TPWTM 12

The victory banquet was three days away. With little time left, the imperial palace was bustling with preparations for the event. Karon was no exception. The prince’s knight corps, dispatched to the southern front, along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd army divisions of the southern border, were set to enter the capital on the day of the victory banquet for the ceremonial parade. As a result, Karon had to shuttle in and out of the palace countless times to prepare for the formalities.

Everyone referred to them as the prince’s knight corps, but in truth, the 1st Knight Corps, known as the “Vast Glory” Knight Corps, was also a unit filled with elite officers who had graduated from the military academy. In the Halcon Empire, receiving an officer’s commission came with a knighthood, and the Vast Glory Knight Corps was largely composed of graduates from the Rookberk Military Academy, where Karon had studied.

Moreover, most of them supported the 1st Prince rather than the Empress. That was why, when Karon chose to join the 1st Knight Corps instead of the 2nd Knight Corps, the “Blue Bastion,” which was aligned with the Empress’s faction, it sparked all sorts of rumors.

From claims that House Chevinelle was now at odds with the Empress to whispers that the Empress had deliberately planted Karon Chevinelle as a spy in the prince’s knight corps, every kind of story circulated.

Despite the uproar this caused, no one truly knew why Karon had joined the 1st Knight Corps. Many assumed he went because the Empress ordered it, but in reality, it was entirely Karon’s own decision.

Naturally, this made Empress Bistette view Karon Chevinelle, apart from Duke Canes Chevinelle, with considerable suspicion. She was someone who constantly sought confirmation of loyalty.

‘That’s why it’s exhausting.’

Wiping the sweat from his uniform at the training grounds, Karon muttered to himself. The Empress was a hassle. Even now, he had just received a summons to report to the Empress’s palace immediately after the ceremonial practice.

He had tried to avoid private audiences whenever possible, but the Empress kept seeking to meet him alone to probe his intentions. That was why, when he was dispatched to the southern front, Karon had felt a sense of relief at not having to face Empress Bistette.

‘And now it begins again.’

Karon glanced at the Empress’s letter delivered by a servant, then placed it on his discarded cloak. He turned to watch the soldiers practicing for the ceremony. Only a tenth of the knight corps members were present for practice, but the entire army division was in attendance. And the commander overseeing it was none other than Karon Chevinelle himself.

“Look at that lack of discipline. Heads up, eyes forward. Anyone lowering their arms is done for.”

In front of him, Eric, a同期 from the southern front, stood with his hands behind his back, personally instructing the troops. Feeling pity for the soldiers sweating profusely, Karon stopped resting and approached Eric.

“Ease up, ease up. You’ll make someone collapse in this scorching sun.”

“Hey, these guys are all slacking!”

“Slacking more than you? Everyone, arms down. Ten-minute break.”

Tsking at Eric and ordering a break, the troops finally sighed in relief and relaxed their postures. As some collapsed to the ground, Eric, looking displeased, followed Karon to the shade.

At a shaded bench, officers had shed their stifling uniforms and were resting. Unlike the disciplined army division, the knights were lounging sloppily, prompting Karon to tsk.

“You guys, practice a bit. Don’t just laze around.”

“Boo! The guy who practices the least is the loudest.”

Karon’s words were met with jeers from the group. He tapped the shoulder of an officer sprawled across two seats, making him move, and sat on the bench.

“Did you hear?”

Eric, sitting beside him, nudged Karon, who was resting with his military cap over his face. Karon pulled the cap down and sighed.

“What now?”

Other officers nearby gathered around Karon, their eyes gleaming with curiosity. Used to being at the center of gossip, Karon said dryly.

“What is it?”

“You’re marrying an Alpha?”

“Oh, what a shocking piece of news.”

Karon replied sarcastically, turning his head. They were interrupting his precious break with old rumors. He added.

“For the record, it’s true.”

“What?!”

Exclamations of surprise erupted around him.

Wald, a同期 of both Karon and Eric, widened his eyes and scrutinized Karon’s face.

“This guy doesn’t seem crazy, so why’s he talking nonsense?”

“Maybe he ate something bad at lunch.”

“While the whole empire’s been buzzing about it, you guys are only now talking? Karon’s busy sticking to that Alpha.”

Another officer added with a sly grin. Karon, incredulous, let out a short laugh. They were making a fuss over Yurik staying at House Chevinelle’s townhouse due to his injury.

And busy he was—Yurik, that is. Karon hadn’t seen or heard from him in nearly a week. He’d heard administrators were being worked to death before the victory banquet, but to think his betrothed was too. Karon gave a hollow laugh.

“You’re laughing? Look, everyone, he’s laughing.”

“What’s so funny? Marrying an Alpha? Man, Eric, could you marry Karon?”

Half the gathered officers were Alphas. Eric glanced at Karon, made a face, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully before saying seriously.

“Wait, if it’s Karon, maybe I could?”

“You jerk! Confess right now!”

The group erupted in chaos, laughing hysterically. One of the laughing officers spoke up.

“I thought Karon would write a romance novel with some grand lady from a prestigious house, but to think he’s doing it with an Alpha—shocking, really.”

“Do you know who it is?”

“Don’t you all know? It’s been a huge deal across the empire. That famous…”

“Hey, stop there.”

The officer about to say Yurik’s name shut his mouth with a sly grin at Karon’s words. Eric poked Karon’s side, chuckling.

“Oh, protecting him?”

“I’m just saying watch your mouths since you know what house he’s from. Behave.”

“Wow, he’s really protecting him! Our dear comrades, Karon’s looking out for his Alpha!”

“Ugh, so not like him! The empire’s playboy is dead!”

Boos and jeers rang out together. Karon smirked. Another officer cautiously spoke.

“But you all know, right? Karon’s betrothed.”

“Yeah, why?”

“He’s our同期. Yurik Windsor.”

Karon glared sharply at the officer who mentioned the name. But the officers just grinned, egging him on. The one who spoke continued.

“It’s wild. How did you end up with Yurik Windsor… Karon, didn’t you know his nickname at the academy? Total stickler.”

“Stickler?”

Karon frowned, then leaned in, intrigued. The officer continued.

“Rule-follower, etiquette freak—that was him. Anyone trying to sneak out of the dorms got caught by Yurik and couldn’t even collect their bones. Remember Lennon Jaeger sneaking in liquor? It was a dorm party, but Yurik reported it, and it turned into a mess. He got suspended, and it was chaos.”

“Oh… really?”

“Marrying a rigid guy like that? Seriously, think it over. He’s got zero flexibility. No idea how you met, but he won’t change. He caused trouble for classmates and still walked around shamelessly.”

The officer tsked and shook his head. Karon clenched and unclenched his fist, looking at him with a subtle expression. Eric smacked the back of the officer’s head.

“Ow! Why’d you hit me?!”

“Still sore about that suspension? Man up.”

“Man up between Alphas, what…!”

“Shut it. I just saved you.”

Eric glanced at Karon, dragged the officer into the scorching sun, and spoke to him at a distance. Karon watched, loosening his fist and crossing his arms. His smiling face held a hint of discomfort, and the other officers, noticing, backed off. Karon finally smirked.

‘One more word, and I would’ve uppercut his jaw.’

Eric knew him too well. Thinking about Yurik’s intriguing academy days, Karon couldn’t help but chuckle again.

That guy probably reported it with that stern face. If it was Yuri, he definitely would’ve. Picturing those blue eyes, Karon stood up. It was time to end the break and resume ceremonial practice.

But then, someone arrived right on cue. Officers and soldiers resting around stood and saluted in one direction. Prince Lazhuel was approaching. Karon, spotting him, gave a casual salute.

“Uh… loyalty.”

“Hey, Karon. Long time no see.”

“It’s been a while for you too, Your Highness. What’s there to see with soldiers baking in the sun that you came in person?”

Lazhuel laughed at Karon’s blunt response.

“If I don’t acknowledge our proud knights’ efforts, who will?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m deeply touched.”

“Haha, I’m not here to supervise. I came to talk.”

Lazhuel gestured for Karon to join him at a bench behind a tree. The large tree blocked prying eyes, and low voices wouldn’t carry. Lazhuel dismissed his attendants and escorts, sitting with Karon.

“What’s the matter?”

“Listen closely, Karon. I got a report yesterday.”

Lazhuel spoke with a serious expression.

“There’s talk that Empress Bistette is preparing to specially commend your achievements at the victory banquet.”

“My achievements?”

“But it’s… likely related to your marriage. No, I’m certain. One hundred percent. She’s planning to change your betrothed.”

“What?”

Karon frowned, bewildered. The entire empire was abuzz with rumors, and Yurik and Karon were already entangled in countless gossip. Half the empire wanted their marriage to happen soon, a fact that couldn’t be ignored. More importantly, Karon had introduced Yurik to the ducal couple and received their blessing to proceed quickly with the marriage.

And now she wanted to overturn that? Karon let out a disbelieving laugh.

“She’s plotting something ridiculous again?”

“You know how noble engagements can break or form, right? So she thinks it’s possible. But Karon, I’m curious. Will her scheme work on you?”

They had publicly announced their marriage, but noble unions often fell apart mid-process, even after engagements. In the Halcon Empire, that wasn’t dishonorable. Divorce after a wedding carried more scandal and disgrace, so discovering issues and breaking it off beforehand was fortunate.

It wasn’t uncommon for a bride-to-be to find a new groom or for a groom to switch brides after scouting others, and the empire was lenient in this regard. With the rise of free love, people accepted such matters more flexibly.

But if it was due to external pressure… that was a different story. At least for Karon.

As someone from House Chevinelle, who was secretly working to make the 1st Prince the crown prince while outwardly aligning with the Empress for personal gain, Karon’s situation was inevitably complex.

“It’d be nice if it was a promotion, a raise, or something normal, but since you’re saying this, Your Highness, it doesn’t sound like it.”

Karon told Lazhuel about his meetings with Empress Bistette and the approach from the Graham family’s young marquess.

Lazhuel listened for a while, then rubbed his forehead as if pained. The Empress was making serious moves, and as the 1st Prince—not yet the official crown prince, just the favored heir—he had to support her publicly.

Karon, with a calm expression, pondered and stood up.

“No choice. I’ll meet her again.”

“What’s your plan? I could give you a separate reward, but that might disgrace Yurik. A marriage as a reward—doesn’t that sound absurd?”

“Exactly. For now… I’ll meet her. Besides,”

Karon stared at an attendant from the Empress’s palace who seemed to be looking for him outside the training grounds. Lazhuel followed his gaze.

“The Empress summoned me again. I’ll be back.”

“Good luck, Karon.”

Lazhuel patted Karon’s shoulder and stood. Karon headed to the Empress’s palace with the attendant.

• ~ *

Yurik wanted to take leave and rest after that day, but with the victory banquet just three days away, he had no choice but to go to the palace.

‘…My arm’s injured, but at least the hand I sign with is fine, so that’s something.’

Yurik sighed, flipping through documents and signing with one hand. Two senior administrators, sweating nervously under his gaze, tried to assist him, but it wasn’t much help. Their desks were piled with documents, too.

While he was focused on signing papers, someone knocked on the administrator’s office door. Yurik, engrossed in documents, answered absently.

“Yes.”

Expecting another administrator with more papers, he was surprised to see Chancellor Evan poke his head in and shout.

“Heard you were injured, but got treated at House Chevinelle, huh?”

Chancellor Evan grinned slyly, his smile laden with meaning. His suggestive expression was obvious as he covered his mouth, surely laughing behind his hand.

Yurik, swamped with work, wanted to rub his forehead at his boss’s teasing but could only sigh with one usable hand.

“Chancellor, please, deal with the victory banquet approval documents first!”

“I’m on it.”

Chancellor Evan chuckled, muttering “Good times~” loud enough to hear before leaving. Yurik gripped his pen tightly, almost snapping it, then signed forcefully. The document listed flowers for the victory banquet and the vendors supplying them, including Pleonia flowers.

‘Damn flowers.’

Karon had sent a carriage full of them, yet the empire still had Pleonia left? Of course, they were the most famous flowers, but it irritated Yurik for some reason. The thought of Karon’s smug grin lingered in his mind.

‘Of all things, his pheromone smells like… that scent.’

He’d somehow learned Karon’s pheromone scent. Yurik’s gaze fell on the ring on his finger, given by Karon. He hadn’t noticed it in the chaos before, but as the victory banquet neared, it weighed on his mind.

Karon had said he fell for him at first sight at the previous party, so naturally, he should be Yurik’s partner at the victory banquet. Yet Yurik hadn’t mentioned it to Karon, even three days prior.

‘…It’s just.’

Truthfully, it was… very embarrassing. Asking someone to be his partner outright? Yurik sighed, flipping through documents. His priority was clearing these papers. As for Karon… well, he hadn’t seen him in a week, so it was time to reach out.

‘But that guy’s so thoughtless.’

Karon was probably busy with the banquet’s ceremonies, but… he couldn’t have forgotten he’d need a partner. Yet not a single message.

‘I don’t know what he’s thinking…’

Maybe being partnered with an Alpha like Yurik felt burdensome. That could be why he hadn’t brought it up. Or maybe it was so obvious he didn’t need to. Yurik stared blankly at the documents with a slightly sullen expression, then snapped out of it and started signing. The priority was finishing these papers before the banquet.

While he was deeply focused, someone else came to the office.

“Yes.”

Answering the knock, a servant opened the door. Looking slightly flustered, he glanced around the office and said.

“A guest is here to see you.”

“A guest, not an administrator?”

Yurik looked at the servant with a troubled expression.

“I’m busy now, so tell them to come back later.”

“Well, um…”

The servant hesitated at Yurik’s words. When he didn’t leave, Yurik looked up from the documents.

The servant said with a troubled expression.

“They insist on seeing you today.”

“…Who is it?”

“It’s… an attendant of Her Majesty the Empress.”

Luches Graham. The name came to mind instantly. Yurik sighed, closed the document he was reading, and stood. He didn’t know why Luches was here, but it was clear he had something to say, especially after the incident at the banquet hall. Yurik told the servant he understood, roughly organized the remaining documents, delegated them to other administrators, and left the office.

Outside, Luches was fidgeting with his hands, his face full of nervous tension as he waited. Seeing Yurik emerge, he startled, then belatedly bowed in greeting.

“Oh, hello, Lord Windsor…”

“It’s nice weather. How have you been, Young Lord Graham?”

Yurik led him to a reception room, but Luches glanced out the window and said.

“It’s… as you say, nice weather. How about… a short walk in the courtyard?”

Yurik paused at his words. He recalled nobles chattering uselessly in the courtyard. He wasn’t avoiding it out of annoyance, but he preferred to hear as little nonsense as possible. After thinking, he said.

“How about we go to a place I know instead?”

“A place you know… in the palace?”

Behind the administrative palace, where the administrators’ offices were, was a well-maintained promenade. But with administrators so busy, it was rarely visited, even by nobles.

Yurik smiled and extended his hand to Luches.

“Shall we take a walk?”

Luches looked at him shyly, then cautiously took his offered hand.

• ~ *

When Karon arrived at the Empress’s palace, Luches was nowhere to be seen, and the Empress was with the 2nd Princess. Even the maids who supposedly followed her daily were absent. Though puzzled, Karon first greeted the Empress.

“I greet the Empress of the Empire.”

“Come in.”

Empress Bistette welcomed Karon with a smile. Approaching with quick steps was the 2nd Princess, a seventeen-year-old girl with long blonde hair. Despite her doll-like appearance, rumors abounded about her tyranny, with maids at the princess’s palace being worked to exhaustion daily. Yet, outwardly, she was angelically beautiful.

The 2nd Princess looked at Karon with a shy expression, blushing as she clung to the Empress. The Empress, amused by her coy behavior, soothed her.

“Come, greet him, Vistea.”

“It’s my first time meeting you. I’m Princess Vistea.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Princess.”

Karon greeted her with the utmost courtesy, adhering to noble etiquette. The princess, with a shy expression, hid behind the Empress before scurrying to a corner of the audience chamber. There, she picked up a doll, perhaps, and peeked at Karon.

Empress Bistette smiled gracefully and called for the nursemaid who was with them. The nursemaid took the Empress’s young son into her arms.

The child, just three years old, was the 2nd Prince, Laoben. Karon stood quietly, watching the toddler move his lips as if babbling.

“Sit down, Lord Karon.”

“Yes.”

The Empress, with a radiant smile, held her son in her arms and showed him to Karon.

“Here, this is the child who will become the crown prince. Your first time seeing him, isn’t it?”

“…Yes, it is.”

“He’s already grown this much. In a little more time, he’ll show the world what a fine crown prince he can be, won’t he? As a mother, I already find the passing of time so regrettable.”

“Time does pass quickly. But summer is a beautiful season.”

“Indeed. The shimmering sunlight is especially lovely.”

“I heard Your Majesty summoned me for a particular reason.”

Karon got straight to the point. The Empress smiled gently at his words.

“The victory banquet is truly just around the corner now. I look forward to seeing the Young Duke leading the victory ceremony.”

“It feels all the more meaningful since I’m preparing it with my comrades from the southern front.”

“Indeed. Your dedication is already moving.”

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”

Pleased with Karon’s words, Empress Bistette covered her mouth and smiled.

She handed the fussing Prince Laoben back to the nursemaid, gesturing for her to leave. The nursemaid took Princess Vistea and exited the audience chamber. It seemed she was now ready to discuss serious matters.

Empress Bistette rolled her teacup in her hands, took a sip, and smiled at Karon.

“I have a favor to ask, Young Duke Chevinelle.”

“What might that be?”

“Let me be clear, this isn’t because I distrust Duke Canes or you. It’s just… I’d like to make things more certain.”

The Empress set down her teacup with an exceptionally elegant motion. She tapped a piece of cookie with her fork, glancing at Karon. Karon, with a faint smile, looked back at her. Observing his textbook soldier’s posture, the Empress raised the corners of her mouth again.

“Will you swear loyalty to our Prince Laoben?”

Karon’s calm expression cracked. Narrowing his eyebrows, he asked.

“Loyalty… you mean an oath of loyalty?”

“Yes. Our Lai is still young, but he’s destined to become the crown prince. With the Young Duke’s support, the knights around you would follow suit, and above all… I want to show that House Chevinelle is a strength for our Lai. What do you think?”

Karon was taken aback but hid it, clearing his throat with a “hmph.” He hadn’t expected her to be so direct.

“…I’m still just a mere knight.”

“A mere knight? Aren’t you the commander of the 1st Knight Corps, Vast Glory? That’s not a power to be overlooked.”

“That’s thanks to the commander who thought highly of me.”

Unable to mention Lazhuel’s name, Karon referred to the commander. Empress Bistette looked at him with a subtle expression, as if she knew his thoughts. She said.

“Do you think my request is too soon?”

“…Since Prince Laoben is still young, I think it might be good to wait for His Highness’s choice.”

“I’ll ensure your position is solidified at the victory banquet.”

“…Pardon?”

Karon looked at the Empress with a puzzled expression. Having already distinguished himself on the southern front, Karon was practically the star of the victory banquet. Her words didn’t quite make sense. The Empress smiled.

“You’re planning to enter politics, aren’t you, Young Duke?”

“…I’m still a soldier.”

“With a knight’s title, an outstanding military academy graduate, the love of the empire’s citizens, and the support of officers, do you still consider yourself just a soldier?”

“That’s too generous of you.”

“Perhaps. I might have gone too far. House Chevinelle has been hands and feet for this Empress. It could be an excessive request. But… I have this strange suspicion.”

“What do you mean?”

“This rumor about you marrying an Alpha. Is that truly your will?”

She was referring to Yurik. His marriage to Yurik involved a deal with Lazhuel. The Empress lifted her teacup and continued.

“House Windsor, of all places. Why marry into a neutral family that doesn’t even set foot in central politics? I can’t understand if that’s truly Duke Canes’s intention. And above all… an Alpha with an Alpha? Even if it’s not against imperial law, it’s a marriage that can’t avoid gossip.”

Even with precedent, it was unusual. An Alpha marrying an Alpha. They couldn’t produce an heir with an Omega, after all.

‘She’s been suspicious of Father from the start.’

Karon thought, smiling leisurely. Duke Canes, though a leader of the Empress’s faction, maintained a moderate stance, often staying neutral in noble assemblies. As a result, the Empress’s bills or actions favoring her faction, like Yurik, were often blocked. The issue of the eastern granary was a prime example.

They had agreed to collude and raise prices, but Canes advocated for restraint in hoarding and adjusting the treasury and prices. Naturally, the Empress’s faction nobles didn’t look kindly on him.

But to criticize him by bringing up his connection to Yurik Windsor in this way—it was classic Empress rhetoric.

Karon didn’t respond, only slightly raising the corners of his lips. His forced smile made his cheeks tremble. The Empress said.

“Since Laoben will become the crown prince anyway, swearing loyalty early isn’t such a bad thing, is it? While solidifying your place in central politics.”

“It seems too early, Your Majesty.”

“You think so? What a pity.”

The Empress set her teacup down with a clink and stared directly at Karon.

“Then how about an engagement with Luches Graham instead of Yurik Windsor?”

“…Pardon?”

“An engagement with Luches Graham. The Omega of the Graham marquessate, a steadfast partner of mine. Wouldn’t that be good for you?”

Karon’s face stiffened. The Empress was now demanding he prove himself. Prove his loyalty to her faction and solidify his position as her ally.

The Empress smiled.

“An oath of loyalty or an engagement with Luches Graham. Which would be easier for you?”

Her tone seemed to seek his opinion, but it carried heavy implications. Karon hesitated, unable to speak.

“You can show your choice starting at this victory banquet. For now… how about attending with Young Lord Graham as your partner?”

“…I’d need to discuss it with the Graham marquessate.”

“Oh, no need to worry about that.”

The Empress gestured, and an attendant waiting at the door opened it. Young Marquess Graham entered the audience chamber. He greeted the Empress politely, then looked at Karon.

“How have you been? You look well, Young Duke.”

Young Marquess Graham held his head high, staring sharply at Karon. Karon looked at the Empress with a rigid expression.

The Empress smiled brightly.

“Show me, Young Duke. Who you choose.”

The Empress’s faction or the useless Yurik Windsor. She would see his loyalty through this choice.

“…I understand, Your Majesty.”

‘Cunning woman.’

Karon bowed his head, muttering to himself.

• ~ *

Behind the central building housing the administrators’ offices was a promenade lined with tall coniferous trees. Unlike the bustling courtyard, few nobles bothered to come to this secluded area, making the promenade quiet and deserted.

As they walked slowly, Luches kept glancing at Yurik. Yurik, hands behind his back, walked leisurely, forcing a smile under Luches’s piercing gaze.

“May I ask why you came to see me?”

At the polite question, Luches, who had been staring, flinched and shrugged his shoulders. Biting his lip, he spoke slowly.

“Well… I wanted to know if the rumors are true.”

“Rumors?”

Luches lowered his head, his voice barely audible.

“In broad daylight… in front of your townhouse, with everyone watching… you and Lord Karon… k-kissed…”

Yurik was startled. He knew many had witnessed the thank-you kiss, but he hadn’t realized it had become such widespread gossip. Embarrassed, he covered his chin with his hand and cleared his throat. He was at a loss for words.

Luches gave a faint smile. Yurik managed to speak.

“Well…”

“Are you really… in love?”

Luches asked again. Yurik missed his chance to respond, blinking. Luches looked at him, waiting for an answer. Their steps had stopped.

‘…Love, love.’

It was an awkward word. And absurd. Love between nobles? Luches, from a great noble house, should know love alone doesn’t sustain a marriage.

‘Do I love Karon?’

When he saw him… when he saw him.

Yurik fell silent. When he saw him, what? His past crush had long ended. He’d decided that ages ago. No, it had to be over. This was a marriage of deals and contracts. The thank-you kiss was part of a show-window couple’s duties.

Yurik swallowed dryly, his mouth bitter. Thinking harshly made him feel better. He smiled faintly at Luches.

“I don’t think I can answer that question.”

At Yurik’s evasive words, Luches looked up, his trembling eyes fixed on him. Yurik was slightly startled. Luches looked on the verge of tears.

Yurik narrowed his brows and asked.

“Why… what’s wrong?”

“No. No…”

“Young Lord Luches?”

Luches stayed silent, head lowered, then suddenly looked up at Yurik. Blinking in confusion, Yurik watched as Luches, with tear-filled eyes, spoke.

“Do you know?”

“Know what?”

“Her Majesty the Empress…”

Why was the Empress’s name coming up? Yurik’s eyes widened. Luches, realizing he’d spoken out of turn, bit his lip. But feeling he couldn’t stop, he squeezed his eyes shut and continued.

“Her Majesty wants me to marry Lord Karon.”

It was like a bolt from the blue. Yurik blinked. Luches, unable to meet his gaze, continued.

“My Graham family has already agreed to follow Her Majesty’s will! They’re even welcoming it…! But I…! I…!”

“…Young Lord Luches.”

“So… I might end up deceiving you…! At the victory banquet, Her Majesty wants me to be… Lord Karon’s partner…! But I!”

“Young Lord Luches!”

Yurik called out sharply. Luches finally opened his eyes and looked at him. His large eyes were brimming with tears. Yurik couldn’t gauge his own expression. He wanted to calm the agitated Luches, but his own expression was hard to control.

“Why are you… telling me this?”

Luches bit his lip tightly. He seemed overwhelmed by emotion. With a face like he might burst into tears, he lowered his head.

“I…”

“…”

“I… Lord… Lord Yurik…”

That was enough. Yurik knew without hearing more. He placed a hand on Luches’s shoulder. Luches flinched, looking up at him. Yurik gave a bittersweet smile, comforting him.

“You don’t need to say more, Young Lord Luches.”

“…It’ll harm you, Lord Yurik… in a way I don’t want… At the victory banquet… it’ll cause a huge scandal for you… in a way I don’t want…”

Luches muttered gloomily. He seemed deeply frustrated. Like a frail martyr forced to drink a cursed chalice, unable to escape his family’s choice or defy the Empress, telling Yurik was a monumental decision.

Yurik rubbed his forehead, briefly staring at the ground. His mind went blank, as if his brain had been bleached white.

He sighed and said.

“For now, it seems you shouldn’t have told me this.”

“Lord Yurik, I…”

“Does Lord Chevinelle know… No, never mind.”

He started to ask if Karon knew, then, feeling it pointless, let out a dry laugh. A powerful figure’s sudden interference in their marriage.

“Go back for now, Young Lord Luches. I have more work to do…”

He was too overwhelmed to face the situation. Yurik chose to avoid it. Luches looked at him with a pained expression. Even then, Yurik gave a graceful nod and turned away. Luches grabbed him. With teary eyes and a glimmer of hope, he looked at Yurik.

“Lord Yurik, why don’t we,”

A breeze rustled through. Yurik turned to Luches. With a trembling face, Luches said.

“run away together?”

His voice was laced with tears.

“To a place free of duties and rights…”

Yurik glanced at the trembling hand gripping him, then looked at Luches’s face. Luches felt those blue eyes piercing him. He couldn’t lift his head and kept it bowed.

• ~ *

The day of the victory banquet arrived.

At House Windsor’s townhouse, servants bustled frantically until late afternoon. Their master had returned from palace duties at 9 a.m., slept until the afternoon, and now they were scrambling to prepare for the victory banquet.

The butler was the busiest. He had to quickly wake his master and help him get ready. At 5 p.m., the triumphal and victory ceremonies, the highlight of the banquet, would take place in the capital. Nobles had to attend, but dressing up elaborately took time. Seeing the clock strike 1, the butler hurriedly climbed the stairs.

Reaching Yurik’s room on the second floor, the butler steadied his ragged breath and knocked carefully. His master, likely exhausted from overwork, was probably deep in sleep.

“Young Master, are you awake?”

He raised his voice slightly to check, but as expected, his overworked master hadn’t risen. The butler quickly but quietly opened the door. He was startled. Yurik, whom he thought would be asleep, wasn’t in bed.

The canopied bed was neatly made, with no trace of sleep. The butler, shocked, scanned the room. He found Yurik at a table by the window, smoking a cigar. The ashtray was full, suggesting he’d smoked several, and Yurik’s complexion was ashen. The butler hurried to him.

“Young Master, you haven’t slept?”

“Oh, Butler.”

Yurik, noticing the butler only as he approached, tossed the short cigar stub into the ashtray. He stood, stretching his neck side to side. His exhausted face looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. The butler’s expression filled with concern. Yurik gave a faint smile.

“I’ve been so busy, I couldn’t sleep. I have work this afternoon, too.”

“You should’ve at least rested a little.”

“It’s fine. I’ll wash up now.”

At Yurik’s firm words, the butler lowered his head, unable to say more. As he turned to prepare bathwater, he paused and looked back at Yurik.

“Oh, Young Master. I’ve prepared the formal attire sent by Lord Chevinelle.”

“Oh, I forgot. Prepare something else instead.”

“…Pardon?”

The butler was taken aback. A few days before the banquet, House Chevinelle had delivered formal attire. It was customary for partners to coordinate their outfits. Another outfit? Despite the butler’s stunned expression, Yurik said calmly.

“Prepare a different outfit. It doesn’t need to be too flashy.”

“Y-Young Master.”

“I think I’ll be going alone this time.”

The butler was shocked but kept his composure and stayed silent. It wasn’t his place to question his master. Though flustered, he blinked and bowed. Yurik appreciated this about him—no need for extra explanations. The butler quietly left the room.

Yurik checked his reflection in the room’s mirror. From staying up all night working to avoid stray thoughts, his under-eyes were dark, and his skin was rough. He could’ve left work, but he chose not to. Because…

‘There’s no need for that anymore.’

Yes, that was it. No need anymore. Luches’s words were shocking but not entirely despairing. What truly upset him was… since hearing it from Luches, Karon hadn’t contacted him once. No messages, no words.

But it was understandable.

Was Karon Chevinelle an ordinary man? The only son of House Chevinelle, it was natural the Empress would want him on her side. She’d want to control him. Of course. Truly.

“…”

Did he really think it was natural?

Yurik looked in the mirror, questioning himself. The frowning man looked unsure.

• ~ *

House Windsor’s servants, eyeing Yurik cautiously, adjusted his attire. Adorned with an ornate brooch, cravat, cufflinks, and jeweled, lace-trimmed clothes, Yurik looked refined and splendid, but his stern face was utterly exhausted. The servants exchanged glances and whispered.

‘Young Master seems in a bad mood today, doesn’t he?’