BR 1.8

Late at night, Pelson entered his office after receiving Nike’s summons. Judging by his master’s darkened expression, he could guess that something had happened to Erons.

“Has he been hurt again?”
“No. If it were that, I’d rather have them captured immediately and tortured until they begged to be killed. But it’s an ambiguous situation where even that isn’t possible.”
“What is it this time?”

“I want you to investigate. Noahin Orphanage. The building is about the size of this office, and there are roughly twenty children. Except for one, none of the children who left have ever returned.”

“Hmm, that’s highly suspicious. Orphanages usually operate with some level of sponsorship, but twenty children in a space this size…?”

“A boy named Rudin came back once, but he seemed to have lost his mind. What he said when he returned was ‘Run away, it’s dangerous,’ and…”

“I’m not sure, but I think he mentioned a bracelet. But I still don’t understand why he cried so hard when he said bracelet.“

”Bracelet… “
”Bracelet?“
”The child remembered it as a bracelet, but his memory was probably distorted. What he actually said was…“
“… Don’t sell me.”^[1]
”Right. He was pleading not to be sold.”

Their predictions matched, and their faces twisted simultaneously. If what Rudin said wasn’t simply bracelet, but ‘Don’t sell me’, a truly cruel and heartbreaking plea, then…

“Seems like this isn’t your typical orphanage.”
“It might not even be an orphanage at all.”
“I’ll find out immediately.”
“Yes, as quickly as possible. And as thoroughly as possible.”
“I’ll carry out your orders.”

I thought all he needed was affection and love. How much hardship must that tiny body have endured?

After washing his face, Nike thought of Erons’s emaciated body. 

Bread? Milk? Soup? 

Did they even provide those properly? Obviously, they only gave him rotten things. 

Still, being human, the headmaster had a shred of conscience left. That’s why he celebrated his birthday once.

“Damn it… Damn it all!”

Nike grabbed whatever was within reach and hurled it. It was a vase. As it hit the wall, the water filling it, not the flowers, splashed out along with the debris onto the floor. The puddle of water spread, its area gradually expanding. 

Just like his feelings toward that child.

Moonlight sliced through the darkness, streaming in through the window. It illuminated Nike, reflecting off the puddle.

That moon, sweeping away the darkness more intensely than the sun, was unusually bright tonight.

Erons no longer waited for work assignments, moved by Nike’s assurance. 

Thanks to Nike’s appeal for him to become family, Erons finally began preparing to accept him as such. He resolved to see him not merely as a benefactor but as a father, and to learn something, anything, slowly, step by step, so as not to become a stain on him.

“… I’m bored. So bored.”

But contrary to his resolve, Erons’s daily routine consisted of nothing more than washing his hands upon waking, enjoying refreshments in his study, exchanging brief words with Nike, and practicing pheromone control.

Aside from the meals squeezed in between, this was all he did until bedtime. Every day was like this. 

He learned nothing.

Though they said he was smart and would grasp anything quickly, Nike refused to teach Erons anything. Not even the most basic skills, like writing.

“Your Grace, when will I learn to write? Shouldn’t I start learning soon?”
“Hmm. Before that, there’s something you need to see for yourself. Come with me for a moment.”
“Ah… Yes, Your Grace.”

Whenever Erons expressed a desire to learn to write, Nike would invariably change the subject. It was as if he simply didn’t want to teach him.

Chirp chirp.

The sound of birdsong pierced through the windowpanes. Both the Duchy and the capital were considerably further south compared to Noahin, where Erons had lived.

These two places were the regions where spring arrived earliest in the Empire.

Though it grew cool after sunset, the daylight hours felt like spring itself.

With the change of the moon, the days had definitely grown much warmer. Beyond the window behind Nike, instead of the stark, dying branches, now stood green, vibrant ones.

Instead of hibernation, animals awoken from their slumber gathered together, each chirping in their own voice, creating a magnificent scene. 

Not being able to step outside even once in this weather felt like torture.

‘Why won’t they let me go out? The weather is so nice.’

Erons wasn’t exactly the type to run around outside, preferring to stay indoors. But even for someone like him, there was a limit.

“Your Grace… “

Unable to hold back any longer, Erons called out to Nike, who was completely absorbed in his paperwork.

As pitifully as possible. As pathetically as possible.

Seeing this, a bright smile spread across Nike’s face. “Yes, child. What is it?”

“You know, it’s spring outside, the buds are just starting to sprout, the sun is so nice, but…”
“No.”
“…”
“Don’t even dream about it.”

Since Erons rarely called first, he’d briefly set down his pen, filled with expectation. Hearing only the word outside, he immediately picked it up again. He also withdrew the gaze he’d shifted toward Erons.

There wasn’t a hint of hesitation in his actions, making Erons feel even more hurt.

” …. That’s too much. I’m not asking to go far. Just open the door, step outside for some air, walk for maybe ten minutes, and come back. Can’t I do that?”

But this time, Nike didn’t even pretend to listen. He could at least say something. At his firm refusal, Erons’s lower lip stuck out in a pout. 

Glancing at him, Erons shot him a sharp look.

What’s ten minutes? He wouldn’t even grant a single minute? In the month since he’d arrived, the only time he’d set foot outside was on the day he first came here.

“Are you trying to drill a hole through my face? Stop glaring at me.”
“ …But… “

When Nike didn’t even glance his way, Erons slumped his shoulders. Still, he stubbornly kept glaring at him. He knew better than anyone that it wouldn’t work no matter what.

But it did seem to work.

Seeing Erons staring at him until his eyelids fluttered, Nike chuckled softly and stood up.

Approaching Erons, he knelt on one knee to meet his eye level.

“Your Grace, you shouldn’t just kneel like this!”
“It’s perfectly fine in front of you. Child, how about this? Let’s search the mansion thoroughly.”
“… Why inside the mansion?”
“That’s… true.”
“Would you like to look around with me?”
“You’re trying to subtly brush me off like this?”
“Yes.”
“That’s too much. Really, that’s too much.”

He’s proposing the interior, not the outside.

It meant he wouldn’t allow him to go out after all. What was so difficult about a mere walk?

In the end, Erons couldn’t hold back his disappointment, bordering on anger. He didn’t dare to say it, so he showed it only in his expression. He was thoroughly sulking, so Nike took his hand. The warmth from his hand enveloped Erons’s two hands.

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to put you in danger, so please understand.”
“… Me in danger?”
“That’s right. As you know, both my son and I are Alphas. That’s why families without Omega children haven’t dared to knock on our door. But what if your existence were to be revealed?”

“You mean they’d target me?”
“Exactly. Most of them would have ulterior motives. It’s as clear as day that they’d send marriage proposals, claiming to love you, a stranger they’ve never even seen. I don’t want to see you toyed with by such worthless scum.”

Just imagining it made Nike’s face darken, though nothing had even happened yet. His eyes, filled with concern for Erons’s safety, held a hint of anger too. 

Erons, who hadn’t realized he thought of him this much, felt a twinge of guilt for having been so stubborn.

He still couldn’t quite grasp that he was now part of this family, and often forgot his position. That he was, after all, destined to become a young master. And that such a future might be in store for him was even more unimaginable.

“Still, it’s disappointing. It’s not even that far. Just going to the rear garden would be enough.”
“Try to understand. The day will come when you can go out as you please. For now, just bear with it.”
“Yes…”

Though he tried to persuade him, seeing no sign of Erons’s mood lifting, Nike felt just as frustrated. He only wanted to see Erons’s happy face. He wanted to see him writhing in the throes of his love, not this expression.

What must he do to make him smile beautifully again?

My beloved child.

“I’ll take you somewhere you’ll absolutely love. I bet once you step inside that room, you won’t want to leave.“

If it’s a room worth liking in this situation, it must be somewhere connected to the outside, right? And if it’s so good it makes you not want to leave, just how wonderful could it be?

It was obvious that no matter how stubborn he was, he wouldn’t be allowed to go out. In that case, playing along with the unpleasant tune for a moment might be a decent strategy.

“So we’re going now?”

When Erons subtly accepted the proposal, Nike’s lips curved into a pleasing smile.

“Let’s just look around until the dinner preparations are finished.”
“It must be quite spacious.”
“Hmm, I wouldn’t say it’s spacious compared to the study.”
“But how can you stay there until dinner? There are so many things?”
“That’s a secret.”
“Why? Why do you keep hiding things?”

Curiosity was killing him, but he wouldn’t say a word. It was a room he’d be going to soon anyway. Was there really a reason to hide it this much?

“Sometimes it’s better to see things without knowing anything, with anticipation.”
“Is it that good?”
“Yes, at least for you.”
“I’m so excited right now. What if my expectations are too high and I end up disappointed?”
“Then I’ll have another room prepared for you, one you’ll like even more.”
“… Your Grace, you’re being too generous.”

“Even though it may not seem like it, within the empire, no one can match me except the Emperor. Building a mere room is as easy as breathing. If you wish, I could even tear down this mansion and make you a new one, so don’t worry too much.“
”Haha… Thank you. Just saying that is more than enough.”

Even if it was surplus money, spending it like this felt a bit…

Not that he disliked it. He wasn’t in a position to dare say he disliked it. It felt a little burdensome.

No, it felt very burdensome. 

For Erons, who had grown up in an orphanage and for whom this kind of life was not reality but a dream, such kindness felt overwhelmingly excessive.

“Now, come on. It’ll take quite some time to look around, so we should hurry.”

Nike took Erons’s hand and led him along. Erons had no reason to refuse him; in fact, he wanted to follow, so he obediently went along.

The moment they stepped into the hallway, a clattering sound echoed. The sound of metal striking metal wasn’t particularly pleasant to hear.

The sound, which had been growing louder, stopped abruptly with a loud clang right in front of them.

The metallic clang was the sound of a knight’s armor colliding. It was Keld. Keld knelt on one knee, just as Nike had done to Erons moments before.

“You’re here sooner than I expected. Did you catch them?”
“Yes. We caught them all.”
“But why come in person when you had the communication stone?”

“The communication stone broke during the pursuit, so I had no choice but to come myself. I left ahead to relay the news as quickly as possible, and with so many hot-headed fools, it’ll likely take the rest a few more days to arrive.“
”I see. Understood. You may rise.“

Keld, who had been maintaining a rigid posture, bowed his head lightly, and a smile blossomed on Nike’s lips.

”Good work. Go back and rest. When the rest arrive, report directly to me.“
”I will obey your orders.”

Erons had thought Keld harbored hostility toward him. After all, that day, upon first seeing him, Keld had called him a spy.

But Keld’s actions completely overturned that thought. He bowed deeply and respectfully, not only to Nike but to Erons as well. There was no hostility in that gesture.

Something stirred in his heart. Even his maid, Jowen, didn’t bow like that. Besides her, only Pelson and Lelis still treated Erons as a true member of the Duke’s household. And among them, Keld had been the first to be wary.

‘… Did he just acknowledge me? As the Duke’s son?’

He felt both proud and overwhelmed. Drunk on this fuzzy feeling, Erons’s cheeks flushed beautifully. So this is what it feels like to be acknowledged by someone else.

Even if it wasn’t for outstanding skill or anything like that, gaining the trust of someone who had distrusted him felt incredibly good.

Keld left the room, and Nike started walking again.

Erons’s footsteps following behind felt surprisingly light. It was a good thing, but Erons suddenly found himself curious about their conversation. What had they caught that was so temperamental? And how important was it that Keld had to leave ahead of them?

Erons gently tugged at the hem of Nike’s robe, who was leading the way.

“Hm?”
“What did Keld catch?”
“Oh, that.”
“Is it about hunting?”
“It’s somewhat along those lines.”

It was indeed a living thing they’d caught. It was just that the prey was a little different from what ordinary people would think of as prey.

“I’m curious too. That room is enough for secrets, right? Can’t you tell me?”
“Are you that curious?”

When Erons nodded boldly, Nike’s mouth twisted into a sly smile. The way only one corner lifted looked rather wicked. 

Nike leaned in and whispered into Erons’s ear. “I told him to bring back a demon beast that would devour you.”

“… Huh? A demon beast…?”

”Yes. From the Demon Beast Forest. I told him to find a very large one. When it arrives, I’ll toss you right to it. So it can swallow you whole.”

“Uh, ah…”

In this world, demon beasts are not fantastical creatures confined to fairy tales. Large and small demon beasts have made their nests throughout the empire, coexisting with humans.

On the outskirts, there even existed the ‘Demon Beast Forest, a domain formed by demon beasts gathered to avoid humans. It was a place so dreaded that any human who entered it would never return alive.

His cheeks, flushed at the words that he was about to be killed, slowly drained of color. It seemed like a playful remark, but Nike’s expression was too serious.

As if he truly intended to kill him.

He tried to stay calm, but Erons’s trembling hands refused to steady.

“You cute little thing. Just kidding. Why so scared?”
“… Huh?”
“I said it was a joke. A joke.”

After saying it with such a serious face, now he calls it a joke? Erons nearly collapsed on the spot at Nike, flipping his words so casually.

It wasn’t simply because he was scared of monsters like a child. What if… all this time, the reason he’d been kind to me was to throw me to the monsters as food? What if the love I’d desperately wanted, the love I’d finally received, was all a lie, and I’d foolishly been trapped in a swamp of delusion all by myself? What if these happy days were already coming to an end?

Erons was terrified of that.

“I… I was truly shocked. When Your Grace speaks with such a serious expression, anyone would believe you.”
“So shocked?”
“Of course!”
“Goodness. What a voice you have.”

As he choked up and raised his voice, Nike pulled him into his arms. The soothing touch felt like he was handling a child.

It seemed he thought Erons was frightened because of the existence of the demon beasts. But that wasn’t it at all.

“I’m sorry. I can’t bear to see even a single drop of blood on your body. How could I let you face something like that? I wouldn’t just throw you into it. I’d kill every single demon beast in the empire and still feel unsatisfied.”

Tap, tap, tap.

His hand patted his back rhythmically.

As Erons’s heart settled, his arms naturally wrapped around the man’s waist. 

Perhaps because physical contact was so frequent, even this embrace had become familiar. 

His actions, so familial, so fatherly, made his anger cool before it could even fully ignite. Erons cherished that tenderness.

That warm touch, soothing, comforting, filled with love.

Not that it meant he wasn’t still annoyed.

“This time, you really went too far.”
“I’m sorry. Still, thanks to you, I confirmed my acting skills haven’t rusted. That’s good.”
…That’s not a compliment.“
”You’re surprisingly blunt.”
“I’m sorry! That’s not what I meant!”
“I know. It’s fine if that’s how you are, so don’t worry about it too much.”

Nike’s outstretched hand dug into Erons’s hair. 

Whether he was surprised by something trivial, scared, or apologetic. Just when you thought you understood him, he’d be unpredictable again. 

That was part of his charm.

Nike liked that about him. 

The way he relaxed around him, revealing hidden facets bit by bit. It meant they were growing closer.

That had to be it.

“What? You’re already here?”

“I finished quickly. Even without saying it, the Master was giving me such subtle hints.”

Keld, having reported his return to Nike, headed straight for Felson’s office. Entering without knocking, he plopped down on the sofa. His disheveled hair and face were thick with exhaustion.

Felson gave a small chuckle upon seeing him.

“So you smashed the communication stone?”
“It broke while chasing those bastards. Well, I can’t say there wasn’t some intent behind it. Sigh, you should consider my age. It’s tough at my age to handle things this swiftly.”
“Saying that with a face that looks thirty won’t cut it.”

“Enough. What about that?”
“It’s clean. Like I said last time.”

Pelson handed him the documents. They weren’t really documents. The back was just a blank sheet of paper.

”According to the devotees at that local shrine, he’s been attending the shrine diligently since he was a child. It’s almost certain he was born and raised in Noahin.”
“Any chance the worshippers were hypnotized?”
“None. Thanks to the Second Young Master, I know a thing or two about that. They were all perfectly lucid.”
“Hmm. Then what about the possibility that he approached him seeking wealth or honor?”

Pelson shook his head.

“Not that either. He found everything he received from His Lordship burdensome. His Lordship even had to stop him from asking for work. He’s strangely uninterested in money and pure to the point of seeming foolish. I heard the orphanage headmaster practically raised the children in confinement. That’s probably why.”

“That bastard. What did he do to those children?”

“We need more details, but it certainly wasn’t anything good. The bottom line is he’s not a spy. A child cut off from the world wouldn’t know the meaning of the word ‘Liman,’ let alone recognize whose face it was.”

Keld nodded.

Though he might doubt others, Keld trusted his brother above all else and accepted Pelson’s words without question.

‘Name: Erons, Age: 21, Residence: Noahin Orphanage.’

”Thank goodness I got your message before the communication stone broke. Otherwise, I’d have acted like a spy again in front of the Lord just now.”
“Frankly, we have reason to be suspicious. Countless spies have approached us with that face.”
“For over twenty long years.”

Keld handed the documents back to Pelson. Pelson slipped them into the stack of papers. The bundle containing the details of his own investigation was quite thick.

“So let’s treat Lord Erons well. He’s different from those who stepped in briefly only to have their heads chopped off.”
“Indeed. If he truly is to be our Master…”

At that moment, Nike’s two most trusted loyal subjects shared the same thought.

Please, let our Lord not suffer this time.

May he be happy with him.