TPWTM 18

The antics Lawson referred to were Karon’s bombshell declaration in front of the Empress. Every official residing in the administrative palace commemorated that day with a grand title, calling Karon’s actions a ‘disaster’ that struck the palace. Yurik scoffed at Lawson’s words.

“Indeed. Since you suffered so much, don’t cause more trouble today.”

Yurik muttered, glaring at the stack of documents in Lawson’s hands. Lawson quickly became overly polite, grabbing Yurik’s arm to hand him the papers. Yurik firmly swatted Lawson’s hand away.

“Yuri~! You know this comes from my heart.”

“Get lost.”

Lawson drooped his eyebrows, pleading, but Yurik rejected him outright and headed to his office. Lawson called after him desperately, but Yurik ignored him.

Arriving at his office, Yurik found the door open. In front of it, Sir Dellroad was fidgeting like a restless dog, nervously biting his thumbnail. A strange sense of unease made Yurik pause, but Dellroad spotted him first.

“Oh, you’re here! It’s, well, Sir Yurik…!”

Dellroad’s face lit up as he rushed toward Yurik. He shook his head slightly, as if urgently trying to convey something.

Yurik, confused, froze. What? Why? What was he saying? Before he could process, Dellroad grabbed his arm and turned him away from the office.

“Haha, let’s go somewhere else for a bit…!”

“Yurik Windsor!”

Dellroad’s efforts were in vain. Someone stormed out of the office, bellowing Yurik’s name in fury. Yurik frowned, turning back. Standing at the office door was an enraged Viscount Graham. Dellroad backed away, looking defeated. Yurik narrowed his eyes, glancing between Dellroad and Viscount Graham. What was going on?

Viscount Graham stormed toward Yurik, fuming, and threw something at him.

“I’ll make you pay dearly for tarnishing my family’s honor, Yurik Windsor!”

Yurik watched as the object hit his chest and fell. His eyebrows twitched, his expression souring. It was a red leather glove. Throwing a red glove at someone was an act of challenging them to a duel, signifying grave insult.

But why was it thrown at him? Yurik stared at the glove on the floor, then looked up at Viscount Graham.

“What… is this nonsense?”

“Yurik Windsor! I trusted you, and you stab me in the back like this?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your brother did the same, didn’t he? It must run in the family! To think I trusted such a man! You disgrace of an alpha!”

Viscount Graham, in a rage, grabbed Yurik’s collar. Yurik was dumbfounded. Wasn’t the viscount the one insulting his family with incoherent nonsense? Stunned but composed, Yurik gripped the viscount’s hand on his collar and said,

“Explain clearly what you mean. I don’t understand a word.”

“If you don’t understand, who will?”

“Viscount Graham.”

“To dare touch my brother, Luches Graham, a servant of Her Majesty the Empress? You’ve crossed a line, a massive one. Understand?”

Yurik’s jaw dropped in shock as the viscount bared his teeth in anger. What did he just say…?

Officials in the administrative palace gathered in the lobby, murmuring at the commotion. Some opened their office doors to observe.

Then, Viscount Graham shouted loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Yurik Windsor, did you think you’d get away with touching my brother Luches Graham at the victory banquet? An alpha! With an omega!”

“What…?”

“Touching my brother? While he had a partner?”

The viscount gritted his teeth, yelling. Yurik’s mind slowly pieced it together. So… Viscount Graham was claiming that Yurik Windsor, himself, had ‘touched’ Luches Graham, the second son of the Graham family. Not just physically bumped into him, but slept with him, according to the viscount.

Yurik let out a hollow laugh, then roughly pushed the viscount’s hand off his collar. The viscount staggered back a step, still glaring fiercely.

“You’re spouting outrageous nonsense.”

“Nonsense? You call it nonsense?”

Yurik ran a hand through his disheveled hair. The viscount’s words were riddled with flaws. For one, imperial high society didn’t care who an omega or alpha slept with outside of heat or rut cycles. At banquets, nobles slipped into gardens to whisper sweet nothings, and such acts fueled gossip consumed across the empire, often with pride.

Adultery was barely frowned upon! Yurik despised the empire’s libertine social culture but was aware of its norms. Most importantly, he hadn’t touched Luches Graham. That was the undeniable truth.

Though his memory was hazy, he clearly recalled his rut starting and Karon sending Luches away.

Viscount Graham gritted his teeth and pointed at Yurik.

“What are you going to do about my brother? How could you act like a beast during a rut? With a partner present!”

“It seems you’re gravely mistaken.”

“Mistaken? You say I’m mistaken? I’m stating facts, Yurik Windsor.”

“Who’s saying such things?”

“Is my brother’s mouth not a mouth?”

Yurik closed his eyes tightly, a sudden headache surging. He opened them again.

“I wasn’t with Young Master Luches during my rut.”

“So you’re saying my brother is lying?”

The viscount stepped closer, eyes blazing. He pulled something from his jacket pocket and threw it at Yurik. A black cufflink hit Yurik’s chest and fell. Yurik recognized it instantly—it was his. The viscount sneered.

“Why that look? Isn’t it yours?”

“Viscount, assuming so much from this is a leap.”

“You still won’t admit it, even with this? Where will you drag my brother’s honor?”

“During my rut, I…!”

Yurik stopped mid-sentence, clamping his mouth shut. He hesitated to say he was with Karon. No rumors had spread, but admitting it himself would surely ignite gossip in high society. As an honorable noble, openly discussing his rut—a private matter—felt distasteful. It was personal, not something to announce in a place with so many watching eyes.

“I confirmed you didn’t return to your estate! You must’ve been with Luches! He didn’t come home for three days either!”

Luches did that? Yurik raised an eyebrow but sighed and stayed silent. No matter what he said, it wouldn’t reach the enraged viscount.

“And you didn’t attend the banquet for three days. How do you explain that? Will you claim it wasn’t a rut?”

The viscount was already convinced. Unfortunately, disappearing with Karon without telling anyone had created the perfect scenario for misunderstanding.

Yurik glanced around. The commotion had drawn nearly every official in the palace. They whispered, eyeing Yurik and the viscount. Yurik decided he needed to end this before more scandal arose.

“I didn’t spend my rut with Young Master Luches.”

“Ha, ignoring everything I said? Prove it, Yurik Windsor.”

“If you keep spouting nonsense, what am I supposed to…?”

Viscount Graham stepped right up to Yurik, locking eyes fiercely. He gritted his teeth and said,

“Prove it, Yurik.”

Prove he spent his heat or rut cycle with someone else? This wasn’t about public shaming; it was absurd. Yurik was stunned, but the viscount insisted firmly.

“For your honor, you’d better bring proof.”

Muttering angrily, the viscount turned and stormed out of the lobby. Lawson approached Yurik with a troubled look.

“Good heavens, Yurik. What’s this? Did you really, with Graham’s second son, you know… that kind of…?”

“I said no!”

Yurik snapped, unable to hold back. The whispering crowd flinched, glancing at him before dispersing, as if the show was over. Lawson patted Yurik’s shoulder awkwardly.

“Alright, alright… The viscount’s manners are trash. To blurt out such a private matter so publicly. Doesn’t he know he’s the one ruining his own honor?”

“…Ha.”

“Don’t worry, Yurik. Young men in their prime can… Yurik?”

Yurik sighed, glared at Lawson, and turned away. One thing after another kept erupting, making life noisy and miserable. He couldn’t fathom why Luches Graham would do this. Or maybe… he could vaguely understand. That feeling… he knew it. But this wasn’t right.

Yurik clutched his forehead, a headache throbbing, and walked off. He needed a moment to think amidst the chaos. Lawson scratched his head, watching Yurik stride out of the lobby.

• ~ *

Viscount Graham crossed the mansion’s corridor with swift steps. His black cane tapped the floor loudly—tap, tap. Climbing to the third floor, he reached a room guarded by two maids. He gestured for them to leave and flung the door open.

The dimly lit room had only a few lamps on. Crossing it, he yanked open the heavy curtains.

“Luches Graham. Still not come to your senses?”

The viscount gritted his teeth, turning to Luches, crouched in a corner as if hiding. Damn this foolish, naive, useless brother. The viscount irritably ran a hand through his hair and approached Luches.

Luches, head bowed with vacant eyes, shrank further as the viscount neared. The viscount looked down at his brother with disdain.

“Acting like this, how will you tear them apart, huh?”

“Bro… Brother.”

“You told me you wanted Yurik Windsor over Karon Chevinelle! You said you spent his rut with him. I told you to keep Karon Chevinelle occupied, pulled every string, and yet you…!”

The viscount roared in fury. Luches had thoroughly ruined his plan. Drugging Yurik Windsor and pairing him with an omega was meant to prevent Luches from interfering with Karon.

The plan was to tarnish Yurik’s reputation with a scandal, naturally breaking his engagement. But Luches, who was supposed to boldly seduce Karon, didn’t hold him back and instead helped Yurik, upending the viscount’s carefully laid scheme.

“Bro… Brother… sob…”

Luches whimpered, his face a mess. The viscount glared at him with contempt. An omega who spent a rut with an alpha from a mere meritorious family like Windsor was useless to their house. The viscount lifted Luches’ chin with his cane.

Luches looked up, tears in his eyes, but the viscount’s gaze was cold.

“You made your choice, Luches Graham.”

“Sob… ugh…”

“You wanted Yurik Windsor. So deal with it.”

No matter how, breaking Karon Chevinelle and Yurik Windsor’s marriage would fulfill the Empress’s will. Even if it didn’t forge ties with the Chevinelle family, if the Graham marquisate, aligned with the Empress’s faction, thwarted Karon’s marriage, which she opposed, she’d remember it. Perhaps she’d grant new opportunities.

“Tch… useless omega…”

The viscount glared sharply at the trembling Luches, then swiftly withdrew his cane. Luches flinched, lowering his head.

• ~ *

Viscount Graham had dropped a massive bombshell.

Yurik could only describe it that way. Colleagues’ odd glances in the office, and during lunch when he skipped eating to smoke a cigar, everyone debated, “How could Yurik Windsor mess up during a rut?” He sighed.

‘The Graham marquis… really knows how to torment people.’

Was there some entanglement with that family? Yurik racked his brain but found no answers. Being the center of controversy for something he didn’t do was intolerable.

But admitting he spent the night with Karon Chevinelle… honestly, it bruised his pride. Thinking of people gossiping without knowing the truth soured his mood, and as an alpha, he felt ashamed. Saying he was with Karon would surely spark lurid, sexual rumors, giving him a headache.

‘I’ll have to say it eventually.’

He knew it was the best way to resolve this. Prove he was with Karon. Maybe even drag Karon in to confirm it.

But to publicly prove something everyone tacitly hushed up was infuriating. Yurik was exasperated.

“Oh, Sir Yurik, leaving?”

“Yes. I’ve finished today’s documents, so please handle the rest.”

“Of course. No worries. But, um…”

As Yurik stood, putting on his jacket, Dellroad glanced at him, hinting he had something to say. Yurik stared, urging him to speak. Dellroad hesitated, then spoke cautiously.

“Well… with all the rumors going around…”

Yurik raised an eyebrow. He already knew what Dellroad was about to say—the morning’s commotion. Yurik pressed his tired, dry eyelids. Dellroad, watching him, hesitated before finally speaking.

“I believe you, Sir Yurik!”

“…”

“So… don’t dwell on it too much. Haha… hahaha…”

Dellroad laughed awkwardly, jumping up. Fidgeting, he closed his eyes tightly and turned toward the door. His clumsy attempt at kindness, worried he’d reopened a wound, was evident. Yurik couldn’t help but smile faintly.

“Thank you, Sir Dellroad.”

Yurik patted Dellroad’s shoulder, who was hesitating at the door, then opened it himself and stepped out. He saw Dellroad’s awkward smile.

That morning, Dellroad had tried to help Yurik avoid the scene. Amidst everyone gossiping for amusement, hearing this warmed Yurik’s heart slightly. He smiled faintly and left the lobby.

It was a pleasant afternoon with a cool breeze. The sunlight was warm, balanced by a gentle wind that kept it from feeling cold.

Yurik passed the administrative palace, heading to the Iron Palace, home of the vast Glory Knights. Well-maintained green trees swayed around the palace. If the administrative palace had a courtyard, the Iron Palace was famed for its expansive garden.

Yurik rarely came here. Today, he’d contacted the Chevinelle estate through his butler, and Karon had sent word to meet here. The rendezvous was the garden’s back courtyard.

With work hours not yet over, the garden was quiet, save for a few strolling nobles. Yurik walked ten minutes to the back courtyard. Amidst the greenery, a well-decorated pergola came into view. Karon, in uniform, sat leisurely with legs crossed, catching the breeze. Yurik paused.

Karon’s red hair fluttered in the wind. His knight’s formal jacket draped over his shoulders, he sat with eyes closed. It was like a painting. Yurik knew Karon was handsome, but now… his heart stirred oddly.

Yurik observed Karon, who seemed in a light nap, for a while. Sunlight streamed through the pergola, sliding across Karon’s nose bridge between shadows. His refined jawline and light wheat-colored skin looked as smooth as polished jade. Between the slightly unbuttoned blue shirt collar, his collarbone peeked out.

Yurik stared, entranced. Karon’s relaxed demeanor stirred something in him. Like… the Karon he saw back in military academy days…

Then, Karon slowly lifted his eyelids. Meeting Yurik’s gaze, Yurik cleared his throat and approached. Karon smiled lazily.

“Yuri.”

His husky voice resonated softly. Did he know Yurik was coming? Yurik sat opposite him, feigning nonchalance. Karon stretched his neck and shoulders lightly.

“Dozed off a bit. The sunlight’s nice today.”

“…Is it?”

“On such a fine day…”

Karon leaned on the table, smiling at Yurik. His earlier gaze turned seductive, piercing Yurik.

“To be with a handsome man like you. An honor, isn’t it?”

“…Where’d you learn to flirt like that?”

“Sounds like flirting? It is.”

“…”

Yurik started to reply but closed his mouth. Karon’s relaxed, almost aggressive charm and tone were hard to get used to. Yurik sat in awkward silence, then changed the subject.

“…Heard anything on your way here?”

“What should I have heard?”

“No, nothing like that.”

Karon grinned. Yurik sighed softly. Seeing his worried face, Karon assumed it was about the wedding. He chuckled lightly and muttered,

“We’re on an outdoor date, so let go of pointless worries, Yuri.”

“What…!”

“A date in the palace makes my heart race.”

“Don’t… say weird things.”

“Why, Yuri? My heart’s pounding. If someone saw us, wouldn’t they think so?”

“…It’s the back courtyard, so no need to worry.”

“Not worried. I’d want them to see. Who knows, someone might pass by and spot us together.”

“Ha… Karon.”

“Worried about the wedding?”

Karon propped his chin, glancing away. Yurik rubbed his forehead, then looked at Karon and said,

“How could I not be worried?”

No. The wedding hadn’t crossed his mind until now. He’d only been thinking about resolving Viscount Graham’s fiasco. The wedding realization hit late.

A real marriage. He’d agreed to it since signing the contract, desperately wanting it to happen, but facing it now brought immense pressure.

Using the Chevinelle family’s wealth to pay his family’s debts—was this marriage right?

It was a contract marriage. If he gained something, Karon should too. Why had Karon agreed so readily? For the honor of tying to a meritorious family? To cleanse his nouveau riche image? He’d mentioned such benefits, but now they seemed trivial.

On the surface, it looked mutually beneficial, but despite being a northern great noble and meritorious family, the Windsor house had little political influence. It couldn’t even counter the Empress’s faction.

Considering the Windsor family’s stance of political neutrality, this was a game with no gain for Karon.

‘You knew from the start.’

Yes. They both knew from the beginning. Karon and Yurik alike. But… why was he so uneasy?

Yurik tried to examine his own feelings, but with Karon right in front of him, it was impossible. He lowered his gaze from Karon to glare at the table for no reason. Then, memories of the previous night flooded back.

That heated night he spent with Karon. Why had Karon helped him during his rut? He could have avoided it. Helping could have simply meant leaving him alone. After all, Karon had sent Young Master Luches away. If he’d just left Yurik alone, he could have managed somehow, no matter how painful. Among the obligations tied to their marriage, spousal duties were meant for show, for when they played the part of a perfect couple. So why? Yurik was confused and anxious. Could it be, perhaps, just maybe…

‘No way.’

Yurik closed his eyes tightly, then opened them. They couldn’t be that kind of couple. No, as long as this was a contract marriage, they shouldn’t be. Lowering his eyes, Yurik thought for a long moment before speaking.

“Are you really not worried about the wedding?”

Karon, who had been looking toward the garden’s edge, let out a sigh-like exclamation and turned to Yurik, replying.

“Why not trust the great retainers of your family and mine?”

Yurik’s lips twitched. What he really wanted to ask was something else.

Why are you marrying me?

Of course, he’d seen the Empress pressuring the Chevinelle family firsthand. There were likely political reasons. From what he’d observed, while Duke Chevinelle might be loyal to the Empress’s faction, Karon Chevinelle didn’t seem entirely devoted to it. He was also close to the First Prince.

‘…Just stop getting involved.’

Yurik steeled himself again. Giving up on overthinking was to his advantage. He just needed to stay quiet. He tried to shift his thoughts. This marriage was happening because they both had something to gain.

“The invitations…”

Yurik started with the most immediate task. Karon, who had been watching him with his chin propped up, grinned.

“Sent, Yuri.”

“What?”

“Our side’s already sent them. You just need to send them to the people on your side. In the name of the Chevinelle family, we’ve already sent them to key officials, the knights, and my people.”

Karon rummaged through his jacket pocket and pulled out a paper envelope to show him. Yurik examined the invitation Karon handed him. It was flawless, impeccable. Karon said,

“The ones for the Windsor family to send were delivered to your estate. Your butler’s probably looking at them now.”

“That was… quick.”

“Whose wedding is it? No reason to dawdle. I plan to claim you before anyone else does.”

Karon smiled confidently. Yurik let out a hollow laugh. As if anyone would claim him. Karon’s eagerness, despite knowing the Windsor family’s dire financial state, was amusing. If he knew the full extent of their debts, would he react like this? Yurik sighed. Karon watched him, then leaned toward the table with a playful expression.

“You look like you don’t believe me at all.”

“No, I believe you. What wouldn’t I believe?”

“That plenty of people would want to claim you, Yuri.”

“…Must you say that out loud? We have enough to deal with without pointless chatter.”

“What’s wrong with treating a wedding like work? If I’ve done this much…”

“You didn’t do it. Your retainers did.”

“Fair enough. But still, show a bit more excitement. You look like you’re being forced into this with a grim face.”

“Then you, are you happy? It’s a contract… marriage.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? Marrying the eldest son of the renowned northern Windsor family—why wouldn’t I be thrilled?”

Karon stared intently at Yurik. His eyes still held a playful glint, making it hard for Yurik to tell if he was serious. Seeing Yurik’s dubious expression, Karon tilted his head and chuckled.

“Yuri, you think too little of yourself. I told you, didn’t I? I’m claiming you before anyone else does.”

“No one sees the Windsor family that way.”

“Not the Windsor family. You.”

Karon said this, reaching out with his other hand. Yurik, looking down, didn’t notice. Karon gently brushed Yurik’s hair aside. Startled, Yurik looked up at him.

Karon softly caressed Yurik’s cheek. Yurik’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t push the hand away. Karon bit his lower lip lightly.

“When you act so compliant… it gets me a bit excited.”

“…Karon.”

Yurik frowned at the absurd comment, pulling his head back to avoid Karon’s hand. But Karon swiftly grabbed Yurik’s chin and pulled him closer. Yurik looked at him with startled eyes. Karon’s ambiguous expression sparkled as he gazed at Yurik.

A beautiful man. One who stirred a desire to conquer and challenge. Yurik Windsor clearly didn’t know his own worth. So provocative, yet so defenseless, even in front of the man who’d held him.

Yurik Windsor could marry well under any circumstances. An alpha, no less. Countless omegas, or even other alphas, would covet him, yet he wore this brazenly oblivious face.

Karon couldn’t help but chuckle. The maddeningly lovable feeling made it impossible to hold back laughter. Yurik frowned, grabbing Karon’s wrist.

“What are you doing? This is the palace.”

“You said no one would see.”

“That’s… just a figure of speech.”

Karon scanned Yurik’s face with a sticky gaze. Yurik frowned slightly and said,

“…Are you pent-up or something?”

“Why?”

“Your eyes look like…”

“Like what?”

Yurik glared at Karon, his eyes narrowing. It was as if Karon’s gaze was fixated on his lips.

“…You want to kiss me?”

Karon grinned, showing his teeth.

“What? You were thinking that?”

“No, your eyes, Karon. Wait, hold on. I said this is the palace…!”

Karon tightened his grip and stood. Holding Yurik’s chin, who looked at him with startled eyes across the table, Karon leaned in and claimed Yurik’s lips.

“Mmph…!”

A deep kiss followed. Karon grabbed the back of Yurik’s head as he tried to pull away, delving roughly into his mouth. Their tongues tangled, and Yurik squeezed his eyes shut.

“Ugh…”

It was a suffocatingly intense kiss. Karon sucked and licked Yurik’s lips as if devouring them. The sensation of his palate being tickled sent shivers down his spine. Their tongues entwined, saliva mixing. The feeling at the tip of his tongue was so sweet it seemed to melt. Karon explored Yurik’s mouth with utter satisfaction.

“Ugh, ha…!”

“Ha…”

Karon nibbled languidly on Yurik’s lower lip before finally letting go. Heat flushed Yurik’s pale face, his ears burning red. He pushed Karon’s shoulder, leaning back.

“What are you…!”

“Sorry. Couldn’t help it.”

“Ha…!”

Yurik wiped his lips with the back of his hand, his face flushed. Karon leaned on the table, smiling leisurely.

“But why not kiss my fiancé?”

“Karon…!”

“Alright, alright.”

Karon smirked and sat back down. Watching Yurik’s flushed face was a unique pleasure. Licking his saliva-wet lips, Karon said,

“Doing more here would be scandalous, so I settled for a kiss.”

What a ridiculous man. Yurik was dumbfounded. Doing more? To say such a thing so casually. Yurik sighed, wiping his wet lips again with the back of his hand.

“I’ll let you off this time, noble Sir Yurik.”

Karon watched Yurik, speechless from embarrassment, and stood. He added,

“About the invitations—oh, and Chancellor Evan wants to have dinner together. How about the day after tomorrow?”

“Do I even need to give my opinion at this point?”

“Of course. Everything’s tailored to you, Yuri.”

“Karon.”

“Alright, day after tomorrow?”

“…Fine.”

“Then I’ll head out first. I’ve got knight business. I’d love to stay longer, but for our honeymoon after the wedding, I need to wrap things up now.”

“…”

“Get home safe, Yuri.”

Karon approached to give Yurik a light hug, but Yurik recoiled, pushing him away. Laughing, Karon grabbed Yurik’s arm, forced a quick embrace, and sauntered off.

“Really…”

Yurik glared at the innocent table, his face red, then sighed and touched his forehead.

The worst, Yurik Windsor.

He couldn’t hide the pounding in his chest. For a moment, his heart fluttered, dropping with excitement. To feel this way, to like him so much, in a situation like this! As if his body was reacting on its own!

Yurik sighed deeply.

‘The issue with Viscount Graham… if it comes to it, I’ll bring it up.’

With Karon in front of him, his mind couldn’t even reach that point. He’d completely forgotten the issue. To think he could be so distracted—Yurik felt pathetic and exasperated with himself.

‘I’ll tell Karon later… For now, I should meet Luches and sort this out.’

Rumors would spread, but resolving it first was key. If Viscount Graham had any sense, he’d hush up before defamatory remarks about his family circulated. He was probably just heated today, not knowing the full story.

Saying he spent his rut with Karon wouldn’t make him, an alpha, an omega or diminish him. People like Leslie might sneer, but that was their gossip to spread, and he didn’t need to care. After all, Yurik was Yurik Windsor, an alpha and noble northern prince.

Yurik sighed and stood.

• ~ *

The next day, the imperial capital Latray was in an uproar over invitations sent in the Chevinelle family’s name. Karon Chevinelle and Yurik Windsor were really getting married!

Morning headlines blared across the capital’s dailies.

[Northern Noble Yurik Windsor, Marriage to Karon Chevinelle Imminent!]

[Chevinelle Family! Uniting with the Windsor Family?!]

[The Empire’s Rising Noble Chevinelle Dukedom! Welcomes Windsor Earldom as Partner!]

[Great News! A Union Comes to Fruition! Alpha and Alpha! Yurik Windsor and Karon Chevinelle’s Marriage!!]

The wedding news dominated every tabloid, drawing all eyes to the couple. A real marriage!

People whispered.

But… who’ll bear the children if they marry?

Does that matter? It’s a union of a meritorious family and a wealthy one!

Well, heirs are important, aren’t they?

Yeah… true?

No way Yurik Windsor?

No way Karon Chevinelle?

(Collective gasps) Impossible!!x2

• ~ *

“…”

Holding the morning papers, Yurik quietly rubbed his forehead. The wedding news had spread uncontrollably across the capital.

Of course, they were getting married, but the frenzy was baffling. It wasn’t as if they were the ones marrying, so why the overreaction? Granted, an alpha-alpha union was rare, not seen in decades. But it wasn’t unprecedented… and this kind of reaction was troublesome. He wanted a quiet wedding.

‘Not to mention, my parents won’t even be there. Sehil too, of course.’

With one side of the family seats entirely empty, rumors were bound to fly, and he couldn’t help but worry.

‘…Well, the rumors have already spread as far as they can.’

Yurik mocked himself. Sehil’s disappearance and his parents’ flight under the guise of travel, fleeing debts, had long leaked out. Even now, a tabloid screamed, [Windsor Family’s Bankruptcy! Was Yurik Windsor’s Marriage Planned?] The official dailies hushed it up, unlike the sensational rags.

‘Focus on what’s at hand. Don’t get caught up in complications.’

He couldn’t solve Sehil or his parents’ issues. Yurik decided to set them aside and focus on what he could do.

The most urgent task was resolving the issue with Viscount Graham. Before the papers caught wind, he needed to clarify today that he had no connection with Luches. He didn’t want unnecessary scandal before the wedding, becoming gossip fodder. Though, he was already quite the protagonist. Above all, Karon would surely be annoyed by noble chatter… So, resolve it quickly. That’s it. Yurik thought.