TPWTM 11

“Yes, and our noble Duchess, too. She’s very curious.”

Karon grinned mischievously, wiping his face with the towel. Brushing back his sweat-dampened hair, he looked more dashing than anyone. Yurik swallowed dryly and asked.

“Why… me? All of a sudden…?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re the betrothed of their only son, so of course they want to meet you.”

“Oh…”

Come to think of it, they hadn’t even had a formal introduction. Among nobles, at least some interaction and greetings were customary. Yurik’s parents were currently away, having fled under the guise of travel. Flustered, Yurik blinked. He hadn’t anticipated this situation. Karon chuckled at Yurik’s reaction.

Then, still shirtless, he leaned in close to Yurik’s face. Lost in thought, Yurik flinched at the sudden, strong masculine scent and looked up. Karon was right in front of him, faintly exuding the scent of Pleonia flowers.

Yurik deliberately frowned and gently pushed Karon’s shoulder. The touch of skin felt awkward, but he had no choice.

“Don’t come so close.”

“Why not? Don’t like this rugged look? You’re all about formality, so maybe it’s not your thing.”

“What are you talking about…”

“Oh, it’s not? If you like it, take a good look. I’m known across the empire for my physique.”

Karon grinned, tilting his head. His well-defined collarbone and chest muscles caught Yurik’s eye, leaving him stammering. Karon found Yurik’s flustered state highly amusing, ensuring his gaze didn’t wander elsewhere.

“Don’t look at the guys behind me. They’re just big, nothing special.”

“…Didn’t you say you’re the best? Why not let me compare proudly, then?”

Yurik frowned, craning his neck. Karon tsked, shifting to block Yurik’s view.

“Can’t you understand my deep intent to show you only the best? Why ruin your eyes looking at potbellied guys?”

As Karon glanced back childishly, one of the running knights, having overheard, shouted.

“No potbellies here! Proud knights of House Chevinelle! We don’t grow bellies! Hrah!”

“Muscle pigs, shut up and run!”

“The biggest muscle pig is the Young Duke himself! Hah!”

“Those guys…”

Karon gritted his teeth at the knights’ collective defiance. Yurik burst into laughter. Karon whipped his head around to stare at him.

“You laughed?”

“I didn’t.”

“You did, just now. I heard it.”

“I said I didn’t. Let’s go see the Duke. Put on a shirt first.”

Yurik hurriedly changed the subject and turned away. Meeting Duke and Duchess Chevinelle was daunting, but making eye contact with Karon right now was even more so. He feared Karon might hear his heart pounding wildly. Yurik quickened his pace. Karon followed, calling out playfully.

“Going together? Why the rush? Yuri, look at me.”

“Shut up and come.”

“Yuri. It’s hot—how about a dip in the stream?”

The knights at the training grounds burst into laughter, seeing Karon nearly get a smack.

• ~ *

In truth, Yurik was deeply anxious about meeting Duke Canes Chevinelle. The Duke had sent a marriage proposal to Yurik’s family, likely—no, certainly—thinking of Sehil Windsor. But Yurik, an Alpha, had intercepted it entirely, so how would this reflect on House Windsor’s image and his own as an Alpha? Yurik was gravely concerned on multiple fronts.

‘…I don’t want to be scrutinized at breakfast.’

Yet, having already agreed to attend, he couldn’t back out. If Karon had mentioned it, the Duke and Duchess would have heard, too. Sighing, Yurik headed to the dining hall. Karon had gone to his room to wash and change.

Now that he thought about it, he should’ve questioned why Karon had put him in his own bedroom instead of a guest room, but that shirtless image was so striking he’d forgotten. Yurik sighed softly and followed a servant into the hall. It was too early for the Duke and Duchess to arrive, so Yurik sat down to collect his thoughts.

But there was already someone there. Yurik froze.

At the head of the table sat a red-haired middle-aged man and a stunning blonde woman, who covered her mouth and smiled lightly upon seeing Yurik.

With golden eyes and blonde hair, more dazzling than the jewels she wore, the woman was unmistakably the renowned mistress of House Chevinelle, Duchess Munez Chevinelle. The middle-aged gentleman beside her was undoubtedly Duke Canes Chevinelle.

Because he looked like Karon’s spitting image. Blinking in surprise, Yurik hurriedly bowed slightly and greeted them politely.

“…It is an honor to meet you. Duke Chevinelle, Your Grace. And Duchess. I am Yurik Windsor. I thought no one was here…”

“Oh my, as rumored, a handsome young man. Come here.”

Rising with a rustle of her dress, Munez approached Yurik with a smile, grabbing his arm boldly. Her forwardness startled him further. Leading him to the long dining table, she started to seat him in front of her but then, realizing something, let go with a gasp.

“Oh, was I too forward for a first meeting? I’m sorry. I just felt so familiar with you.”

“N…no, it’s fine.”

Munez smiled brightly and gestured for him to sit. Yurik blinked awkwardly, bowed slightly, and sat in the chair a servant pulled out.

Canes was staring at Yurik intently. Feeling the gaze, Yurik couldn’t look up and fixed his eyes on the napkin and water glass before him. He swallowed hard.

‘…Karon Chevinelle, you useless man.’

Whenever something embarrassing happened, Karon was always conveniently absent. Yurik gritted his teeth. Munez, her cheeks flushed, gazed at Yurik with sparkling, expectant eyes. Under their stares, Yurik felt like he’d choke despite not eating.

Silence lingered. The two observed Yurik closely, while he sat rigid, tense as a statue.

Then, Canes cleared his throat loudly. He seemed to suppress a smile, twitching his lips, before speaking gravely.

“So, Lord Windsor. Or… may I speak informally?”

“You may.”

Yurik nodded awkwardly. A smile Canes couldn’t hold back spread across his face. Yurik looked between him and Munez, flustered.

“Well, Yurik. I’m truly glad to meet you like this. To think you’d accept our rascal of a son—I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

“Uh… what?”

Munez, as if she’d been holding back, burst into a wide smile, covering her mouth and tapping her feet excitedly. She looked thrilled.

“Goodness…! Our son nabbed such a handsome man! Darling, I was so worried Karon would act like a wild colt, get trounced by those cunning imperial nobles, and end up married in a flash! But heavens! To be betrothed to such a splendid, grown, handsome young man! What do I do, darling? I’m too excited!”

“Mune, calm down. You’ll scare Yurik.”

“Oh, right. Yurik, may I speak informally, too? Yes, yes. Thank you. Think of me as your mother and feel at ease. I’ve already embraced you in my heart! We could toss Karon out and live together, just us—it’d be perfect!”

“Uh… um…”

“Darling! What do I do? I want to brag to Countess Luzvien and Marchioness Josephine, who always worried about our son’s marriage! The Little Count of House Windsor as our son’s match—how wonderful! Heavens, this is happening to me! I’m so happy! Yurik! Oh, may I call you by a nickname? I’d be so delighted if you allowed it!”

Munez poured out words nonstop, her eyes gleaming. Yurik nodded dazedly, overwhelmed. He couldn’t process what she was saying. Canes chuckled softly at Yurik’s reaction.

“Bear with her. Mune has long awaited Karon’s match. As have I, of course.”

“Oh, I see. Haha…”

Yurik swallowed an apology rising in his throat. Seeing their joy, he wondered if they were unaware he was an Alpha. Were they mistaken? But Canes’s next words made Yurik realize their genuine goodwill.

“I also understand the Little Count’s concerns. Both Karon and you, Yurik, are Alphas, after all. But we don’t place much value on such traits. Our rise to this position was largely luck, as you know. Unlike your storied House Windsor, our family isn’t an ancient noble house.”

Yurik had never heard a noble admit their house was nouveau riche and upstart. He managed a faint smile, unsure how to respond. Canes laughed heartily.

“So, don’t worry. Mune and I welcome you warmly, very warmly.”

“Absolutely, Yurik. I can’t believe such a blessing exists!”

Munez’s eyes teared up with excitement. Canes handed her a handkerchief to soothe her. Overwhelmed by their kindness, Yurik could only smile. He’d expected criticism or at least subtle judgment for appearances’ sake, but it was the opposite.

Soothing Munez, Canes asked Yurik.

“So, have you set a wedding date?”

“Not… yet.”

“With the empire abuzz about the union of two great houses, what do you think of skipping the engagement and marrying directly? Of course, it’s for you and Karon to decide. I think it’s a good idea. I want to see our son married soon.”

“I’m all for it! Yurik, what do you think?”

Munez asked, eyes sparkling. Yurik blinked, flustered. He didn’t know how to answer. Just then, the dining hall door opened, and Karon strode in.

His shirt’s top buttons were undone, revealing his chest, and his hair tips were still damp—likely from washing without drying properly.

“I knew it. What did you two say to Yuri? Why’s he sitting there like a statue?”

“Already acting like his betrothed, are you?”

Canes muttered dryly. Karon pulled out the chair next to Yurik, sat heavily, and gauged the mood, looking between Yurik and his parents. Yurik cleared his throat, avoiding Karon’s gaze. Karon, openly scanning Yurik, turned away only when servants began serving appetizers.

Canes picked up his cutlery with a deeply satisfied expression. Karon eyed him discontentedly.

“What did Father say?”

“What did I say?”

“It’s nothing like that. Let’s eat.”

Yurik, more flustered, stopped Karon. Karon raised an eyebrow at Yurik, then glanced at Canes and Munez. Munez was smiling brightly at Yurik. Her sparkling eyes seemed to tell a story, and Karon snorted.

“Don’t put unnecessary pressure on Yuri. Marriage is burden enough.”

“You, just behave yourself. You’re my biggest worry!”

“Worried about a grown son…”

“Grown and utterly reckless—that’s the worry!”

Munez scolded Karon loudly (though her beauty made it far from intimidating) and smiled warmly at Yurik.

“Yuri~ eat plenty. This was prepared for you.”

“Why the nickname? Yuri, you allowed it?”

“Of course, as her future son-in-law, can’t I use a nickname?”

“If it’s this chaotic now, what’ll happen after the wedding? Yuri, cancel it! My mother’s too much!”

“What’s too much? Honestly!”

Watching them bicker, Yurik sighed softly. He was utterly overwhelmed.

‘I want to go home…’

He desperately wanted to escape this overwhelming scene.

• ~ *

After breakfast and a light tea time, it was nearly lunchtime. But Yurik quickly grabbed Karon and left the Chevinelle ducal mansion. Duchess Munez was very reluctant, but Yurik’s excuse of public duties allowed a smooth exit. Canes held Yurik back, saying firmly.

“Let’s hold the wedding within a couple of months after the victory banquet.”

“Yes… Your Grace.”

“Call me Father. We’re family now.”

Canes’s words sent an extra shiver of awkwardness down Yurik’s spine. Unable to respond, Yurik bowed and left the mansion.

Karon insisted on escorting Yurik and boarded the carriage with him.

Glancing at Yurik’s splinted arm, Karon said.

“You’ll need to be extra careful with that arm at the victory banquet.”

“I’ll keep it discreet but cautious.”

“Father pushed for the wedding, but urging us to set a date so soon… it’s a first. Sorry if it caught you off guard.”

“It’s fine. If it’s out of concern for you, it’s understandable.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Should the empire’s living legend need me to spell it out?”

“No, don’t.”

Karon pouted and turned to the window. Yurik glanced at the sulky Karon and chuckled. His petulant look was oddly endearing. Realizing his own thoughts, Yurik deliberately hardened his expression and cleared his throat.

“Since they want the wedding soon, setting a date right after the victory banquet might be good. After the banquet, there’s the temple and the First Prince’s grand service…”

“Oh, that’s been changed to a rain prayer.”

“…Rain prayer?”

Yurik frowned at Karon. As chief administrator, he hadn’t heard about the grand service turning into a rain prayer.

“What do you mean, changed to a rain prayer? This is news to me.”

“His Highness the First Prince…”

Karon, realizing his slip, clamped his mouth shut. He glanced at Yurik’s expression.

House Chevinelle was outwardly loyal to the Empress’s faction, as was Karon. The change to a rain prayer, to be held with the imperial citizens, came from the First Prince. Yurik shouldn’t know Karon frequently met the First Prince or was aligned with him.

Nor about the deal between Karon and the First Prince. Karon fumbled.

“…Father, uh, mentioned hearing it.”

“His Grace? Information not even reported to the Chancellor… Perhaps Her Majesty the Empress…”

“Maybe, yeah. I just heard it and mentioned it.”

“I see. A rain prayer… things will get bigger.”

“But we need to set the wedding date first. Let’s marry before the rain prayer.”

Karon emphasized the word “absolutely” as he looked at Yurik. Yurik tilted his head at Karon’s sensitive reaction but let it pass without saying anything.

Karon let out a small sigh only when Yurik looked away. There were quite a few things he shouldn’t say to him, more than he had expected.

The carriage soon arrived in front of the Windsor family’s townhouse. Karon got out first and escorted Yurik as he disembarked. Yurik looked at Karon, who offered his hand, with a reluctant expression but took it nonetheless.

At the front gate of the townhouse, the butler, the head maid, and the servants were waiting to greet Yurik. The butler, perhaps having heard the news, looked at Yurik with a concerned expression. Yurik started walking toward them but was held back by Karon. Karon wrapped an arm around Yurik’s shoulder, carefully supporting him as if assisting.

The sight appeared very familiar, prompting the butler to gesture for the whispering servants to be quiet.

Karon whispered softly into Yurik’s ear.

“Yuri, while you were staying at my place, strange rumors have spread like wildfire.”

Yurik frowned. He had expected as much. From the moment the carriage carrying him entered the Chevinelle estate, every tabloid in the empire was probably churning out scandalous articles about Karon and Yurik. Karon chuckled and said.

“But it’s not the kind of article you’re thinking of. I bought Count Offenia’s horse, you know?”

“Why that horse…?”

Usually, a horse that injured someone, especially a noble, would be killed on the spot. There were no exceptions. When Yurik asked with a dubious tone, Karon laughed.

“It’s all thanks to you. That horse was actually quite gentle. The real culprit was someone else.”

Yurik’s eyes widened.

“Are you saying someone deliberately provoked the horse?”

“For the sake of your mental health, I won’t say more, but anyway, I got a healthy horse at a bargain price. It’s a fine breed, a splendid warhorse.”

Even in this situation, he managed to secure a profit—quite impressive. Yurik let out a hollow laugh. Speaking of the culprit, one person flashed through his mind.

Karon leaned in close to Yurik’s ear again, his lips nearly touching.

“Just in case you misunderstand, I’m saying this upfront. That head of yours has a habit of thinking of me in overly negative ways.”

“A habit? Not based on experience?”

“It’s a habit. That’s what it is.”

Karon spoke firmly, then added.

“Take care not to aggravate your injury, my dear betrothed.”

“Stop with the creepy talk and go. Enough with the useless gifts…”

“Were they really useless?”

Karon grinned. Yurik couldn’t respond. They had been annoyingly useful, after all.

Embarrassed, Yurik pushed Karon away. His constant closeness was overwhelming. Especially with the butler and other servants watching, there were too many eyes. Then, Karon lightly grabbed Yurik’s uninjured wrist.

“Yuri, aren’t you forgetting something?”

“What?”

Yurik turned back, wondering what he meant. At that moment, Karon stepped forward, wrapped his arm around Yurik’s waist, and pulled him into an embrace.

“A thank-you kiss.”

Karon’s eyes gleamed golden for a moment in the light.

“May I have it now?”

Karon’s hand gently lifted Yurik’s chin. And before Yurik could even answer, Karon pressed his lips against his.

It happened on a sunny afternoon, bathed in sunlight, in front of numerous witnesses.