whispering, and in the gaps, hands going to improper places.

This place was no different from a hotbed of promiscuity and chaos. At least for this night, not even the high priest of the temple could free them from this revelry.

“Excuse me, for a moment.”

“Oh my, what is it.”

“You, what should I call you?”

Yurik continuously pushed through the people, searching for Lady Zandakan. In the meantime, flirtatious advances came ceaselessly.

Finding it difficult to deal with each one, he avoided them, and before he knew it, Yurik realized he was standing in the center of the banquet hall.

‘Damn it, I ended up here while searching.’

It was dangerous here. The group dance would start soon!

Yurik hurriedly moved to escape to the edge of the banquet hall. Then, as he turned his head, a familiar scent brushed the tip of his nose.

A strong scent of roses.

Even in this place, smeared with all kinds of perfumes, that scent could be clearly smelled. It was natural. Because it was a pheromone scent.

Yurik turned his gaze to where the scent was coming from.

There, was the man he had seen for a long time. Platinum blonde hair similar to his own, but the color had a more yellowish tint. He wore a butterfly mask, and his lips were stained red.

Dressed in clothes that looked like cheap wrapping paper, he had his hand on someone’s wrist.

Yurik’s gaze gradually shifted to the person next to him.

A firm and sturdy body. A freely unbuttoned blouse. A jacket slung over his shoulder. And, golden eyes like those of a beast of prey, and red hair.

Karon Chevinelle. He was with Arianen.

Although it was a masquerade ball, Karon was Karon no matter who looked. His golden eyes could not be hidden even if he tried, and his distinctive red hair also detailed his features.

Not just Yurik, everyone recognized Karon and was whispering.

The platinum-blonde man next to Karon was a handsome man, and at a glance, one could mistake him for Sehil, the omega of the Windsor family, who was widely rumored to be marrying Karon.

Karon slowly turned his head and looked around. Even though he wore the lightest mask at the masquerade ball and everyone recognized him as Karon Chevinelle, no one approached him easily.

It was probably because of the predatory animal-like atmosphere he exuded.

Yurik thought so.

That man was very attractive, wonderful, and made you want to touch him, but he was a person who seemed like he would bite and devour you if you got too close.

And clinging tightly to such a person was Arianen (Yurik sneered excessively here).

Not Sehil, but really Arianen!

“By the way, is that man really Sehil Windsor?”

“Ugh, the smell of pheromones.”

“Seeing as he can’t even control it, isn’t he just a courtesan that Lord Chevinelle is playing with?”

“A courtesan? No way.”

“Then what do you call an omega prostitute?”

“That’s true, too.”

Listening to the people chattering next to him, Yurik clenched both his fists tightly.

Just as Yurik had recognized Arianen by his pheromones, others would also be smelling his pheromone scent.

There was no one among the nobility who could not control their scent. That in itself was against decorum, did not fit the formalities, and signified that one’s status was lowly!

The first thing noble alphas and omegas learned was how to hide their pheromones. Nobles considered their pheromones to be their most important and most private thing.

But Arianen, wearing the butterfly mask, seemed slightly excited, as if he couldn’t even hear the whispering.

‘What on earth is that child thinking…!’

What was he thinking, following Karon all the way here? No, more than that, how did he meet Karon? For a moment, all sorts of thoughts rose and disappeared in his mind.

“Platinum blonde? Is that the omega of the Windsor family?”

“Sehil Windsor?”

“No way…”

“But do you think Lord Chevinelle would just meet anyone?”

A passing group of people chatters away as if it’s not their business. Yurik became angry.

His family, and his younger brother who had thoroughly backstabbed them by running away for love, who was so foolish and lacking that he only brought sighs, but still, seeing his own brother who bore the Windsor name being insulted was hard to bear.

Yurik decided to separate Arianen from Karon and send him back.

What on earth was that child thinking, setting foot in this place! As if he knew what kind of place this was!

Yurik bit his lip hard. At that moment, the music played by the orchestra changed to a cheerful tune.

People began to move in a rush. It was a sign that the group dance was about to begin.

Yurik was pushed by them and was naturally pushed to the opposite side of Karon and Arianen.

“Ugh…! Wait, just a moment…!”

It was useless to say anything. Giggles, cackles, and laughter scattered chaotically in his ears. Yurik was being swept away like that when he felt someone grab his wrist.

That person pulled Yurik’s arm and pulled him out of the surging crowd. When he came to his senses, it was Lawson.

Lawson looked at Yurik with a “what are you doing here” expression and shouted.

“Yurik! What are you doing right now! I found Lady Zandakan, she’s in the garden greenhouse right now! Go quickly, go!”

Lawson pushed Yurik’s back and pushed him out of the banquet hall. Yurik, for a moment, hesitated, saying “wait, just a moment,” but eventually clenched his teeth and decided to meet Lady Zandakan first.

How Karon had brought Arianen was also important, but the most important thing right now was his family.

Anyway, once the group dance began, the whispering would die down for a while, so Sehil’s honor wouldn’t fall to the ground… no, that’s not right, that kid’s honor had long since fallen and been buried. Yes, I’m only thinking about my family! Damn it, what do I care about the runaway Sehil Windsor!

‘But he’s my brother!’

Yurik swallowed a groan inwardly. He was a brother who was a problem whether he was there or not. After dwelling on his own messy thoughts and touching his forehead, Yurik finally turned his steps towards the garden.

• ~ *

Upon entering the banquet hall, Yurik was not the only one who saw Karon. Karon also spotted Yurik.

Just as Karon could not hide his red hair, Yurik could not hide his platinum blonde hair that shone white under the lights. His tall stature also played a part.

Savoring a sip of the wine handed out by the circulating servants, Karon looked around to see if he knew anyone. And he happened to discover that Yurik had come.

‘He comes to parties like this too?’

He thought he wouldn’t come, always showing only a lofty appearance, but seeing him here, remaining as a flower decorating the wall, a faint smile burst out without him realizing it.

Then Yurik moved, and Karon also circled the banquet hall with Arianen. Arianen seemed very excited about his first noble social party.

Even though he wore a butterfly mask, the look in his eyes full of excitement and anticipation could not be hidden. And, neither could the scent of his pheromones, which he failed to control due to his excitement.

“Haa, it’s so… so wonderful. My goodness…”

Arianen looked around with an impressed face and took a sip of the drink a servant handed him.

He savored it as if it were a drink from the heavens and was overwhelmed with joy. Karon obediently offered him his arm.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to come to a party like this every day! I think I would be so happy, don’t you think?”

“Would you?”

“Of course! You see, I am a person without greed.”

Arianen whispered to Karon, leaning in with a slightly flushed face, as if telling a secret. At the close gesture, Karon familiarly opened his arms to let him lean in.

This was one of the habits of him, the empire’s playboy. To accept anyone who came close into his arms. Of course, only when he had a purpose he wanted from the other person.

Karon smiled gently and bowed his head to Arianen.

“Do you know how quietly I have served by the young viscount’s side for ten years? Hehe, the young duke probably wouldn’t know.”

“Oh, service, you say.”

“I, you see. I am probably the only person who knows the young viscount’s scent. I have no greed. I only have that scent, only that. I am a pure body.”

Karon thought. Oh, they’ve never slept together?

So does that mean he spent his ruts alone? He thought of Yurik’s cold-blooded face. Could it be that his ice-like demeanor was because his semen wasn’t circulating?

Karon, who was having all sorts of playful thoughts by himself, chuckled to himself and then saw Arianen looking at him with sparkling eyes.

“What is it, Arianen?”

“Young Duke, I…”

Leaning in to listen to what Arianen was about to say, Karon raised his eyes and looked around. It was to find where Yurik was. Just then, the music played by the orchestra began to change.

And, Karon saw Yurik being swept away among the people. He also saw someone pull him out and disappear into the darkness.

Karon moved in that direction without realizing it, but then paused at a hand grabbing his arm.

Karon and Arianen were also about to be caught in the whirlwind of the group dance. Arianen looked at Karon with a flushed face. Karon looked at him, then glanced at the direction Yurik had gone, and moved his steps that way.

“Young Duke…!”

Arianen reached out his hand, afraid of losing Karon, among the nobles who were entangling their hands gracefully yet promiscuously for the group dance. Afraid that he would abandon her and leave, Arianen grit his teeth and followed Karon.

Karon had already left the banquet hall and was walking down a long corridor, and Arianen, struggling to follow behind him, finally called out to him loudly.

“Young Duke!”

At that, Karon stopped.

“Did you forget? At a masquerade ball, you shouldn’t call someone like that, Arianen.”

Karon, who had spoken gently, strode back and supported the panting Arianen.

Arianen was relieved by his touch. Yes, it was a misunderstanding. There was no way he would abandon him at the banquet hall! He wanted to hear something very important from him. Arianen looked at Karon with a flushed face.

“I thought the Young Duke was abandoning me… It’s my first time, so I was so excited.”

Karon laughed. Then he grabbed Arianen’s waist tightly, pulled him close, and asked.

“So when are you going to tell me who my fiancée is?”

His lips were close to Arianen’s ear, but his gaze was directed towards the platinum blonde hair disappearing into the dense foliage beyond the corridor.

Strangely, he kept chasing that man. Strangely.

• ~ *

Yurik walked quickly through the well-manicured trees of the garden. At the far end, a white greenhouse was visible. Come to think of it, hadn’t Lady Zandakan’s hobby been growing tropical plants? Vaguely recalling what Lawson had muttered, Yurik passed a pergola with vines elegantly wrapped around its pillars.

In the middle of the maze-like garden was a large fountain. It was a large sculpture engraved with a statue of an angel holding a bow. A statue of a handsome boy holding a bow usually meant only one thing. The god of a foreign land, the god of love, Eros.

After silently watching the fountain and the sculpture beautifully spraying water in the darkened night scenery, Yurik noticed a group of young ladies and gentlemen gathered in a circular pergola on the opposite side. They had all taken off their masks and were talking joyfully.

Yurik scanned them, looking for Lady Zandakan.

‘He definitely said black curly hair and a blue ribbon.’

The nobles gathered in the circular pergola were looking at the stranger who had suddenly appeared in front of the fountain with curious eyes. He could feel them whispering to each other in small voices, and looking at him with gazes that showed a hint of interest.

Yurik pretended to admire the sculpture in front of the fountain while searching for Lady Zandakan. As he scanned the gathered nobles, he felt his eyes meet with a woman with long, flowing black hair. He flinched for a moment, but then realized she was Lady Zandakan, and a slight smile appeared on Yurik’s lips.

‘Found her.’

Now, all he had to do was properly propose the deal and make it happen. Would she be able to accept his proposal without her pride being hurt?

Yurik walked out from the opposite side of the fountain and threw off the white mask he was wearing. As his face was revealed under the moonlight, those gathered in the garden gasped in surprise.

“Windsor…”

“Of the Windsor family…!”

“The young Viscount…!”

“Of the North…”

The whispers grew louder and soon became a murmur. Yurik stared intently at Lady Zandakan and slowly walked forward, stopping about halfway to the fountain. He stood with his hands behind his back and waited for a moment, and as if she had received an unspoken signal, Lady Zandakan got up and approached Yurik.

Yurik gave her a faint smile.

The noble children who were with her looked at the departing Lady Zandakan with great envy. Seeing them laugh and whisper something to each other, it seemed they were talking about the relationship between Isabelle Zandakan and Yurik.

It was only natural. The Windsor family was one of the most famous founding contributor families in the empire, and the Zandakans were literally the new nobles with the most money after the Chevinelle family.

On top of that, the Windsor family also produced alphas and omegas who combined beautiful looks with intellect. It was only natural that the public’s attention would be drawn to them.

It couldn’t be said that such a reason was not behind Lady Zandakan’s interest in Yurik. While Yurik was truly grateful to his great family, on the other hand, he felt like he would go crazy with how ridiculous it was that his family was struggling over a mere 1.5 million gold.

“Are you Lady Isabelle Zandakan?”

Yurik greeted the approaching Isabelle first. She was a woman who seemed quite calm, different from what he had imagined. Yurik quite liked that.

“Lord Yurik Windsor, my goodness. I never dreamed I would see you here.”

“I heard you were hosting a ball, so I came to see you, my lady.”

“Oh my, to think you came personally to meet me, my goodness…”

Isabelle averted her gaze as if she were shy, with a somewhat uncomfortable expression. Yurik paused here.

‘Uncomfortable? Me?’

No. It could be. The Windsor family name was so high. From the perspective of a viscount’s family that had just become noble, it could be uncomfortable. Yurik barely maintained a smile on his lips and continued the conversation.

“The garden is very beautiful.”

“I like this garden too.”

“I see. That… my lady. It’s about something else.”

Yurik hesitated on how to bring it up. It would be a bit abrupt to just say let’s make a deal, so he had to start by beating around the bush and saying it well. So, how exactly? So! So!

As he was quickly racking his brain and choosing his words, Isabelle smiled softly and spoke first.

“Lord Windsor, you seem to be a different person from what I’ve heard.”

“Pardon? Ah… the rumors, you mean. I also… don’t know how the public thinks of me.”

“Ah, no. That’s not what I mean. I don’t see Lord Windsor through rumors. What I mean is… um…”

Isabelle seemed to hesitate a little. Yurik felt a little refreshed. If not from rumors, then where on earth had she heard about him?

When Yurik stared at her, Isabelle blushed as if she were shy. And then she said.

“That, the empire’s Prime Minister Evan.”

And Yurik, at the sudden mention of his superior’s name, could not hide his bewilderment.

“He is a very close friend of my father. He, ahem… I don’t know if I should say this, but he often… told me about the Chief Official, Lord Yurik Windsor.”

“Ah, such, such a connection.”

Yurik was very flustered. My goodness. This couldn’t be happening. Zandakan was entangled with the person he wanted to be entangled with the least. The man called the pillar of the empire, Prime Minister Evan! His direct superior!

Isabelle blushed and kept hesitating, contemplating whether to speak or not. Yurik felt like he knew what she had heard, and what she wanted to bring up here. Yurik ended up touching his forehead.

“My lady, so, that… that marriage daily is,”

“I know who the young duke’s betrothed is!”

However, Yurik’s voice was swallowed by a strange voice that suddenly cut in.

• ~ *

Arianen liked the young duke. Karon Chevinelle. He was a beautiful man, had a wild charm, and was not like a nobleman. That’s why he liked him.

“So when are you going to tell me?”

Arianen pondered. Should he say it now? No. Then he would have to state his own conditions too. That way… that way it would be a fair deal! Arianen glanced at Karon’s expression and spoke.

“Then please promise me one thing.”

“Hmm.”

Karon frowned, let go of Arianen’s hand, and slowly left the corridor. Arianen hastily followed behind him.

The two headed towards a large fountain in the middle of the garden. A man and a woman were standing in front of the fountain, which was a short distance past a vine-covered pergola. It was Yurik and Lady Isabelle Zandakan.

Karon narrowed his eyes playfully as he saw the two of them together. Hmmm, for some reason, he didn’t like this very much.

Karon began to walk with long strides. Arianen hurried to keep up with Karon, and then he spotted Yurik Windsor with a woman in front of the fountain. Arianen was startled and looked at Karon.

“Young, Young Duke!”

He called out to him, but Karon’s gaze was not on Arianen. Arianen froze as if he had turned to stone. My goodness, why had he only seen it now. The fact that Karon’s gaze was directed solely at that man!

Arianen urgently grabbed Karon.

“Young, Young Duke! Young Duke!”

“I told you not to call me that. Wait, let’s talk later.”

“Young Duke!”

Even when he called out desperately, Karon did not look back at Arianen. Arianen, his face burning with anxiety, followed Karon and tried to grab his arm. Then he tripped on a root and fell.

“Ugh…”

But Karon did not look at him. He, he was the partner who had come here with him!

Watching Karon approach Yurik, Arianen gritted his teeth. Why, why couldn’t his small wish come true? Why wouldn’t God grant his wish?

He said he didn’t want anything big! He said he wasn’t greedy!

Arianen clenched his fists and shouted.

“I know who the Young Duke’s betrothed is!”

That voice carried over the fountain and reached the circular pergola where the noble children were gathered.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Arianen. Yurik also quickly turned around, saw Arianen, and was greatly flustered. Arianen had interfered just as he was about to have a proper conversation with Lady Zandakan.

Arianen shouted as if resentful.

“The Young Duke is being deceived!”

Yurik glared at Arianen with wide eyes. What on earth was that fool spouting right now. Leaving his surprise behind, Karon calmly stopped walking and slowly looked back at Arianen.

“What am I being deceived about?”

Even at the chilly question, Arianen answered without flinching.

“The Young Duke’s marriage partner! That it’s not Sehil Windsor, but the alpha, Viscount Yurik Windsor… Aack!”

“Arianen…!”

Arianen could not finish his words. Because Yurik had rushed in midway and grabbed him. Yurik grabbed the arm of the fallen man and forcibly pulled him to his feet.

“What do you think you’re doing right now. Do you even properly know what you’ve just done?”

“Why! Did I lie! It’s the truth! The Young Duke was deceived! He was played by the Viscount!”

“Arianen!”

Yurik grabbed both of Arianen’s arms to make him shut his mouth. He seemed unable to grasp the situation and was committing an insane act. What was he saying in front of all these people.

“Since Sehil Windsor ran away! The only marriage partner left in the Windsor family is the alpha, Viscount Yurik Windsor! It’s only you! Why are you hiding it? You deceived the Young Duke! You deceived him!”

“Ha, please, Arianen…!”

Just shut your mouth, please! Yurik gritted his teeth. Arianen shook off Yurik’s hands and glared at him. Only the sound of the water flowing from the fountain and the wind filled the garden. An excessive silence. Yurik was afraid of it.

“Ah, so that’s what it was.”

Karon. Yurik whipped his head around and looked at Karon.

“Lord Chevinelle. I will explain everything. I will explain, so…!”

“So that’s what it was?”

“Lord Chevinelle.”

Karon strode forward, step by step, until he was in front of Yurik. Yurik held his breath. He had the illusion that the look in his eyes flashed. That’s right. He had every right to be angry. No matter how great the Windsor family was, hadn’t a viscount family deceived and made a fool of a ducal family? What was this situation right now. It was utterly ridiculous.

Yurik could not figure out how to handle this situation. He blinked his eyes in bewilderment, but nevertheless, he held his chin up and swallowed dryly as Karon stared at him.

Yurik was scared of Karon’s expressionless stare. To reiterate once more, Yurik was just an aide and a strategy officer, while Karon was a combat officer and a formal knight. Yurik had received a knighthood, but that was literally just a title. He didn’t even know how to handle a sword properly.

What if he asks for a duel. Goosebumps covered his entire body, and first of all, the numerous gossips. The nobles who would have heard from behind. The falling honor. All the things he had tried to protect came to mind. Karon came right up to his nose. Yurik finally shut his eyes tightly.

Yurik thought Karon would be angry. Lady Zandakan and the nobles who had witnessed the incredible spectacle thought the same. But Karon, in fact,

Chuckled as he scanned Yurik’s tightly shut face.

“Let’s do it. The marriage.”

“Yes. I was wrong… excuse me?”

Yurik opened his eyes.

“Let’s do it, the marriage.”

“What…!”

“You and I.”

“Are you insane?”

“The marriage.”

Karon pushed his nose right up close, his beast-like golden eyes staring straight into the blue ones. Yurik could not avoid those eyes.

As if making a final declaration, Karon spat out the words.

“The marriage of Karon Chevinelle and Yurik Windsor. I said, let’s do it.”