RODH Chapter 8

8.

“‘The jewel of House Ruben?’”

Seor spoke with a displeased expression.

At that, Countess Layard nudged Grand Duke Kirias with her elbow and whispered, “That’s a term used for lovers, Brother.”

“Ah.”

The tips of Grand Duke Kirias’s ears turned red.

For someone who became a swordmaster at fourteen and defended his land from a monster wave at eighteen, I had expected an intimidating figure… but he was unexpectedly endearing.

“Forgive my impoliteness. I’m not well-versed in etiquette, having spent so much time in the frontier.”

“Of course you wouldn’t be,” Seor retorted sarcastically.

Feigning an accident, I stepped on Seor’s foot.

“Ugh!”

“My apologies, Your Highness.”

While he fussed over his expensive leather shoes, I turned to converse with Grand Duke Kirias.

“It’s all right. By the way, do all northerners look as beautiful as you, Your Grace?”

The Grand Duke hesitated for a few seconds before shaking his head.

“Most have rough appearances.”

“I see.”

“Not a sight the Ruben heir would find pleasant. Northern men tend to have rugged features.”

“I don’t dislike that. I’m actually quite interested in knights’ tales.”

“Is that so?”

Grand Duke Kirias was as reticent as I had heard, yet thanks to Countess Layard, his consideration for others was evident.

When I mentioned my interest in knights’ stories, he explained the recent monster attacks in his territory.

“Was it not frightening? If they appeared at dawn, wouldn’t it have been difficult to capture them?”

When I expressed concern, the Grand Duke nodded earnestly and replied, “It was difficult. However, as the sun rose, the wyverns’ vigor waned. Thanks to the knights guarding the territory, the battle ended swiftly.”

With his skills, I imagined he had single-handedly defeated most of them. Yet, his natural inclination to credit his subordinates impressed me.

I suddenly recalled my sisters’ playful suggestion: ‘This is the kind of steadfast man you should love.’

What if Grand Duke Kirias had been my fiancé instead?

The whimsical thought flitted through my mind, though I quickly dismissed it. Unless Seor agreed to annul our engagement, the likelihood of me becoming a duchess was almost nonexistent.

After several regressions, I had learned that giving up certain things was easier than expected.

If my family ever knew, they would surely pity me.

But those four regressions were my eternal secret and a source of wisdom.

Shifting topics, I decided to ask about the eternal permafrost where Kirias’s estate was located.

“Your Grace, I’d like to know more about the crops grown in Perrost.”

“In my domain, the only crops are moss and scrub trees,” he replied.

“Then you could make compote from the berries of the scrub trees, couldn’t you?”

Grand Duke Kirias gave me a puzzled look, prompting another playful nudge from Countess Layard, as if winding up a toy.

“My apologies, Lord Ruben. I’ve never considered making compote before.”

It was likely because sugar was scarce.

I was about to offer him some sugar when Seor interrupted our conversation.

“Perrost is an eternal wasteland where crops struggle to grow. I fail to see why my fiancé is so interested in such a place.”

“I can’t say I understand either,” Grand Duke Kirias replied plainly.

“I wasn’t asking you, Your Grace.”

“My apologies, Your Highness. I lack proper etiquette….”

“Enough. I’ll be taking my fiancée with me—ugh!”

I firmly stepped on Seor’s foot again, this time intentionally.

“My apologies for the disturbance. His Highness seems to be in poor spirits after yesterday’s events. Please don’t take it to heart, Your Grace. As an apology, I’d like to offer you both a gift.”

“Oh my,” Countess Layard exclaimed softly at the mention of a gift.

I presented her with a set of pearl earrings and gifted Grand Duke Kirias two carriages full of sugar.

“I don’t understand why you would show me such generosity,” the Grand Duke remarked directly, true to his northern nature.

I answered him just as honestly.

“Today is my coming-of-age day. As the heir of House Ruben, I hope to establish a friendly connection with you, Grand Duke.”

Until midnight, people ate, drank, and danced to their hearts’ content.

I ditched Seor in the crowd, almost throwing him into the throng, and made my way upstairs, claiming a cozy sofa for myself.

The shoes that matched my white tuxedo weren’t exactly flexible, and the longer I wore them, the tighter they felt.

Looking around to ensure no one was watching, I slipped off my shoes, pulled my knees up, and sat curled up.

The music was lively, and the people below spun around, dancing with infectious joy.

Yet, amidst the vibrant scene, I couldn’t help but feel an inexplicable loneliness.

Was it because I was keeping my distance from the party for the first time?

No, that wasn’t it.

It was likely because of my blissfully unaware parents and sisters, who had no idea what the future held for us.

I still hadn’t uncovered the identity of the person who framed us for treason.

I took out the rough stone pendant hanging around my neck and absentmindedly fiddled with it.

How many secrets had I overheard today alone?

‘The Ruben heir is so stunningly beautiful.’

‘But in the end, he’s just an omega, destined to live a life confined to the palace. Such a pity.’

‘We need to form an alliance with a family this wealthy.’

‘So the rumors about the Crown Prince despising his fiancé were nonsense after all.’

The sheer volume of information made my head throb, and I let out a sigh.

Before long, I heard the sound of a silver spoon tapping against a glass below. It was Father.

Hastily slipping my shoes back on, I descended to the first floor.

“Oh, my beloved son Ian. Ladies and gentlemen, it is nearly midnight. Let us all wish for Ian’s dominant awakening. To Ian Pearl Ruben!”

At Father’s toast, the crowd raised their glasses high.

“To Ian Pearl Ruben!”

Ding, dong.

The grandfather clock struck midnight.

Even though I’d witnessed this scene five times already, the crowd’s watchful gazes still felt overwhelming.

Soon, a scent like a blend of flowers and honey wafted through the air, and those around me let out sighs of admiration.

It was inevitable.

I had awakened as a dominant omega, now possessing pheromones that could captivate even dominant alphas.

“Ian!”

My parents and sisters took turns offering their congratulations.

I nodded, thanking them in return.

“Congratulations, Lord Ruben.”

“There will never be another omega as beautiful as you. This is a great honor for the empire.”

“Speaking of which, where is His Highness the Crown Prince?”

As people murmured and looked around, Seor, who had been leaning against a pillar, slowly approached.

Taking my hand, he kissed the back of it and said, “Congratulations on your dominant awakening.”

“Thank you.”

The moment he let go of my hand, I wiped it on my trousers.

When Seor uttered the word ‘dominant,’ his expression shifted strangely.

Could he be planning to behead me this time too?

I scanned the area around Seor for any omega presence, but thankfully, there were only alpha and beta women near him.

Just as I was cautiously observing my surroundings, Seor addressed me in a voice dripping with insincerity, as if he’d swallowed a chunk of butter.

“Let’s talk, Ian.”

His flushed cheeks and the faint smell of alcohol made me wonder if he was drunk.

“We can talk tomorrow when you’re sober.”

“You know my patience doesn’t stretch that far, Ian Pearl Ruben.”

He lowered his voice, lacing it with threat.

Fine, you bastard. I’m coming.

I led him to a window where we could speak alone, crossing my arms defensively.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“Can’t you drop that argumentative tone of yours?”

“When have I argued?”

Seor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I mimicked him with an exaggerated sigh of my own.

This made him smirk bitterly as he remarked, “Do you dislike me enough to want to annul our engagement? Now that you’re a dominant, I suppose you’ll act even more insolently, Ian.”

“I’ve never said I wanted to act insolently.”

“Look at you now, acting out insolently in front of the Crown Prince of the empire.”

Realizing this was his way of telling me to shut up, I said nothing. Seor ran a hand through his hair and muttered, “This is driving me insane.”

If anyone was going insane, it was me.

I didn’t want to prolong this pointless conversation.

“Whatever it is, let’s discuss it tomorrow. As for the annulment… since you’ve said you want a face-to-face discussion, I won’t bring it up again.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

At the mention of tomorrow, Seor frowned slightly before breaking into a smile and agreeing.

What’s with him now?

From my perspective, Seor’s personality seemed to change dozens of times in a single day.

“Very well, see you tomorrow, Ian Pearl Ruben.”

“Take care, Your Highness.”

“You as well.”

After exchanging farewells, I returned to wrap up the party.

I ordered the attendants to escort overly drunk guests home and made a mental note of the guests who maintained decorum until the end.

By the time everything was tidied up, it was past 2 a.m.

“Young Master, please rest. You have imperial studies in the morning.”

“Ugh, I hate… no, no. I love it. I’m thrilled. I’m happy. Hahaha!”

“Y-Young Master?”

After sending Bain away, I collapsed into bed and fell into a near-comatose sleep.

And the next day…

I finally understood why Seor had smiled.