《Into The Rose Garden》


 Chapter 1

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    <i><strong>tw: non-con</strong></i>


    A man was wandering at the bottom.


    The torn and tattered clothes were yellow and dirty drops of sweat mixed with dust dripped from them. The man¡¯s hair, with bright strands visible here and there, was clumped together in ces as if it hadn¡¯t beenbed. The limbs, as thin and dry as pieces of wood in midwinter, protruded from under the frayed fabric and moved limply. From time to time, he stopped to take a breath and then continued moving. The ce the man was heading to was the very bottom of the city.


    A corner of that dry alley where even the pickpocket spat and turned around because no one had anything. The man¡¯s ce was under a dark shade where no light could enter.


    He didn¡¯t eat anything today. He didn¡¯t eat anything yesterday either. The man¡¯s stomach, shrunken to the point where it couldn¡¯t even digest a sip of water, no longer cried. He knelt down on the stone road helplessly. He slowlyid his body on the ground as if he were dying. He even closed his eyelids.


    There was no one in the secluded alley. There was no one to hate him, no one to beat him, no one to rape him, and no one to throw him away. The ck shadow of the gray wall became a nket and blocked the crimson world that was spinning even under his eyelids.


    ¡°Hey, wake up.¡±


    A rough kick woke the man. The consciousness, which had just been engulfed in darkness, was disturbed and returned a little. The stinky boots crashed into him to the point his bones ached and stamped on his legs a few more times without a hint of mercy. It wasn¡¯t until there was a cracking sound that the man opened his foggy eyes and floundered his arms like the legs of an insect that was having its final convulsion.


    The guy, who woke him up by kicking his skinny body fiercely, threw the paper bag he was holding in his hand. It fell on his face and smelled extremely light and savory. The man barely stretched out his thin hand and grabbed the paper bag.


    ¡°Today, I brought a special one with raisins in it.¡±


    When he pulled out the paper bag and managed to tear off the awfully tough paper, a warm, freshly baked piece of bread came out of it. The smell of bread seeped into his nostrils as he breathed in the thin air. The man¡¯s mouth, which was as dry as a desert, suddenly salivated. He brought the bread closer to his face with both hands and opened his mouth.


    When he took a bite of the savory food, the guy giggled and grabbed the man¡¯s ankle. He pulled down the man¡¯s dirty pants and spread his legs apart. Even in the meantime, the man was busy burying his nose in the bread and tearing it off big enough to keep his jaw from closing. The guy made him lie down on his side and spread his legs again. The skinny butt opened up again. The red flesh nestled within it was unsightly and covered in white mucus.


    ¡°You always manage to make me hornier than most passable prostitutes. On the subject of alpha bastards.¡±


    Soon after, the guy pulled down his pants and pulled out his dark, curved penis. He cruelly shoved his fingers into the gap in the rugged red flesh that had been torn and stuck into countless times. The man who had just swallowed the bread choked and coughed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pig out and rx so I can loosen your hole.¡±


    The guy n swung his hand like a whip and hit his skinny butt. The man shook from the great shock and dropped his bread. He got down on his knees to pick up the bread. As soon as he reached out and grabbed the rolled bread, the guy seized the man by the waist and pulled him back.


    ¡°You have to pay for the meal, where do you think you¡¯re running away?¡±


    The guy spat on the red flesh after hitting his butt a few more times. Then he poked deeper with his finger a few more times. The man grimaced and let out a small moan, now holding the bread in his mouth.


    ¡°Lunatic, do you like it?¡±


    The guy who poked into the hole as much as he wanted quickly shoved his unsightly erect penis to the very root. The man seemed to be screaming with his mouth full of bread, but the diposure was so weak that even the guy¡¯s ears could not hear it. The penis entered the trembling body and moved violently as if it would tear the intestines at once.


    The man, unable to ovee the impact, held the bread in his arms and fell down, lifting only his hips. The saliva that flowed from between his parched lips dripped onto the ck dried fruit stuck in the savory bread.


    * * *


    Once the man was a brilliant Count. There were times when even the man forgot that fact since no one called him by it, but he also had a name. Perhaps it was also of an aristocratic style. But now he was called ¡®Hey¡¯, so even if he had a long name, he would only beughed at.


    After the guy was gone, the man pulled up his clothes without even wiping his thighs dripping with semen. If others saw him receive an alpha¡¯s semen, he would be subjected to the same thing until his stomach bursts with it, which he couldn¡¯t even convert into calories today. He didn¡¯t want to suffer that much. He had to hide somewhere else quickly.


    He grabbed the half-eaten bread. The saliva-soaked part crumbled on his rough fingers and dripped to the floor. He looked down at the crumbs with ck raisins. The particrly shiny surface was extremely tempting. At longst, the man knelt down and put it in his mouth.


    After that, the guy with the raisin bread appeared from time to time unannounced. Sometimes he even brought a colleague along. Taking in both penises at the same time was excruciatingly painful, but more tolerable than hunger. After they left, the man hid and ate the bread. He choked up and coughed several times, but he pushed the sweet lumps down his throat. The man licked every crumb on his hand and looked away.


    The lights of the city¡¯s gasmps dyed the sunken night sky scarlet. The color, which became a shimmeryce and fluttered as if the scattering of sunlight rays reached the extreme, was like theyered petals that bloomed in the garden of the Count¡¯s family, once the most splendid in the city. The man distorted his face as he looked at it nkly. He raised the corners of his lips, got up, and smiled softly, making fine lines around his eyes.


    Aelock Teiwind.


    A noble among nobles with a lineage older than the current royal family.


    When he had just be an adult, he inherited the title after his father passed away suddenly. The young Count, with gorgeous blonde hair like the family¡¯s symbol, a golden lion, and blue eyes like the azure sky, was noted for never losing his aristocratic dignity and nobility at any moment. But he wasn¡¯t like that from the beginning.


    ¡°Aelock, did you y a lot today?¡±


    ¡°Mother.¡±


    A faint smell of medicine emanated from the Countess as he weed his young son. His mother, a male omega, was not originally healthy and was always lying in bed with a chronic disease as he forced himself to give birth to a child. The young son, not even seven years old, climbed onto the bed clinging to his mother¡¯s skinny arms, now buried his face in his bony chest, and nodded quietly.


    ¡°Have you seen the rose garden? Could you tell your mother what color of roses bloomed today?¡±


    The rose garden could be seen straight out of the bed¡¯s window, but he always asked his son that. Then Aelock would give a lengthy exnation, using every color and exmation in his vocabry. Meanwhile, his mother stroked his round head that touched his chin with a hand like a dry twig.


    It was around his seventh birthday when his mother passed away. At that time, Aelock cried until his eyes melted. At the funeral, the father standing next to his son looked as if he had lost the world and remained silent. He picked all the roses of every color from his wife¡¯s favorite garden and threw them onto the polished coffin.


    The father did not want any damage to the family¡¯s prestige and raised his alpha son with extreme severity. He couldn¡¯t tolerate his son constantly crying over small things especially after he lost his mother.


    ¡°Where do nobles show tears?!¡±


    asionally, Aelock¡¯s father caught himing out of his mother¡¯s room in tears, took him to the study, and gave him a severe beating. Aelock couldn¡¯t even rub his swollen legs and had to hold back his tears.


    When he missed his mother, he hid from his father and cried in the shade of the corner of the rose garden. He would tremble and sniffle, until the butler, who had the same stern expression as his father but held his hand kindly, came and hugged him affectionately. His eyes were red and swollen, buried in the scent of roses, and he couldn¡¯t easily stop his tears, saddened by the fading scent of his mother in his memory.


    After some time, the rain and wind made all the roses fall to the ground. In the meantime, through his father¡¯s scolding, he straightened his shoulders and held his head upright. To walk gracefully without running no matter what, the seven-year-old had forgotten how to cry and had learned to smile.


    His father, an aristocrat to the core, devoted his all to his duties as a nobleman. He did not simply assert and show off his authority but gave as much as he could for society with the enormous wealth he gathered from his massive territory.


    Of course, the method was extremely ¡®aristocratic¡¯. While donating a significant amount to charity for starving children in the slums, he never directly got involved in the ¡®bottom¡¯. Rather, he hated the lowermost part of the city. It seems that he was displeased with the fact that such a filthy and lowly space existed in the capital within the reach of the Count¡¯s authority. So his father decided to borrow someone else¡¯s hand.


    Among themoners, the highly educated gentry or the coteral families who did not inherit the title among the nobles were sponsored and made to deal with unclean things on his behalf instead. It turned into a big event with considerable influence in conjunction with another tradition of the Count¡¯s family, ¡®Tea Party in the Rose Garden¡¯. Since his father, fussy by nature and not in good health, was often sick, Aelock took over as the host of the tea party from the age of neen.


    The young man, though not young enough to still be wet behind the ears, greeted and chatted with the guests with a subtle smile, wearing a navy suit that was adorned with his blue eyes and dark blond hair paragon of the Count family. Unlike others, it wasn¡¯t that difficult for him to do so. No matter what the other person said, all he had to do was say ¡°I see¡±. All the young people looking for a patron were eager to get his attention. Even though all of them were a few years older than Aelock, they were busy uttering words that bordered on ttery.

 Chapter 2

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    Shameless fools.


    Aelockughed at them inwardly. There were many things more important than money in the world. Those who had learned soul-moving melodies, heart-shaking phrases, mind-blowing beautiful masterpieces, and endlessly deep ssics will not be in a hurry to sell themselves so cheaply. Aelock was not interested in them, but he couldn¡¯t get rid of the will of his father, who passed away the previous year, so he only smiled gracefully.


    The vulgarbor market masqueraded as a tea party was not all that interesting from the start, and the aristocratic sense of duty to lead it soon ran out. Aelock used his non-existent cousin as an excuse to get away from the people and escaped from the garden filled with the thick scent of roses. He made his way to his favorite cedar trail by a shortcut known only to those who have stayed in the huge mansion for a long time.


    The trees lined up on one side of the well-polished path stretched straight up toward the sky. The huge trees were nted by the first Count who first built this mansion. They may not have been this big at first, but following the history of the family of Counts, which started as a humble family and now stood side by side with the royal family, they had now be giant trees to look up to.


    A cool breeze blew through the towering trees, making the leaves rustle. The irritation that had soared a moment ago was erased in an instant. He walked slowly and inhaled the bitter smell of wood to the fullest.


    Aelock loved to stroll along this path and hated being disturbed. So, the servants of the mansion never came in this way, and the butler took care that invited guests would not ¡®unintentionally¡¯ disturb the Count¡¯s private break time, so only Aelock could enjoy himself. Well, that¡¯s the way it had to be. But who was the one standing far away and looking this way?


    As the owner of the mansion, it was absolutely impossible to go back to avoid outsiders. Rather, it was right to send out the guest who entered the space unauthorized. By all means, a little humiliation in return for a nasty intrusion would be fine.


    Aelock approached him with a smile. When he got close enough to talk to him, he was sure that the person would shout out a name he obviously didn¡¯t want to remember and gush about how much he was worth the investment. Aelock observed the other person as he narrowed the distance, thinking about what kind of humiliation he should inflict on the unpleasant intruder.


    Taller than average, he straightened his shoulders and looked this way. Dark auburn hair and slightly tanned, healthy skin. Neat forehead and nose bridge and cheekbones that gave off an extremely tough impression. The firmly closed mouth fit perfectly with the sharp jawline as if it had been sculpted. Contrary to his stern expression and firm posture, which made him seem like an awfully proud person, the look in his deep-set eyes was pure and honest, unlike the lowly guys who swarmed the garden. The closer he got, the more he filled his vision, like a warlord with a huge cedar tree at his back.


    Before he knew it, the desire to humiliate him was gone. Even when the distance between them got closer than necessary, Aelock didn¡¯t say anything and simply stared into the dark brown eyes. He was flustered by the awkward atmosphere, but fortunately, his father¡¯s strict discipline shone through.


    ¡°You must have lost your way.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Even when asked politely, he only gave a blunt answer without any other rhetoric. Even though he only heard one syble, Aelock felt that his voice was extremely mellow. The low, resonant, and serious voice matched his appearance very well.


    ¡°I will show you the way.¡±


    ¡°I am looking for a specific rose garden, but I cannot find it because the garden itself is sorge.¡±


    A slightly softened answer came back to this offer. It seems that he was also invited to the tea party. However, the air he carried was different from themon swarm of ants. He didn¡¯t make a fuss when he saw Aelock, nor did he look at him with an interested gaze. Rather, he merely saluted in an attitude that showed off moderate etiquette as if he were indifferent. He didn¡¯t say his name, and he didn¡¯t even ask Aelock¡¯s.


    This was the first time something of this sort had ever happened. Evenplete strangers behaved intimately as if they had found a lost brother when they saw a young man in fine clothes, with bright blond hair, blue eyes, sophisticated manners, and a gentle smile. Aelock thought he had met someone interesting after a long time.


    It didn¡¯t take long to go around the shortcut and get to the ce where one could see the rose garden. In the meantime, the man kept a little distance and silently apanied him. Aelock was curious about this man¡¯s name, so he introduced himself first in spite of his face.


    ¡°My name is Aelock Teiwind.¡±


    Before it was toote, Aelock turned and asked right in front of the oriental arbor-vitae barrier, out of sight of others. The tall man only lowered his eyes instead of his head and looked at the hand held out in front of him. He held his hand at a speed that was neither fast nor slow, too brief to be called hesitation, and answered as concisely as before.


    ¡°Klopp Bandyke.¡±


    Other than that, it was an unimaginably fitting name. That¡¯s right. For this man, the term ¡®appetion¡¯ was more appropriate than the simple term ¡®name¡¯. Thebination of sound, echo, and harmony of meanings was close to perfection. The lean hand was sorge that it was able to cover the nobleman¡¯s soft, white hand, and even though he held it lightly without force, Aelock could feel the strength of will in it. He looked up into Klopp¡¯s eyes. In those dark eyes that didn¡¯t falter at all, he saw a person.


    Aelock smiled. He didn¡¯t even have to force it. He was just overflowing with inexplicable joy and excitement that brought a bright smile to the whole face.


    * * *


    Earning coins by working on a daily wage basis was a privilege given only to a few. Even the few jobs of a dayborer were reserved for those who advertised their abilities and sold themselves. There were more days of starvation than days of eating. A simple errand to earn two coins was not properly given to a person who was left with only scarred skin and bones. Even so, he was able to live without starving because there were broad-minded people who would even pay for his rotten body.


    He hid in a deeper, darker shade so as not to be deprived of the half-eaten bread. The moment he folded his legs and crouched down in a corner to chew on the freshly baked bread, he felt excruciating pain as if his intestines were being torn apart. He knelt down on the ground, trying not to lose his clouding vision. Then he curled up. It was already the third time.


    The first time was so painful that he struggled and scratched the floor until his fingernails fell off and he passed out, but the second time, only his heart pounded and it was bearable. It was amon urrence when selling one¡¯s body on the street. It just hurt terribly.


    He crawled into a deeper, more closed alley in the throes that felt like a knife swinging his intestines. A foul-smelling, yellow liquid flowed down the crotch of the already soiled pants, along with the red fluid that governed life. He pulled down his pants with trembling hands and ced his skinny bottom on the cold stone ground. He grimaced with the bread in his mouth and bawled in pain.


    After a while, a lump of red flesh swelled up and squeezed through the gap, and a ck clot of blood came out. It was a person the size of a palm, stored in a sticky, shiny membrane.


    It seemed that he had lost consciousness at some point. As he raised his dizzy head, he saw the rosy sky. He lifted his upper body with his wobbly arms.


    Roll.


    The hardened bread, hard to discern from how much it had been bitten, rolled. Hey down on the cold stone ground and pulled his stiff legs together. He pulled what was falling out with a numb hand. No matter how many times he went through it, the feeling of falling between his legs was terrible and vexing. Unknowingly, he let out a cry. The gaping throat blew out air like a broken flute. He used his hollow voice that couldn¡¯t even be imbued with grief as a dirge and raised what had not even formed with his hands. Even this clot of blood spilled out red tears from its undivided eyes, but nothing spilled out of the man¡¯s eyes.


    Barely controlling his staggering legs, he pulled up his clothes and walked with the corpse of a human who knew how to cry. Towards the ce where the tears of the sky gather and flow down. Don¡¯t be born like this next time. He forcefully moved his mouth to say ¡°Farewell¡± and set the red rose petal-like thing afloat on the river.


    The whole way back was a kaleidoscope. The flower-like sky, the cool shade, the ck stone path, and the calmly flowing river. Everything was jumbled up and spun round and round. His dry eyes were stiff. For that reason, he couldn¡¯t keep up with the dancing world.


    He couldn¡¯t think of anything, whether it was about where he was going or if it was right to go this way. The mumbling noise in his ears was full of iprehensible profanity. He couldn¡¯t tell whether it was a real human voice or an illusion. There was nothing left of the body that created a person, so it was pushed away even by the wind that could not blow a single leaf. After all the bodily fluids had evaporated, the body, like dried leaves, rolled and rolled around until it reached a certain corner of a street.


    He could hear the sounds of wheels rolling swiftly along with the powerful tter of the horses¡¯ hooves on the stone path. When he looked up, several ck carriages passed by. The ce where he couldn¡¯t get his act together was the end of the maze that continued from the slums, a huge square. The square leading directly to the nearby riverside doubled as a crossroads for numerous carriages.


    There was usually a lot of traveling, but today was particrly busy. He stood nkly and stared vacantly at the various seals. There were quite a few familiar ones among them. Barons, Viscounts, Dukes, Counts, and sometimes even those of royalty, all remained the same.


    The long period of time, when the once noble existence had now be a mass of filth that was less than a piece of trash, was not even a fleeting moment for those families with a long history. There was nothing to change. He was the only one who had changed. The only thing missing was a family that came to an end because of his stupidity. For others, today was a day like any other.


    Even if he kept looking at it, he couldn¡¯t even touch that world of light anymore. Even if he tried to touch it, the only thing that would happen would be the dry tips of his hand burning at a terrifying speed. He had to turn around. The reason he couldn¡¯t turn around right away wasn¡¯t that he had lingering regrets. It was just that the body didn¡¯t listen. He barely lifted his feet before turning his hunched back, then slowly turned his shriveled shoulders, and finally tried to turn his dazed head. Just then, a ck carriage came running this way from afar.


    Why did the four horses with shiny manes and the sturdy, solemn-looking carriage seem to glimmer when they were no different from the others? The head that had just turned around returned to its previous pose. The galloping carriage tore through the wind and passed by narrowly. It was then that he saw it. A clear silhouette among blurry beings.

 Chapter 3

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    A man who he could never forget could be seen through the transparent window of the carriage without a single handprint. The man, with his dark auburn hairpactly slicked back, cradled a happily smiling blonde child on hisp. The blue eyes of the child collided with that of the hobo watching.


    <i>Oh.</i>


    He knew that child. That lovely angel. And the man who held the child very affectionately. He knew those two beautiful people and that he, who was crawling at the bottom, couldn¡¯t reach them no matter what.


    * * *


    Aelock was in an extremely bad mood. The hall of the Count¡¯s mansion, where a grand banquet was being held, was full of peopleughing with hahas and hohos, but none of the merry-looking faces had what Aelock wanted. The person he was looking for was a man with creases in the middle of his forehead and a nk expression that made him look like he was a little angry.


    ¡°Aelock, you look especially beautiful today.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    A man who seemed to recognize his face at first nce approached, pretending to be friendly. Even from a few steps away, he gave off such a strong odor that made his nose rot, and he tantly flirted with Aelock with a fishy smile. He didn¡¯t care that he was an alpha as well, or that they were both males, which no longer had any meaning, and was once taboo set by God.


    Rather, he was an awfully crude man who followed the vulgar trend of hooking up casually with the same alpha or omega without having to take any responsibility. The other person¡¯s pride was not hurt at all even when Aelock pushed him away with a cold smile. Instead, he approached an omega the same way he did previously with the same rxed and vulgar eyes, as if he were enjoying himself.


    Immediately after seeing him say the exact same thing he had just said to the omega, Aelock left, feeling like vomiting for even breathing the same air for a few seconds as they stood together. Even so, the gaze did not stop scanning people.


    Where the hell are you?


    In his hands gathered behind his waist as she wandered around, he held an invitation that he had written with a pounding heart a few days ago. The invitation, which was especially handwritten, was retrieved from the entrance. It meant that he hade. However, he could not be seen for several hours. He couldn¡¯t let go without saying goodbye. This banquet was all just an excuse to meet him.


    Eventually, footmen were mobilized to find him. They quietly walked around the banquet hall to carry out their master¡¯s orders. Soon after, a footman who had gone out into the garden returned and reported that he was on the way to the cedar trail. The Count¡¯s expressionless face, which had been as cold as a piece of marble until just a moment ago, was colored with joy, like drops of ink spreading on water.


    Aelock headed for the cedar trail almost as fast as he could run. The path was illuminated by the blue moonlight, with orangenterns under each tree, adding to the subtle atmosphere. Originally, this path was not to be decorated with anything, but <i>he</i> seemed to like the cedar trail, so he purposely ordered it to be lit withnterns. Of course, there was also a footman who cleverly diverted the other guests to prevent anyone else from entering.


    Aelock took a deep breath and calmed his pounding heart. His pride still did not allow him to show his emotions and act like a puppy who met his owner. He was already aware that he was getting a little confused. He knew very well that it was unsightly to get excited alone when the other person didn¡¯t disy any meaningful words or actions. At the same time, there was also a sense of resentment towards the other person who made him so restless. Could he not act friendly with him once in a while?


    Even when everyone else ttered him, who had wealth, fame, and prestige, the man showed no interest. No, he pretended not to. If he really wasn¡¯t interested, why did he respond to his invitation? Surely there must be some goodwill.


    He deliberately grabbed the invitation he had sent to him and came out. He thought of making a little joke using the invitation as an excuse, in case it would be awkward again like before. Something like ¡°Must I write it in my own handwriting for you to ept it? ¡°How about gifting me ink and a pen for my uing birthday?¡±.


    Of course, considering his financial situation, he knew the appropriate price range and the right craftsmen for the items. The astute butler would give him a hint along with his coat. He wanted to sit next to him at his birthday banquet, which was a month away.


    The light flickered through the walls of the cedar trees that separated the rose garden not far away. There was a shadow. Aelock deliberately slowed down his steps as he tried to harden his slightly rxed expression. It was to not let the other person know he was approaching him. He wanted to see his natural expression.


    When he had asked why he puts on such a serious expression, he answered by saying that he looked this way even when no one was around. Seeing him waiting for someone with a big physique and a serious expression seemed like an interesting sight in its own way. Aelock walked gently, feeling the pebbles through his smooth leather shoes.


    The tall body reflected in the dim light was clearly visible. The distance quickly narrowed, and now only a single tree with countless small leaves stood between them. He was muttering to himself. When he imagined him talking to himself with such a serious face, he almost felt like smiling. Aelock couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, so he hurriedly went around the tree to reveal himself.


    ¡°See you here again, Klopp.¡±


    Klopp, surprised by the sudden appearance, opened his eyes a little wide and turned his head to look this way. The moment their eyes met, Aelock couldn¡¯t believe it. The deep eyes, which had only cast sharp nces every time, were slightly squinted, and his mouth, which was always tightly closed and barely gave out necessary answers, drew a soft curve. Klopp was smiling.


    The heavily fortified defense posture copsed all at once. The Count¡¯s rather white face instantly turned a pale rose. He could not believe that an insipid and serious man like him was smiling. Could it be because of him?


    Aelock managed to suppress the urge to run and stand by his side at once. His heart swelled. It was not a one-sided feeling either. It could not be one-sided. Any omega in the world, even most alphas, wanted Aelock Taywind. There was no way that a low-ranking aristocrat who had nothing else backing him up other than an intelligent mind and tall body would reject him. Aelock approached with a big smile, overjoyed at the thought of having him atst.


    ¡°Aelock.¡±


    ¡°I could not find you even after sending out such an invitation so I came to look for you. Must I really send a handwritten invitation like this? You do not even have a title but aren¡¯t you a little too haughty?


    The man¡¯s smiling expression became serious again. To the point Aelock wondered if he had a chronic illness that was worsening as he looked at him. However, since he had just confirmed that it was all just a front, he thought it would be okay to take it off little by little over time. Aelock approached Klopp, naturally invading the polite confines of his personal space. He was thinking of asking him if he was interested in the <First Edition of the Interpretation of the Bill of Rights>, which he had recently purchased at a high price.


    But he didn¡¯t. It was because he btedly realized that he was not alone just as he was about to grab Klopp¡¯s arm without losing his smile.


    Beyond, obscured by alpha¡¯srge frame, stood a small man with blond hair and blue eyes simr to Aelock¡¯s. He was a little embarrassed when he saw Aelock but greeted him in a rather polite manner.


    ¡°Hello, Count Taywind. Thank you for inviting me to the party.¡±


    Aelock knew him. He was the son of a distant rtive whom he had only seen once when his father died. The eldest son of Viscount Westport, a cousin to Aelock. His name was probably Rayfiel. He didn¡¯t remember inviting him, but it seemed he was on the Count¡¯s basic list of guests starting from the funeral.


    The omega leaned against Klopp¡¯s waist with his hand. Also, the alpha¡¯s sturdy arm was wrapped around his small shoulders. It was only after looking at them alternately that Aelock noticed. Klopp¡¯s smile was directed at the omega, not him, and his frown right now was not a pretense, but the truth.


    In an instant, an unbearable sense of shame and contempt soared. Aelock looked at the two of them alternately, opened and closed his mouth, then quickly turned around. Though he was the owner of this mansion, he ran away to avoid the guests.


    * * *


    Aelock¡¯s head was filled with unreachable fantasies. It was a remnant of the person he had forgotten at some point while rolling around on the cold stone ground. The fantasy was as beautiful as it was ephemeral that it made him forget time. He crouched down with his knees up and ced his hands neatly on them. He pressed his cheek to the back of his hand again.


    He tried to imitate the happy smile of the man who left an unforgettable mark on him and the child who inherited his blood. Even in the midst of such misery, an overwhelming feeling leaked out from his heart. Could life be a blessing once more? Will it lead us to the light again?


    Will I ever see him again under those cedar trees?


    Someday again. Yes. That¡¯s why.


    Let¡¯s live.


    <strong>T/N: </strong>hello! i forgot to add this note in the first chapter but i would like to request those who are reading this to also read myment under this novel on NU (novelupdates) as i have listed out a few pointers for the readers. it¡¯s mainly for your own sake since the first volume could get... quite overwhelming for some. that¡¯s all, thank you for reading. take care^^

 Chapter 4

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Once he decided to live, he couldn¡¯t stay like this. If asked why he couldn¡¯t stay like this, he wouldn¡¯t have anything to say, but he wanted to get ready like a widow who puts out yellow flowers by the window today for her husband who will return tomorrow.


    He went down to the river to avoid people¡¯s eyes. The river, immersed in darkness, reflected light from somewhere and flowed like a ck snake with white scales. The petal sent away a while ago must have already flowed into the sea with the flow. It may have already met in the sea with the two petals that had been sent away before.


    He washed his face and hair with the cloudy water that he could not see the bottom of. He also washed clothes that were covered with filth all over. It was difficult to knead the wet, tough cloth with his weak and dry fingers. No matter how many times he sshed and rubbed the stain in the water, it did note off properly. It was probably because he had never really done hisundry.


    I should have learned it beforehand.


    Regret seeped in even the smallest things.


    For now, it was important to clean his clothes somehow, so he dipped himself naked into the cold river until his fingertips were wrinkled. He wasn¡¯t used to washing his body in cold running water without soap or a brush. He tripped several times on the jagged rocks underneath. He drank some water, too. But he washed himself for as long as he could.


    Oh, God. This is a disaster.


    It was good to wash at night, avoiding people¡¯s eyes, but it was too cold to wear wet clothes at dawn. Aelock rummaged through a pile of trash in a sequestered ce to find something to warm his shivering body. But he couldn¡¯t find anything to cover himself with.


    If he were to stay like this, his body temperature would drop to a dangerous level. It was suicidal to endure the night with a body that had reached the extreme and had no fat left to burn. How long had it been since he made up his mind to live? After hesitating, Aelock left his hiding ce and headed for another alley.


    ¡°Hey, wake up. You have to pay for your meal.¡±


    Aelock opened his eyes to a wild kick in his leg. He woke up in a shabby shed that could shield him from the night dew, even though it was full of nasty odors. The old, dusty nket covering him was soaked with the semen Aelock had received all night. When he woke up and moved, the man who kicked him immediately left the shed. The clothes thrown by the head side were almost parched.


    Before putting them on, Aelock ran his fingers up his anus to scrape out the semen and wiped it between his legs on the nket. He ignored the pain and forced his legs which were about to cramp to stand up and went outside. The man who had asked for three rounds of sex the previous night in return for giving him a warm nket and a ce to hide from the night-dew offered him something to eat this time.


    ¡°How many times?¡±


    ¡°You pigged out on everything my balls had to offer, so there¡¯s nothing to feed. Do the work instead.¡±


    The man pointed at the sack of flour with his thick, hairy hand. Aelock looked at it nkly, not knowing what it meant. The man said bluntly.


    ¡°Move that over there. Keep in mind that if you drop it and it tears open, making it of no use, I will twist your neck. Nevere into a kitchen with a brazier. Because I don¡¯t want anything to be infected with germs.¡±


    He wrapped his white apron around his waist and entered what appeared to be the kitchen. Aelock did as he was told and picked up a sack of flour the size of his torso. To be precise, after picking it up and staggering, he kept it back down, and after struggling several times, he managed to pick it up and put it on the stone te next to the kitchen that the man had pointed at.


    Even moving one made all his joints tingle, and even his teeth shook from how much effort he put into it. Is there anything heavier than this in the world? While Aelock was breathing heavily and rubbing his knees and wrists down, the man looked out and yelled.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t move quickly, you won¡¯t even get a single moldy bread!¡±


    Aelock was startled by the thunderous voice and nodded. He quickly moved to shift the second sack of flour.


    That afternoon, for the first time in his life, Aelock got two pieces of bread and some sugar in exchange for soundbor. In terms of money, it was cheap physicalbor, slightly less than a coin. When he looked down nkly at what he had earned with his own hands for the first time, the man eximed that it was very generous considering the quality of thebor provided.


    Probably not wrong. Aelock¡¯s legs were shaking and his arms were weak from moving all day. One of the approximately thirty sacks of flour fell to the floor, and the end of the bag tore open, spilling white flour. For that reason, his thigh was kicked severely, but the man didn¡¯t act as cruelly since he was working in the bakery and handed the wages to Aelock.


    He tore off the white inside of the precious bread he had earned through hardbor, dipped it in soft brown sugar, and put it in his mouth. It was the most delicious thing he had ever eaten. He wanted to look at the special bread for a little longer, so he tried to save it, but when he came to his senses, he had eaten the whole piece. He was drooling and the half-remaining sugar and the other piece of bread kept catching his eyes, but he firmly tightened the bag and held it in his hand.


    If he ate it all today, he would have to starve tomorrow. He saved the bread today because he learned on the streets that it was more important to avoid tomorrow¡¯s hunger than be full right now. This was also his very first savings.


    While staying in the bakery¡¯s shed, he had no choice but to spread his legs whenever the man asked for it, but Aelock said he wanted to work as much as possible. Then the man was not quite happy about that. However, he then nodded his head dly, as if he had changed his mind. Instead, the man asked if it would be okay to try something different for the night.


    ¡°Okay. But from now on, don¡¯t do it inside.¡±


    ¡°Kek. What¡¯s this from an alpha whore.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do it otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, fine.¡±


    Fortunately, he thought Aelock was an alpha. This was because there were no specific symptoms of heat and the omega body scent was not properly developed. To be honest, even Aelock didn¡¯t know when his heat woulde. One day after his stomach was full, he would know that the heat period had passed and that another pregnancy had ended at the same time, only when a clot of red blood escaped through the space between his crotch. The body that changed one day was still unfamiliar.


    He quickly found out what the new thing the man was talking about wanting to try. One night he showed up with three or four of his colleagues. He had taken two at the same time, but it was the first time he had ever dealt with so many alphas. What was worse was that they had big bulky bodies. They grabbed Aelock¡¯s limbs, which he kept trying to pull back in fear, and yed with them like toys, viting his torn anus several times.


    ¡°Is he an alpha? Why is he acting up like this?¡±


    ¡°He smells like an alpha. There was an omega too, but this guy adored him too much so here we are.¡±


    The men in turn vited the skinny body, and at the same time, they inserted their penises and started pouring in a huge amount of semen. Aelock was struggling with the pain of his anus being torn and red at the man who had promised and argued.


    ¡°Ugh...... ah...... I told you... not to do it inside... Agh, ugh!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. This guy did. Kekek.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t control his already numb body and simply bit his lips and left it in their cruel hands. Soon after, his entire body was overflowing with semen. After they left, having satisfied their needs, Aelock started to vomit. The semen he couldn¡¯t swallow flowed down his nose with the vomit.


    After throwing up the semen, he spread his rear open and scraped out what was left by inserting his fingers into the anus where screams leaked by just touching it. If he wasn¡¯t biting the nket, he might have bitten his tongue. He shoved his finger in again and again, which only left stains of blood on the tip of his dirty fingernails. Aelock buried his pale face in this nket and fell down.


    It was terribly painful to deal with multiple people at the same time. While the burred vision grew darker, the strangely hazy brainpletely ignored the owner¡¯smand of not wanting to think of anything. He was once again reminded of what he had done. Perhaps the crimes he hadmitted, a little more appalling than this, caused him to raise his head.


    * * *


    Rayfiel Westport was definitely an omega. He was short and, of course, small enough to fit into one arm. Even though he was an omega, he was a male, so it was rare for a person to develop such protective instincts over him.


    Instead, there was nothing superior about himpared to Aelock except for being an omega. He was not well-educated, nor did he have any special talents. In an aristocratic society, he was just an ordinary human being, asmon as stones rolling by the side of the road. It wasn¡¯t even that he had outstanding beauty. He obviously had a cute side and was worth looking at, but one wouldn¡¯t be caught dead calling him beautiful.


    Despite the stark differences between alphas and omegas, it was close to impossible to call Rayfiel more beautiful than Aelock, no matter how much he lowered the sharp standards of aesthetic sense. Unlike the Count, who looked somewhat temperamental but was as handsome as if he were in a painting, Rayfiel¡¯s cutesy features could be reckoned as charming only when he was looked upon generously.


    Besides, his blond hair was duller than Aelock¡¯s, and his blue eyes were patched with gray in ces, much inferior to Aelock¡¯s iris, which was like the wings of a wless blue-and-yellow macaw. House Westport, distant rtives of House Teiwind, was not so insignificant, but they were not a family that could certainly support their son-inw.


    Why did he like such a worthless person? He might have been convinced if he was dating apletely different person. Klopp wasn¡¯t a person to like someone who was Aelock¡¯s inferior in every way just because he was an omega.


    It was also true that they were judged as simr enough to be mistaken for siblings sometimes, despite the obvious differences in level that would be unpleasant to even mention. There must have been another reason for choosing Rayfiel over anyone else.


    After thinking about it, he decided that it was a kind of provocation. It may have been a tactic to avoid giving the initiative to the Taywinds¡¯ Aelock. It was very childish, but it had a significant effect. Whenever he saw the two of them affectionately clinging to each other, Aelock was ovee with fiery jealousy.


    In thete evening, when he was getting ready to leave after the boring banquet of Viscount Derbyshire, which he had only epted to meet Klopp, he waited in the Viscounts¡¯ lobby for his carriage to arrive. Aelock paced the corridor with hisplexion a little hardened as people rushed all at once, crowding the area with carriages.


    Over there, at the edge of the dimly lit garden, he saw two people clinging to each other. The only ce young aristocrats who had reached marriageable age could freely date was at gatherings of prestigious aristocratic families. It was because being invited directly to the other person¡¯s house even though they are not particrly engaged symbolized a very secret rtionship during heat or for other reasons, so it was a matter of unnecessary gossip.


    Since he had not yet heard that Klopp had personally sought Rayfiel, it was clear that the rtionship between the two was nothing more than an innocent exchange. But no matter how concealed and gloomy the ce, which couldn¡¯t be found unless one deliberately looked for it, they were still clinging to each other like that in the open garden of another mansion that was not their own. Are they out of their mind? He was displeased and thought about simply ignoring it, but since Rayfiel was his rtive, he decided to tell him to be cautious out of consideration of their shared reputation.


    They whispered something in each other¡¯s ears with lowughter, unaware that another person was approaching. The difort was intense. As he moved closer, Klopp held Rayfiel¡¯s hands together and kissed the ends of each of the fingers wrapped in bandages. Aelock couldn¡¯t close his mouth in shock. Klopp said as he held Rayfiel¡¯s fingertips to his lips, and had his characteristic deep gaze fixed on the little omega.


    ¡°No matter how rough and scarred they are, they are the most beautiful and dearest hands to me.¡±


    At those words, Rayfiel¡¯s face blushed, and he only called out his name ¡°Klopp¡±. It wasn¡¯t a simple pretense. He was a naive omega sincerely in love from every angle, and the alpha, who gently wrapped his long arms around him, lowered his head and kissed his forehead as if he was very lovely. That was it. Aelock didn¡¯t have the vulgar audacity to the point where he even watched others kiss.

 Chapter 5

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    Aelock¡¯s legs trembled and his hands became tense as he passed the short corridor. The sound of shoe heels was much faster and louder than usual. Perhaps, if his father were still alive and had witnessed this scene, he would have dragged him to the study even now as an adult and swung at him with a cane.


    The carriage was ready just in time. Aelock quickly jumped into the carriage with the coat put on his shoulders by the servant of Viscount Derbyshire. The carriage, which started right away, elerated a little more when Aelock gave the signal. In the shaking carriage, Aelock was finally able to lower the corners of his twitching lips.


    It urred to him btedly that this might be his own illusion. Aelock¡¯s pride was so hurt that he almost lost his reason.


    Even when Klopp epted the Count¡¯s invitation, he was with Rayfiel. Klopp wouldn¡¯t show up without Rayfiel, so he had to invite him. Seeing the two of them stroll together affectionately and hug each other, he couldn¡¯te to his senses with jealousy. How could this be?


    It was prevalent at the time, but under the pretext of a trend that he despised so much, Aelock made Klopp an offer that was worse than that of a pig in heat. Obviously, he expected to be rejected. However, he thought that if he appealed this far, Klopp would show some sympathy. He wanted him to the point he wasisant with even his pride being shattered.


    However, the merciless Klopp, without a doubt, trampled on the offer with cruel words, which led Aelock to experience the strange sensation of trembling and burning under and around his eyes. He thought he could humiliate him a little with his refined approach, but he never imagined that he would be criticized so starkly.


    He didn¡¯t understand the situation at all and hated Klopp and his lover for making him feel this misery. Aelock decided never to act as if he knew them again. He walked along the cedar trail to control the jealousy that boiled even if he stayed still, but it didn¡¯t help to stabilize his mind and body. Rather, it was painful because the bitter and cool scent resembled the body scent of someone he didn¡¯t want to think of.


    For a while, he shut himself up at home, engrossing himself in music, reading, horseback riding, chess, and anything else that could distract him. In the library, he read ssics over and over again with strong tea, andter even read gardening books that he rarely read. After spending a few months close to domiciliary confinement, the things he had forcibly filled his head with finally drove away the memories he didn¡¯t want to recall.


    Aelock was able to smile smoothly again and held the tea party he had been putting off. It urred to him that it would be better to do his duty as an aristocrat and have a good conversation with afortable group of people than be alone. As he exchanged casual greetings and talked about things in and out of the country, he felt like he was back to being the way he was before everything.


    No, he was mistaken for that. An alpha who liked to spread nonsense around heard the news that Klopp and Rayfiel were engaged. The slightly hardened smile soon grew wider.


    It should have stopped then. If it was difficult to pretend not to see them, he should have gone on a long cruise to avoid seeing them at all. But Aelock didn¡¯t. The ugly jealousy was not removed by months of confinement. On the contrary, it seemed that he was dissatisfied with what he was trying to suppress, and what seemed like a subtle lump of charcoal was engulfed in explosive mes and burned roaringly.


    The young couple, who had got engaged and married before the end of the year, was called to many gatherings. Klopp, who had be in charge of the family, started a personal investment management business, so it was only natural for him to strengthen his connections. It was also because many people liked the newlywed couple very much. Aelock had to suffer the pain of his guts being burned as he watched the happy couple.


    To begin with, he didn¡¯t have a bad appearance, but after getting married, Rayfiel shone more brightly than ever before. Even Aelock had to admit that. Seeing him naturally leaning in the arms of his husband, who embraced him very affectionately, with his cheeks flushed as if he were dreaming, people called him lovely rather than impudent. A terrible sense of defeat and humiliation rose up. He knew all too well that even if he had been an omega and had be a couple with Klopp, he would never be able to do it like that.


    Something he could never have.


    It was the first setback he had suffered. It was disappointment and anger toward himself. The first time in anything was unfamiliar and hard to handle.


    The vicious feeling, which was barely being controlled at a certain level, finally began to encroach on Aelock when he saw Rayfiel, with arge belly that could not be hidden, surrounded by everyone and receiving blessings at Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s tea party sometimeter. It broke the dam of rationality that had barely been blocked and began to pour down fiercely.


    The alpha, who was soon-to-be the father of the child, kissed the top of the omega¡¯s head, as he sat down exhausted as if he couldn¡¯t help himself any longer, then sneered at the man looking at them from a little distance, who probably had an extremely uglyplexion on. That act had gobbled up the Count, who was already deluged with overwhelming emotions, from head to toe.


    When the person who firmly believed that he had never been hurt before found his torn heart for the first time, even more so when he had pride close to arrogance, the unfamiliar wound encouraged unintentional recklessness.


    Whether by chance or unconsciously, Aelock found himself standing at the bottom where he had never set foot in his life, threw gold coins to a pack of dogs with servile eyes and strong fangs, and demanded them to bite the loveliest bride in the world.


    * * *


    He was bitten by the harsh teeth of a pack of dogs, but not to the point of death. The next day, though his limbs were squeaky, Aelock was clearly alive. Is it because there was no dignity left to die? Or was it simply because the time to die had note yet? He couldn¡¯t quite understand.


    The men seemed to like Aelock. It wasn¡¯t short, but at intervals that couldn¡¯t be said to be a long time, they rushed in and had sex with him. As he rolled around at the bottom, fears that hadn¡¯t arisen since his first miscarriage returned. He didn¡¯t want to go through something like that again. Since he had no pride to defend, Aelock tried to take it with his mouth so that they wouldn¡¯t ejacte inside, but in the end, he had to take it down there a couple of times.


    Aelock, tired and unable to fall asleep right away, stood up and staggered to find a ce to wash himself. It has been a while since he started living in the bakery¡¯s shed, but he was still not allowed inside the house.


    It was unavoidable. There was no one at the bottom who would wee a male prostitute who had been rolling on the streets into their house. The shed was just a storage room full of dust and cobwebs, a ce where old tools were stored, so there was no ce to wash himself right away. Aelock limped and had to make it to the river, which was quite far away.


    The huge ck snake flowed as it shed its shiny silver scales today. The cold tongue rose up the bony ankles, calves, knees, and thighs, washing away the filth that didn¡¯t belong to Aelock. After oveing the risk of dying from hypothermia while washingte at night, he decided to wash only the necessary parts.


    Aelock recoiled from the cold water digging into his body. He wanted to get out of the piercing cold water, but if he didn¡¯t wash thoroughly, something else might happen. He had no idea when his heat came and went, and repeated miscarriages didn¡¯t mean that he couldn¡¯t get pregnant. Aelock hoped that nothing would happen this time, and did not get out of the water until he almost lost all sensation in his lower body.


    After a while, when he began shivering to the top of his head, he moved his numb feet and came out. He didn¡¯t even have to wipe it, so he shook off the water and put on his pants. His thin pants clung to his wet legs. Aelock rubbed his thighs with his hands, trying to suppress the persistent goosebumps, but to no avail. He wanted to go back to the shed and rest.


    He turned around the alley, and couldn¡¯t quite see where he was going as he was trying to detach the cloth clinging to his legs, with his upper body bent down. When he looked up, he was on the wrong street again, and it was a strangely bright street corner. He blinked his eyes as he blocked the artificial light flying into his eyes with his hands. It seems that he came to the front of the night teahouse at some point.


    Aelock was surprised by the gaze of the people who were staring at the suddenly appearing vagrant and quickly turned around. Beyond the bottom, he was nothing more than a bug. He would be beaten to death just for looking. In the first year of being abandoned on these streets, it was something he learned deep within his bones.


    Aelock ran towards the darkness, constantly checking to see if anyone was following him. The smell of the gutter guided him even without having to look ahead. But the smell was soon blocked by something else. The legs, which had been moving blindly, took a few more steps unconsciously, causing Aelock to bump into someone.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    He quickly covered his mouth with both hands and crouched down. It was an instinctive act so that he would be beaten a little less. But no kicks or punches flew in. The person who bumped into Aelock only made a curt remark in a displeased voice.


    ¡°Watch where you are going.¡±


    The tightly closed eyes shed open. The cool hem of his clothes brushed against him as he crouched down. Like a wish carried away by the sun, Aelock unconsciously turned toward the hem of his clothes, stood up of his own ord, and followed him as if bewitched. Then he stretched out his rough fingers and grabbed the luxurious fabric that looked to be of a deep color even under dim streetlights. The other person stopped and looked back. Dark eyes and furrowed eyebrows. Tightly closed lips.


    ¡°What? Do you have something to say?¡±


    Voice with a deep resonance. Aelock moved one step closer. His dull face, half-hidden by the darkness, was revealed under the orange-colored light. The other person who saw him frowned.


    ¡°Klopp.¡±


    Only then did the other person open his eyes wide as if surprised by the call that came out unexpectedly easily.


    ¡°Aelock?¡±


    Klopp stiffened a little as if he was shocked, then immediately raised the corners of his mouth. And he pped Aelock¡¯s hand, which was holding the hem of his clothes, rather roughly. After patting the somewhat creased hem several times, he let out a familiar sneer.


    ¡°It appears that you have not died yet, have you?¡±


    Oh.What are you hurting for? Aelock was a little surprised that his inner sense of pain was still functioning. He thought it waspletely dead, but it seems that it wasn¡¯t. Instead, he was able to smile quite easily because he had lost the ability to leap out of control altogether. He had nothing to answer to the question of whether he was still alive, so he just replied with an ordinary greeting.


    ¡°It has been a while.¡±


    He was not flustered as he had peeled off anotheryer of his tattered heart when he happened to see him and the child. As if he had been waiting for this moment, Aelock naturally looked closely at Klopp. He had no idea how many years had passed, but at least it didn¡¯t seem to bring any change to this strong alpha. Klopp was still as strong and as beautiful as a mythical hero. Not to mention, the obvious sneer on the lips that he once believed to be emotionless.


    ¡°Right, as you said, it has been a while. I never expected to meet you in a ce like this.¡±


    ¡°It is a street that I happened to pass by.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see that you were out. I could not recognize you at all since you are so lightly dressed.¡±


    Klopp, with a deliberately exaggerated disy of delight, tantly looked down at Aelock¡¯s bare feet. Aelock looked down at the same time, moving his feet slightly with a flushed face. Then, he quietly hid his hands behind his back. Seeing that, Klopp smiled a little.


    ¡°Does Count Teiwind have a lot of worries these days? To the point you forgot your shoes and went out for a walk at night. As someone who was once treated to delicious tea and snacks, I apologize I could not reckon. I want to take off my shoes and clothes right away, but they will not fit, so it will only hurt the sophisticated Count.¡±


    ¡°That.¡±


    He was going to refuse. It was because he was afraid of what would happen if he received clothes that were full of Klopp¡¯s body scent rather than the insults. The body that was born as an alpha was changed into an omega just for him. He didn¡¯t know what would happen to his body, even if it was broken and unable to experience heat properly, if he smelled a more enticing body scent after not being able to get close to him for a fairly long time. Just the thought of going through heat at the bottom was dreadful.


    Klopp let out a small chuckle when hisplexion, which was originally not so dark, turned pale. Then he took something from the inside of his coat and threw it at his dirty feet.


    Clink.


    It was a silver coin that gleamed terribly even in the dim light. When Aelock looked up at him in bewilderment, Klopp projected scorn with his eyes, with not even a hint of a smile in them.


    ¡°Go and buy some clothes. Only then would anyone believe that you were a Count.¡±


    Before he could say anything, he turned around and strode toward the light without the slightest hesitation. Aelock was nailed to the spot until the shadow of the elongated figure gradually faded and disappeared altogether.

 Chapter 6

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    He held the shiny silver coin in his hand and twirled it around in his hand. It was the first time he had ever touched a silver coin himself. It was insignificant when one owned countless things, and precious when one lost everything. Unlike tinum, the light gray metal, which looked very fragile, was like the crystal of a fleeting dream. Every night, he pondered as the shiny surface reflected against the orange-colored sky.


    Should I buy bread? I could eat and buy arge piece of bread with lots of raisins every day for the next six months. I could buy some sugar with it too. It would be nice to buy a nket for theing winter. Boots with warm fur could work too. Or taking this to a slightly warmer southern city would be fine. Winters there will not be as harsh as here. What should I do?


    Aelock squatted in the shed and agonized with his face buried in hisp. If he still thought like before, he wouldn¡¯t have troubled himself over this to such a degree. He would have immediately gone to the stationery store, buy a pen and papers, and send letters to all the addresses he still remembered. And he won¡¯t be able to get a reply to any one of those countless letters.


    Everyone who once fretted over not getting his invitation now turned away from him. However, Derbyshire and Wolke, who were once very close to him, refused to even visit. After turning back around without even entering the mansion, no one even acted like they knew Aelock. Klopp was the only one who reached out at that hopeless time. In retrospect, it was a path that led him further into the abyss.


    He couldn¡¯t waste his precious money on something pointless, knowing full well that there would be no reply anyway. He wasn¡¯t even hungry. It was a golden opportunity that he doubted woulde again in the future. He didn¡¯t want to spend the precious silver coin on bread that he could get by offering his body anyway.


    Aelock remembered what he wanted most. He never thought that with this money, his dream would be a reality at least once. Aelock did not sleep all night and left the shed before the mening to dispose of their semen stormed in. And until the morning came, he wandered in search of a high-end boutique in his distant memory.


    By the time the sun rosepletely, Aelock was kicked out without even entering the high-end boutique properly by the owner, who was afraid of losing the reputation of the boutique. When he begged several times and showed a silver coin, the uptight-looking tailor raised the sses hanging on the bridge of his nose andughed coldly.


    ¡°A single silver coin cannot even buy a tie in my ce! Get lost.¡±


    He was a little surprised. He thought he could buy at least one set of poor-quality clothes with this precious silver coin, if not high-quality ones. It was disappointing that he couldn¡¯t even buy a tie that he had worn once before and thrown away.


    He bit his lips while walking in the shade. All day he snooped around anywhere that looked like a store, but he was lucky if he didn¡¯t get hit, let alone treated properly. Eventually, he gave up on the high-end stores along the main street and was able to buy a very old suit and worn-out shoes at the most shabby second-hand clothing store among the stores used by the working ss. He paid his only silver coin for it and got some copper coins back. He used those up to buy soap at another store.


    He excitedly ran to the riverside without realizing it. Before it was toote, he washed himself clean, out of sight of others, and carefully put on clothes that smelled of dust and mildew. He also wore the shoes. He wished he could iron some wrinkles, but he was not allowed that luxury.


    Aelock ran his fingers through his still-damp hair, tossed it back, and walked down the street. People nced at him a little, but they didn¡¯t show the hostility they had before. He walked with a pounding heart. Most passed him by, but a young alpha or two stared at him. Aelock was terribly afraid as he didn¡¯t know the reason why they were staring, and so, chose to walk in a shade that was as inconspicuous as possible.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    Someone spoke from behind. When he looked back in surprise, it was a person who was aplete stranger to him. Whilst having a friendly smile on, he hesitated a little before trying to say something more. Behind were those who seemed to be his friends,ughing happily and whispering to each other. Aelock got goosebumps.


    ¡°I-I apologize. There is somewhere I need to be right away.¡±


    ¡°Oh, could you at least tell me your name?¡±


    ¡°Apologies.¡±


    He quickly responded and quickly increased the distance. The stranger seemed to follow him for a bit but then walked away. Aelock was so startled that his heart almost jumped out. He was wearing shoes that didn¡¯t fit, and his heels were sore and hurting, but that didn¡¯t make him slow down.


    After more than two hours of walking, Aelock found himself at the end of a rather neat street where the middle ss of the city lived. Beyond this street, the other side was an area lined with mansions of nobles. He had to walk for dozens of minutes to pass through the gate of one mansion. As opposed to other streets of the city where there are many pedestrians, there was almost no one walking around in this area since everyone used carriages here. If some were asionally seen walking around, it was only when the servants of each mansion looked around once in a while to prevent strangers from approaching.


    When he was kicked out of this ce for the first time, he was often kicked out by the servants aftering back on his own without thinking about his appearance. There were several times when he was beaten to the point of losing his mind while resisting.


    Aelock moved his feet while forcibly straightening his stiff shoulders. Fortunately, the servant passing by from the other side looked at him with a bit of a wary look, but he didn¡¯t try to catch him. It was thanks to the outfit that was not much different from his even if it was old and smelled a little dusty. Still, Aelock felt prickles on the nape of his neck and increased his walking speed.


    It was not untilte afternoon after walking for a long time despite entering the aristocratic area that he could stand in front of a really splendid and huge mansion with a row of cedar trees standing out on both sides of the mansion.


    Next to the high main gate made of steel, there was a copper te engraved with the name of the owner of the house on the pir decorated with fancy stone statues. What had once been inscribed with Teiwind had now been changed to Bandyke.


    The steel gate and the entrance of the mansion were separated by a huge garden that couldn¡¯t be seen at a nce, so no one would hear Aelock even if he screamed from there. As he was wandering around, a carriage starteding in from afar. A woman he knew well was riding in a small two-person carriage, not a closed coach used by nobles. The middle-aged omega woman, who had a considerable amount of presence, saw Aelock standing in front of the mansion, opened her eyes wide, then narrowed them again and stopped the carriage. The gatekeeper, noticing that the carriage was entering, approached from far inside.


    ¡°Hello, Count. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Martha.¡±


    When the gatekeeper, whom the new owner of the mansion, Viscount Bandyke, had hired several years ago, had only remembered seeing his face once and had never heard of his name before, opened the gate, Martha nodded her head and drove the carriage inside. It seemed that she was buying the items necessary for a housekeeper separately.


    He would have been able to get in if he asked her, but somehow he couldn¡¯t speak up. Thinking of what he had done before, he had no face to ask her for a difficult request. It was better to wait for Klopp like this. He woulde out or go in at some point. As he stood there without saying anything, the gatekeeper with a cold look in his eyes nced at Aelock and then went back to the mansion.


    Klopp was originally the second son of Baron Bandyke, who owned a small local estate. Compared to the high-ranking aristocrats in the capital, he once had nothing in the humble status closer to that of amoner, though that was not the case anymore. He was a self-made businessman and a brilliant investor who was enthusiastically weed even in the exclusive high society of the royal court.


    All government bond-rted projects he has touched on were making huge profits, and he had made a great contribution to the country by attracting immense benefits in diplomatic negotiations rted to the economy. At the same time, he had recently received a title, although it was unknown what kind of deal he had made under the table with the protection of numerous nobles on his back.


    It was not themon title of a Knight, rather he was given the title of Viscount, citing the fact that he was from a family of Barons. To receive a hereditary title at the present time was tremendously unconventional.


    There were many rumors and overstatements that surrounded him. In particr, there were countless rumors about the five-year period of disappearance after losing his beloved spouse and unborn child at the hands of hoodlums. No one knew where he was or what he did during that time. It was only when he reappeared in the city¡¯s high society that he swayed the economy of the major city with great wealth in his hands.


    On the other hand, everything of Aelock was falling apart. The assets disappeared somewhere and the business in which he invested failed. He invested a lot of money because he was a trustworthy person, but he was also scammed. It was strange. No matter how bad Aelock¡¯s eye for investments was, it was not bad enough to continue to suffer such a huge loss. It was as if someone had set a trap and waited.


    Soon after, Aelock ran out of his fortunes and was under a mountain of debt. Despite his pride, he asked for help from those around him, but everyone turned a blind eye. At that time, Aelock was devastated and eventually had no choice but to sell his mansion. It was because he could not afford the debt that multiplied several times overnight even though he had sold all his other properties. The mansion, with its particrly beautiful rose garden, now belonged to the powerful economic bureaucrat, Klopp Bandyke.


    Now, Aelock was waiting for the owner of the mansion where he was born.


    Just as the sky was slowly turning to gold, the gatekeeper came out from the inside again.


    ¡°Is the Count there?¡±


    He quickly got up from leaning against the wall and stood in front of him. The gatekeeper looked at Aelock up and down in disbelief. He straightened her shoulders, raised his head straight, and looked at the gatekeeper.


    ¡°The Viscount invited you, so pleasee in.¡±


    The gatekeeper opened the gates and moved back. Did Martha tell him? Aelock gave the gatekeeper a simple nod and entered the residence.


    The garden he looked around on the way to the front door had retained its old appearance. It hadn¡¯t even been a few years, but faint memories came back little by little as if it were the distant past. He wondered if the rose garden, which his mother, whose face he could hardly remember now, loved so much was still there, but it was not right to roam around without the owner¡¯s permission.


    Upon reaching the front door, a butler dressed neatly in a ck suit came out. It was a young man, not the old butler of Teiwinds, who had been taking care of the mansion for decades. Aelock followed the unfamiliar butler to the living room. The interior decoration of the mansion was also almost the same. It was because the decorations were handed over all at once because he was in a hurry to dispose of them.


    If there was one thing that changed, it was the portraits. Most of the portraits hanging on the walls were reced with other paintings. Among them was the work of a genius new artist whom Aelock had been keeping an eye on. He must have be a very sessful painter to decorate the living room walls of one of the most influential aristocrats in the country.

 Chapter 7

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    Aelock was a little pleased that his discerning eye was right on this one. He had no talent for investing, but he had an eye for art. Aelock, after being ushered to a living room where there was no one, took a look at the paintings slowly. Admiring art in the familiar living room whilst wearing a suit, which felt a bit unfamiliar, he felt as if he had gone back to the past. He straightened his shoulders a bit, and his chin pulled up on its own. Aelock, with a subtle smile on his face, examined the artist¡¯s delicate brushstrokes.


    ¡°That painting was sold for almost the price of a house at the auction. It was a fairly good investment.¡±


    Klopp broke in from behind when he entered. Though Aelock was startled, due to his aristocratic education, he simply took a step away from the painting with a slight nod, as if he had known he was there from earlier.


    ¡°It is a very delicate painting and incorporates a lot of emotions within. The painter probably loved this space. That is why he poured all the glimmer into such a bold color. I do not think this is the only one that painted such a scene. I think he painted several works depending on the season or time. If it is a series, collecting them will increase the value.¡±


    ¡°This is early summer in the series of four seasons. Other works are in question.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    Aelock nodded and cast his gaze at Klopp.


    ¡°You have a good eye. This is probably an early work, but you managed to notice it.¡±


    He was a little short of breath and his heart was a little tense, but it wasn¡¯t unbearable.


    Klopp¡¯s gaze toward him was simr to when he saw him on the streetst night. The slight difference was that if the eyes were full of cold contempt at the time, now there was a little admiration and corresponding disgust.


    The conversation was cut off.


    The dark eyes still red at him with cold hatred, and Aelock did not dare to say anything in front of him. He only moved his eyelids slightly and looked at the faintly trembling hand of the man. It seemed that he provoked him again, though Aelock didn¡¯t exactly know how.


    He was a little anxious that that big, warm hand that slowly curled up might fly towards his cheek. It hurts to get hit, but more than that, he might be kicked out immediately if he angered Klopp. Half of his wish was still yet to be fulfilled. Aelock smiled at the alpha, who was always angry, to prove that he meant no malice. But apparently, that wasn¡¯t a very good choice. Klopp clenched his fist so hard to the point his knuckles turned white.


    Just as he was trying to step back, fearing that he might get hit, it was the butler who came in with a tea set that broke the chilly atmosphere. He modestly nodded at his master as a greeting gesture and set the tray on the table. Klopp, who had been emitting deep hatred, slightly rxed his expression and offered a seat to Aelock with a cold smile. Though he was still scared, Aelock nodded slightly and went to sit down in front of the table.


    The tea served by the butler was a high-quality ck tea that he used to enjoy drinking in the past. As he took a sip of the warm liquid, Aelock seemed to rx a bit. It had been a long time since he drank tea. No, it was the first tea he drank after leaving this mansion. Before, a sip of this tea was nothing, but now he was so grateful that he thought he might write out a long and lengthy ode about it. While he wrapped both hands around the teacup and felt its warmth, Klopp spoke first.


    ¡°You look much better thanst time, Count.¡±


    Rather than being particrly sarcastic, he spoke calmly, but it felt fierce enough to tighten the pit of his stomach for a moment. Aelock didn¡¯t want to show his slightly trembling fingers, so he let go of the teacup and lowered his hands under the table.


    ¡°Thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°How did you find your way here?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    To Aelock¡¯s question, Klopp responded as he leaned against the backrest and crossed his legs.


    ¡°It has been two years since you did note to this mansion, no? It is simply amon house to me, but to you, is it not like a home? I was a little disappointed that I had not been able to see you around.¡±


    Even though he said that, there was absolutely no sincerity in those words. Klopp was so eloquent that the expression ¡®Viscount Bandyke¡¯ was now more appropriate, as opposed to the genuineness he would once show when felt unpleasant that had also now vanished. In other words, it also meant that each and every one of his sarcastic remarks were properly piercing Aelock.


    ¡°I was upied with this and that.¡±


    Actually, he had tried toe to this mansion several times. He went through a lot of things until he realized that it was a vain hope and a false dream and that it was hard to say whether or not it could be fulfilled in this lifetime, but he didn¡¯t find the need to say it all. Even if Klopp had a good reason, would it be necessary to describe in detail the miserable times that he does not want to recall in order to please the insatiable man?


    After taking another sip of the slightly lukewarm tea, Aelock looked quietly at Klopp. Now all he wanted was one thing. Although they were lives that were born in a way that he never thought of or wanted at all, it was an unchanging fact that they were Aelock¡¯s blood. He wanted to hug those angels at least once. He wanted them to know who gave birth to them. That was all.


    He had no desire to let them know what he had done, what punishment he was paying for, and where and how he was living now. The small children don¡¯t have to live with a dark past like the original sinner just because they were born out of his womb. He just wanted to see if they were living happily under the care of Klopp, who had chosen such a cruel method for revenge.


    After a while, Aelock made up his mind and opened his mouth, facing the dagger-like gaze that was stabbing him.


    ¡°He is a beautiful child.¡±


    Klopp¡¯s slightly smiling lips twitched a little. Deep brown eyes shone terribly. The thin mask he was wearing, who looked inly angry, cracked a little. Klopp¡¯s lips trembled slightly as he red at him as if he would break his neck at any moment, and then a confident sneer erupted again.


    ¡°When did you see him?¡±


    ¡°Coincidentally the other day.¡±


    When he answered meekly, Klopp snorted, ¡°Ha.¡±. Then, he rested his chin on his hand and looked at Aelock carefully. It seemed as if he was judging if what he said was true or not.


    ¡°The child does not look like you.¡±


    It was an appeal prepared for a certain degree of threat. Even if there was an argument or violence that was too much to handle, he had to try it first. If he lost this opportunity, he couldn¡¯t guarantee when he¡¯ll see them next time. Aelock made a firm resolve inwardly and deliberately looked at the cold opponent, pretending to be calm so as not to back down. However, Klopp didn¡¯t seem quite shaken by that, only the corners of his mouth trembled slightly, and he immediately replied in a light voice.


    ¡°Well, that is because he resembles my spouse.¡±


    He didn¡¯t understand at first. No, for a moment, he wondered if Klopp was crazy again. He would never think of him that way...... He blinked my eyes several times and couldn¡¯t close his mouth before suddenly realizing it.


    Oh.


    The hope that had barely kept hisposure had been shattered into a myriad of pieces. He wanted to scream and have a mental breakdown right away. However, thanks to the suit and shoes that tightened the body, and the scent of tea that revived the old teachings of an aristocrat, he unconsciously responded with a deeper smile.


    ¡°The tea was good. The scent of it is nice. I would like to drink more, but I think I need to leave.¡±


    ¡°Are you leaving already?¡±


    As he stood up, Klopp asked in a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°Thank you for serving me tea when it is not the right time for it.¡±


    ¡°You will not be able to go far.¡±


    He did not even stand up.


    Aelock left the living room and the mansion without looking back. The gatekeeper saw him walking at a slightly quicker pace from afar and opened the gates without saying anything.


    He couldn¡¯t even thank him and had to leave the mansion with a pale face.


    Sure, it would be a lie to say that he didn¡¯t expect it at all. He once thought it himself. The reason why he didn¡¯t think about it deeply was that he wanted to leave a bit of room. Room for the belief that one day Klopp will forgive and ept him.


    But that was nothing more than a false delusion. The hatred of the man who lost his beloved wife and child was greater and stronger than anything Aelock could have imagined. Even in the midst of a life where everything was destroyed or lost, those who had a grudge did not stop taking revenge.


    Everything was futile. No matter how hard he tried, Klopp would not let him off the hook. He just realized that. After years of miserable and wretched days. Along with the weight of his sins. His rationality knew it, but it was the first time he consciously realized it. The street, paved with smooth stones, now looked muddy and it felt as if legs had gone into them knee-deep.


    He hadn¡¯t seen or heard anything since he happened to see Klopp that day and fell in love with him. Rayfiel also met himter than he did. He, with dark brown hair and deep eyes, was of course entitled to having his own person, but Aelock was very angry when he was intercepted in the middle.


    He firmly believed that he, who was superior in family background, wealth, beauty, and talent, was better than poor Rayfiel, who had nothing outstanding except that he was an omega who could give birth to children. Being an alpha, he had no choice but to put up with it, but not anymore. The drug, which he was half-forced and half-tricked into taking by Klopp, possessed by intense hatred, turned the alpha into an omega.


    ¡®If you took my wife and child from me, you should pay me back.¡¯


    For the sake of him who said that, even afterpensating for the lost child, he gave birth to another. Even if he sinned, he didn¡¯t exactly mean for something like that to happen. Because he lost his property and family and paid for his sins. He thought it would be okay since the arrogant side of him had all disappeared while he was rolling around on the streets. He thought that one day Klopp would let him off the hook. How could a dead person defeat a living person?


    But now he that saw it, he knew that was not the case. The living could not beat the dead. In Klopp¡¯s memory, it was clear that Rayfiel would forever be engraved as a beautiful and kind figure. Forever so that the shabby and withered Aelock could never soil him again.


    It felt like it was getting hot under his eyes. It was as if tears were on the verge of flowing out. But he couldn¡¯t cry. He had never cried in my life, so he had forgotten how to cry. He wanted to cry but couldn¡¯t, so Aelock trudged along, unable to hide his distorted and ugly face, swallowing the bitter liquid that was burning inside.


    Perhaps the two children will live without knowing Aelock for the rest of their lives. They would be told that the man who gave birth to them sadly passed away a long time ago because of a bad nobleman. Yes. Maybe that was better. It was better than passing the guilt on to them. If they were the children of his ¡®wife¡¯, Klopp would at least love them unconditionally.


    The thought made Aelock a little happy. It hurt a lot, but he was so happy that he felt like crying again. However, no matter how much he grimaced and made sobbing noises, no tears flowed from his dried-up body. The flushed cheeks were very hot.


    He continued to walk, cloaked in the blood-red sunset. There weren¡¯t many ces to go. He headed for the ce where he once sent away the petals, with the rattling noise of the old shoe heels. Maybe today, he would send away his own light body like a dry straw that blew everything away.

 Chapter 8

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    When Aelock opened his eyes, he thought for a moment whether there was a barn in the fiery pit of hell. But he soon changed his thoughts. The ce where he was lying was not the shed he had been using until now. It was a small humble cottage, and he was lying in what could be called a bed, albeit a rough one, and was covered with a clean nket.


    He slowly got up. Thest thing that came to mind was cold water. But now, the ce where Aelock opened his eyes was obviously a dry room. He didn¡¯t understand how it happened. Under the sliding nket, his naked body came into view.


    Though he washed his skin hard with soap, he still couldn¡¯t get rid of the old grime but the smooth and clean skin did not look like that of a street bum, even with the scars and bruises. When he brought his nose close to his arm, he could smell the scent of fragrant flowers. It was as if he entered and came out of the water with high-quality bath salts.


    He brought my legs together neatly, ced them on the floor, and got off the bed. He found a table by relying on the faint light that came through the tightly closed wooden window shutters. There was probably a sturdy andrge table around here.


    Also.


    On top of it, he felt a soft fabric that smelled like the sunlight. Aelock hugged it and inhaled its scent deeply. There was no smell of the gutter. For some reason, his heart swelled. It was not a forced mask-like smile, but a genuine smile of joy, buried in the cloth and remained there for a long time. Then, slowly, he put it on.


    As expected, it was a little short in length. However, it was not so ufortable since he was so skinny. As long as he didn¡¯t button up the sleeves and the neck, it was fine. His wrists and ankles were sticking out through the ends, but it didn¡¯t bother him because there was no one who would make fun of him here.


    Aelock, fully dressed, rubbed out the soft texture with his palms and opened the closed window shutters. A bright light streamed in and he had to cover his eyes with his hand. After blinking a few times, his eyes began to adjust to the light with a feeling of drowsiness. Right then, he could see the scenery outside the window.


    Not far away, beyond the walls of the cedar trees that stood like bars, the very mansion he saw yesterday revealed its majesty. On the other side of the huge mansion, the tips of cedar trees stretching toward the sky poked out their heads borately, like saplings, driven by perspective.


    He didn¡¯t know what had happened the previous night, but he knew that Klopp had brought him here. Clearly, meeting him yesterday had some other bad consequences. Aelock was afraid of what kind of terrible torture he had prepared for him, who had a genius talent for causing pain. It seemed that he was unable to die of his own volition.


    Fortunately, however, Klopp did not abandon him on the streets again but kept him locked up here. At the very least, he won¡¯t starve or freeze to death as long as he was here. He would not be subjected to gang rape either. Instead, there would be no conversation, even if it was a worthlessbination of sounds and no human body heat. Still,pared to the bottom, this ce was like heaven. It wasn¡¯t because he was less beaten, less cold, or less hungry.


    As long as he stayed in this cottage, Aelock could wait. For Klopp toe to see him.


    The first day he spent time sitting on the bed in a daze. He just couldn¡¯t believe it. After a terrible time that seemed like an eternity, he didn¡¯t feel like he was back here again, so he went in and out of the cottage several times. He circled the small tree house in anticipation of someoneing through the cedar trees that he did not dare to cross. Nothing had changed since Aelock used it in the past. Then, when hunger arrived, he came to his senses.


    In addition to the space used throughout the cottage as a bedroom/sitting room or living room, there was a small kitchen situated around the corner. He had never been there before when he was here. When he opened the door, which had been creaking since it had not been used for a long time, acrid dust rose. He thought it would be better to clean up first. He picked up a bucket and a half-rotten mop from the corner. Then he went to the well outside the cottage.


    The well was a hand pump. When he first encountered this pump on the street, he remembered being very embarrassed because he did not know how to use it. Fortunately, someone by his side had already brought a bucket full of water. It was meticulous solicitude. Aelock lifted the metal bucket carefully so as not to spill any water and poured it halfway into the opening above the pump. And he moved the handle hard. Clear water gushed out of the pump, which had been gurgling.


    He crawled across the floor with his not-so-skillful hands until his knees were sore, and wiped away the dust all around. And anything that caught his eye was wiped with a rag. Aelock¡¯s forehead was covered with sweat by the time the ce was clean enough to be called one¡¯s dwelling, though it was obviously not to the level of an experienced housekeeper¡¯s maintenance. After being in a prostrating position for a long time, blood rushed to his pale face, turning it slightly red.


    The stomach, which had been hungry since earlier, made a louder noise because of the physicalbor. On the table where the clothes were ced, some root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots and green vegetables such as asparagus and cabbage were ced with salt. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could eat without cooking.


    He found a small knife in the kitchen and decided to try chopping up the potatoes first. He put a round potato on the table and smacked it with the knife, but it missed. The potatoes were firm, not soft. He had never imagined that potatoes could be this hard. He tried the carrots and it was hard too. Cabbage, too. Asparagus was tough. How do you cook these strong things? Aelock pondered. He was hungry, but he thought it would be a fairly enjoyable time.


    It wasn¡¯t untilte at night that Aelock managed to get control of the potato. Before he could eat it, which had shrunk considerably from its original size, he cut three fingers and burned one because of the hot pot. Even with the firewood outside the pot and the given matches, he couldn¡¯t light the fire properly, so after agonizing over it for a long time, he burned a little bit of his long hair as well. After blowing on a half-cooked, half-burnt baked potato and eating it, Aelock took off his clothes, hung them on a chair, and climbed onto the bed naked.


    Due to the heavybor, he was very tired today. Unfortunately, there were nomps, so when the sun went down, there was nothing to do. Truthfully, even if there was amp, there was still nothing to do. The physical fatigue pushed away all the painful memories of the past that came every night and allowed him to sleep soundly without thinking about anything.


    It felt like a cool breeze brushed his cheeks in his sleep. He had to get up to check what it was, but he was too tired to open my eyes. If it had been a barn or a street, he would have woken up before the wind blew and crawled into the deep shade, but this was a cottage. No one came here except for that person. He isn¡¯ting, is he? It must be the wind in the gardening through the closed shutters. The cool breeze made him feel good. Aelock seemed to have smiled a little even in his sleep.


    He woke up suddenly in the dark of dawn. He rubbed his eyes and got up, and reached for his clothes, but then something else came into Aelock¡¯s eyes. Amp, soap, and clean towels were ced on the table. It was clear that someone hade and gone. As far as Aelock could remember, only one other person had been in and out of the cottage besides himself. Other servants would bring various items outside the door, but they never came inside. Aelock, unable to wear anything, ran out of the cottage with nothing on.


    ¡°Klopp!¡±


    He quickly ran to the cedar wall. Along the wall to the path leading to the rose garden on the other side. But he couldn¡¯t go any further than that. It was difficult to get out of here. If he was nearby and saw Aelock stepping into the mansion, he might throw him out again. It was forbidden to wish for anything other than what was given. The only thing he was permitted was a cottage. Aelock stood on his tiptoes to find the figure of a tall, broad-shouldered man. No matter how many times he put his head out, he couldn¡¯t see anything. He called him again.


    ¡°Klopp!¡±


    No response came back. No one seemed to be there. Then, when a brisk wind blew and he realized again that he was not wearing any clothes, he quietly returned to the cottage.


    The embers that still hadn¡¯t died out were so painful that he tried to extinguish them by sinking into the river, but this time too, he was pulled out and a bellows was used to make them re up again. He didn¡¯t even have any flesh left to burn anyway. Now, Aelock looked forward to the heat that even made his bones hot.


    He saved his life, so if Aelock were to keep staying alive, someday he would look back on him at least once. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want to miss this chance by being selfish like before. One day, when the timees when he wants to talk face-to-face, he woulde and wake him up. Until then, all Aelock could do was wait for a better look.


    He tried roasting carrots for breakfast but cut himself in the same spot he did the day before. He put his bleeding finger in his mouth and opened the box that Klopp had brought him at dawn. He saw a white bandage. He cut a small piece of thick fabric and wrapped it around his finger. It did hurt a little. In addition, he also closed the wounds from yesterday that were quite long. When he looked down at his hands, he suddenly remembered the white band that had touched the smiling lips of that person. In doing so, he could still vividly see the image of the two lovely people with one kissing the other¡¯s fingers as if his wounds heal quickly.

 Chapter 9

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    ***


    ¡°Hello, Count Teiwind.¡±


    Rayfiel,ing across Aelock at Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s tea party, greeted him with a bright smile. Truthfully, Aelock didn¡¯t want to act like he knew him, but Klopp was standing one step behind the happy omega, looking at him, so he forced himself to reply with a polite smile.


    ¡°Hello, Rayfiel. The weather is very nice today.¡±


    ¡°I wish it was always like this.¡±


    Even though it was a simple reply, Rayfiel intentionally pped in an exaggerated manner and giggled. Aelock was deeply displeased by the fakeugh hitting his ears, but he didn¡¯t show it. Instead, he smiled brightly at the alpha, who was standing behind the omega with a stiff expression and greeted him with a nod. All that came back was a slight nod. Grumpiness arose.


    You do not have to be this cold.


    Aelock looked down at the omega standing in front of his eyes again, raising the corners of his mouth that had already been raised considerably. White bands were wrapped around Rayfiel¡¯s fingers as he put his hands together in front of his mouth to look cute.


    ¡°You seem to have hurt your fingers.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was practicing cooking a while ago.¡±


    ¡°Cooking?¡±


    ¡°I learned how to trim fish. But I cut myself due to my own clumsiness.¡±


    Aelock frowned slightly at those words. As future hostesses of aristocratic families, there were those who learned to bake sweets, and bread, or take lessons on tea ceremonies. However, it was too much to use a kitchen knife to trim a fish. When he looked closer, Rayfiel¡¯s hands had minor scars everywhere in addition to the bands, and the back of his hand, which should have been soft and smooth, looked a little rough.


    ¡°Is Viscount Westport facing such financial difficulties? To the point where he is making the eldest son cook?¡±


    Rayfiel, who was showing his hands without knowing it was embarrassing, blushed btedly and lowered his hands to hide them behind his waist. After all, no matter how distant the rtions were, he was a cousin of the Teiwind Family. In addition, because of their simr appearance, there had been frequent talks about the connection between the two families recently. In such a situation, if rumors about Rayfiel cutting his fingers while trimming a fish spread among noble families, Aelock will be treated as a horrible miser who does not take care of his rtives even though he has amassed an enormous fortune, or as a fool who doesn¡¯t even know the difficulties of his rtives.


    He thought he had an aristocratic eye for things because he was dressed in modest clothes of good quality but understated embellishments, but even that seemed to be his own misunderstanding. No matter how much he didn¡¯t like Rayfiel, helping a rtive was one of the obligations of nobles. Aelock spoke in a tone that was careful not to reveal his annoyance as much as possible.


    ¡°I will inform my butler to send a suitable cook. All the expenses, along with the ingredients, are borne by me. You will not have to touch anything like fish in the future. I apologize for not noticing earlier.¡±


    ¡°That is not the case.¡±


    Rayfiel tried to refuse with a flustered expression. Then, he nced at Klopp standing behind him as if he was perplexed. Maybe he didn¡¯t want this to be discovered in front of the person he was dating. If so, then he shouldn¡¯t havee out with the bands wrapped around his fingers.


    When Aelock looked at him with knitted brows, Rayfiel couldn¡¯t meet his gaze and lowered his eyes. Even if he had to suffer from poverty, he didn¡¯t like epting it servilely, so when he told him to raise his head, Klopp stepped forward from behind and stood by Rayfiel¡¯s side. He lowered his big hand, held the bandage-wrapped hand tightly, and stared coldly at Aelock, who was surprised at his disy of affection in front of others. Soon an unpleasant voice flew in.


    ¡°There is no need for that, Rayfiel. You have done nothing wrong, so do not lower your head as if you are guilty. If anyone is at fault, then it is mine for not beingpetent enough to not let my future spouse go through such hardships.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Aelock was taken aback. He only thought that Rayfiel was embarrassing himself, but he didn¡¯t expect Klopp toe forward like that. In fact, in the literal sense, Klopp¡¯s position had little to say.


    Even if you¡¯re not rich, you cannot have your aristocratic fianc¨¦ handle the fish himself. What would he do if the engagement ring with a barely visible gem emanated a fishy smell? If it¡¯s that difficult, secretly ask for help and at least buy a glove and give it as a gift.


    Even though it was a shabby appearance that Aelock couldn¡¯t easily overlook, Klopp didn¡¯t seem to think so. He proudly defend Rayfiel, whose face had turned red.


    ¡°Excuse us.¡±


    After a short salutation, the two left.


    That evening, while waiting for the coach, Klopp took care of his fianc¨¦¡¯s hands as much he could, lest he gets hurt.


    * * *


    Aelock, standing at the table, caressed the cold surface a little with his fingertips, feeling a slight pulsation. Then he raised his hand and brought it to his lips. He thought it wouldn¡¯t hurt this way, but it didn¡¯t make much of a difference. Maybe it¡¯s because it was not his kiss. That day, Rayfiel didn¡¯t really seem to be in pain.


    The days passed peacefully and sometimes a little boring. On the contrary, Aelock¡¯s heart only grew more and more excited. As each day passed, he couldn¡¯t calm down as if the promised date was approaching. He didn¡¯t know when he would appear, but he was sure that he woulde at least once. This time, he didn¡¯t go to sleep untilte at night so as not to miss him.


    In order to conserve themp¡¯s light, he sat in bed at night with his forehead resting on his knees and waited tirelessly. If he heard anything outside, he quickly turned on themp. And he looked out the window. After looking around for a long time, the day of waiting continued with themp turned off after covering himself with a nket. He couldn¡¯t sleep well, so he fell asleep in the middle of the night involuntarily, and was startled by the chirping of birds passing by. He calmed his pounding heart and called out, ¡°Klopp?¡± but, as expected, only the leaves that brushed against the wind answered back.


    Waiting was always rewarded. It was e afternoon, just as he was about to take off his clothes that were soiled with charcoal stains to wash them. The thread of the cloth flowed from the old, ripped buttonhole and twined around the button. He couldn¡¯t take it off properly because of that. At first, he tried to carefully unravel the thread little by little, but he got agitated since his fingertips hadn¡¯t healed yet. Even if it was, it was ufortable since it was so small, so Aelock was taking off his clothes almost as if he were tearing them off in an unusually aggressive manner.


    Rattle.


    The door opened. To begin with, there was no lock, but the door, which did not move unless Aelock touched it, opened wide and a tall man entered. Aelock, holding the half-torn garment in his hand and twisting off the button with the thread that had just been caught around his neck, stopped.


    ¡°Klopp?¡±


    Klopp, wearing a coat, hat, and even gloves, looked at him with a slightly serious expression as usual. Seeing Aelock staring at him in surprise with nothing on his upper body, the sneering alpha immediately cast his gaze at the rags in his skinny hands. The corner of the man¡¯s mouth, which had been drawing a confident arc, stiffened into a straight line and trembled slightly.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Oh, these damn clothes are so nasty.¡±


    Aelock was embarrassed because he couldn¡¯t even get dressed properly due to the sudden intrusion, and ended up using harsh words, ming them for nothing. Even after saying that, he felt like a vulgar person, so Aelock lowered his eyes a little. There was no need to drop the level of his innate nature to that of the bottom. It seems that it was inevitable to be affected by the environment, in spite of his efforts not to. He was a little worried about the clever sarcastic remarks that would be thrown at him.


    After a moment of silence, Klopp took off his ck silk hat, set it on the table, and strode towards him. Then, he snatched the clothes from Aelock¡¯s hands. A somewhat startled Aelock looked up at him, who took off his ck leather glove, raised his hand, and pped his thin cheek.


    p.


    Aelock¡¯s head sharply turned to the side. Stars sttered in front of his eyes, and before Aelock came to his senses, a hand as strong as steel grabbed his thin chin, turned it around, and pped him on the cheek again. The body that had been released from the first shock could not stand it this time and copsed. Aelock fell to the floor and spat out what was pooling in his mouth. A little blood flowed. Before he could understand what had happened or why he had to be hit, Klopp took off his other glove and this time his coat as well, put them on a nearby chair, looked down at Aelock with a cold expression, and unbuttoned his cuffs.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Why, you ask? You still dare not know your purpose.¡±


    He had absolutely no idea what he did wrong. When he felt the heat on his already swollen cheeks, Klopp grabbed Aelock by the hair and hit him several more times. Aelock¡¯s mouth burst open and he tasted something stingy and salty, and he coughed reflexively as the saliva and blood that flowed mixed with each other were about to pass down his panting throat. At that moment, something hot flowed from his nostrils. Aelock¡¯s brain was shaken from being hit in the head, and his vision was blurry so it was hard toe to his senses. He thought it would be better to get hit on the thigh or back.


    ¡°...... Klo......?


    ¡°Do you remember now? You should have. It was left behind by someone who died in dreadful horror because of you. I gave these to you so you could always remember the sins youmitted, so how dare you soil and tear them up? How dare you say that with this hideous body?¡±


    The enraged alpha¡¯s voice was terrifying enough to give him goosebumps, and at the same time, the pain was so intense that his heart froze.


    Aelock thought it was small because he simply brought him some random old clothes. The slightly old-fashioned and in clothes had a soft texture of good quality, so it was vaguely assumed by him that they were old clothes of some noble that was thrown away. But they weren¡¯t.


    These were Rayfiel¡¯s clothes.


    Even if he didn¡¯t know, he still tore them up in front of Klopp. It was a mistake not to be made. But regardless, he did it. Aelock should have recognized the clothes, which sent Klopp into a fit of rage and exercise uncharacteristic violence once again. But, as always, Aelock¡¯s realization camete.


    He did what he deserved in the face of his sins. Aelock silently epted Klopp¡¯s violence.


    <strong>T/N: </strong>yes, this has been dropped here but also picked up by a lovely trantor on another site. please search this novel on NU for further details. thank you for reading thus far.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 5.1 - Love again

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 5.1 - Love again</h4>


    <i>Note: This chapter continues from Chapter 9 (V1C4) in NovelUpdates.</i>


    read the nsfw content here


    Aelock rose up and stretched his arms out to pick up some clothes. The wide-open maternity dress was mostly fine, but the shoulder part was very narrow, so he had no choice but to rip it off and sew it with another piece of cloth. His sewing skills were clearly very clumsy, thus the messy wrinkles looked like a clown¡¯s frill.


    ¡°To think that you¡¯re showing your face around in that attire as a noble. If it were me, I would die of shame.¡±


    That was Klopp¡¯s impression when he saw this before. Of course, he didn¡¯t actually mean to die. He was just returning what Aelock might have said somewhere before. It wasn¡¯t even that shameful. Too much had happened to Aelock to make him blush over an outfit. Klopp, who remembered every small thing like that, and Aelock himself, who understood his intentionspletely,ughed for a little.


    Wrapped up in ridiculous clothes, Aelock ate some meat that he had baked yesterday with boiled eggs and raw carrots. The boiled eggs had cracked somewhere making the yolk pale. He originally liked soft-boiled eggs, but such delicate dishes were still difficult for him to cook. For Aelock, who still had a small scar from getting hit by exploding eggshell on his forehead when he put a raw egg in a heated oven, boiling an egg was a great improvement for him.


    But it was a pity when the cracked egg would break out. However, with his weak fingers, peeling hard-boiled eggs was more convenient, so Aelock always preferred it that way. However, only over-easy eggs were left today. He wanted to eat the smooth whites, but the eggs in the corner of the table were soon crushed into a mess.


    Aelock licked the yolk on his hands and used his fingertips to eat the whites sticking to the shells. The whole table was a mess. His clothes were stained with a few drops of juice falling from the half-burned meat. As he patted his clothes, he saw the bed. The sheets with all kinds of body fluids mixed together looked dirty. Wearing clean clown clothes was better than that. A dirty bed and clothes wouldn¡¯t be very good for the baby. Aelock thought about doing hisundry today.


    His pregnant belly had be quite heavy, but it wasn¡¯t interfering with his movements yet. After Aelock had a good breakfast, he raised his arms and took off the sheets, pillows, and his clothes. He held them all together and put them under the manual water pump. Aelock did his best to wash them. It was a much better situationpared to the river before, but Aelock was still struggling because he didn¡¯t know how to wash them properly. Aelock tried hard to rub the soap with his hands. Aelock got his hands and feet soaked in cold water all day to wash them.


    At one point, Aelock¡¯s clothes were soaking wet and he got very hungry. After crouching down for so long, when he lifted his body, he felt dizzy. After wringing the sheets that he washed with difficulty using his flushed hands, heid the damp heavy sheets out on a low shrub growing nearby, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    It was already afternoon. Aelock decided to eat boiled potatoes and vegetables before continuing hisundry. He looked at the bed and suddenly realized something. He washed all the nkets, so what would he sleep with tonight?


    Aelock tried to be positive and thought that the nkets would dry up before sunset, but the water was still dripping down even after sunset. The other clothes that he hadid out as he was washing the nket were still wet too and he didn¡¯t have anything to wear. Why did he wash the cover and the rug at the same time like a fool? Stupid. The feeling of regret was now friends with Aelock. He thought that it was amazing that even little things were making him regretful, and he rolled up his body as close as possible and went to sleep rubbing his cold hands and feet.


    He didn¡¯t know when he fell asleep, but when he woke up, it was alreadyte at night. He was sure he slept without a nket, but his body felt hot enough to sweat, and his head was hurting painfully. On the contrary, his hands and feet were so cold that he trembled. It seemed like he was having a cold. This was expected as he was soaked in cold water doing heavybor during the day and slept on a cold night without a nket.


    His knees, which were ttering against the wooden bed, even made rattling sounds. It had been a long time since Aelock had been this sick. He couldn¡¯t afford to be sick when he was outside. The fear of not knowing where and what would happen if he lost consciousness drove away the pain. So he kept walking around even if his body was bloodied. Compared to back then, he could fall sick in this ce. Also, the man who came through that door would give Aelock everything. There was no need to be vignt. He let out his hot breath and looked at the door that could not be distinguished in this darkness.


    That man hadn¡¯te yet today. Aelock wondered what happened. Beyond being an outstanding investor, he was now a trusted business bureaucrat, so he must be busy. As he already had two children, the third child who came out of nowhere from this bad rtionship might not mean anything to him. Nevertheless, waiting for him was inevitable.


    Aelock listened quietly, for it made no difference whether his eyes were open or closed. The sound of the wind sweeping through the rose garden, the sound of a distant cedar branch bumping, and the sad whistle of a cypress tree. While hoping that he would hear footsteps in between those sounds.


    <noscript>


    </noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 5.2 - Love again

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 5.2 - Love again</h4>


    ¡°Hey, wake up.¡±


    The nudge shook Aelock¡¯s body. Aelock barely lifted his heavy eyelids as if it was under a huge statue, and he could see a blurred silhouette. Oh, it¡¯s you.


    ¡°Don¡¯t exaggerate it.¡±


    The cold words lowered his body temperature by another degree. Even as Aelock fought to stay awake, his eyes closed and sank back into the darkness, and a cold sigh could be heard in his dazed ears. That man clicked his tongue as he let out a hot breath through his slightly parted lips.


    ¡°Are you being on purpose with washing all the nkets when the temperature has dropped or are you just stupid? Are you being arrogant because you got pregnant? The firece is not a decoration.¡±


    Aelock wanted to say that he tried to light it, but his words couldn¡¯te out properly. As he heard a murmur of curses, he felt a heavy thing covering his body. It was a men¡¯s coat with a chilly, smooth texture and it was a little heavy. It was also veryrge. Like a nket, the high-end clothing wrapped around Aelock¡¯s whole body smelled bitter.


    Aelock instinctively curled up more and breathed in the fabric full of that man¡¯s body scent. The scent that filled his lungs at once calmed down his feverish stomach. Was it because he was the father of the child in his belly? Maybe it was simply because he was an alpha who Aelock had his heat with. Either way, the Alpha¡¯s body scent gave warm protection to the emotional pregnant Omega with the high fever.


    Klopp didn¡¯t leave right away after throwing off his coat. He was touching here and there from over the table. He was probably looking at the firece. There was a hollow sound of something falling on the floor, and Aelock heard a fierce condemnation.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even make a fire without a house servant. What a useless fellow.¡±


    Being half asleep, Aelock curled up a little more, wrapping his arms around his body. He knew how to light a fire in the oven, so he thought he would be able to make a fire in the firece soon. He moved his body, which was heating up, brought three or four heavy pieces of firewood from outside, and tried to light the firece several times. However, no matter how many matches and flints he struck, the hard log wouldn¡¯t catch fire, and even when it was barely lit, only a little smoke rose and it would soon go out. He quit because he felt suffocated by the smoke.


    He could hear a thud of footsteps and the sound of the door being opened and closed. And the steps sounded further and further away. It seemed like that man had left.


    Aelock pulled up the coat to cover more of his body, and buried his nose in the cor, the scenting out deeply. He slightly rubbed his cheeks against it like a baby. There was no such thing as pride. He was just relieved by his own alpha body scent. It was a relief that the man gave his coat to him.


    Even if Klopp was spouting harsh words, he couldn¡¯t pretend not to see Aelock for the sake of the baby fetus. Klopp was that kind of person.


    Klopp wanted a child. No matter what would happen to Aelock, the child would always be cared for. This time too, it was clear that as soon as Aelock gave birth, Klopp would take the baby away before Aelock¡¯s dirty hands even managed to reach for the baby. When Aelock thought of that day that woulde, he felt like a wind drilled a hole in his heart. Aelock wished Klopp would at least show him the baby¡¯s face.


    Ah. As the fever rose, it made him think of impossible things. Regardless of the situation, it would be better for the baby to grow up as a fine aristocrat in a warm and clean mansion than to grow up as a criminal¡¯s child in this cold cottage.


    Even though it was only a coat, Aelock felt warm and fell asleep. Later, he sweated a little because it was too warm, so he tossed his body around and slightly lowered his coat. He was sure that he felt the cold night air was warm.


    This couldn¡¯t be happening. It was always cold in this windy cottage. What was going on?


    There was a pleasant sound of burning dry oak and a bitter scent. Aelock forced his eyes open. The dusty firece was burning red.


    Who did it?


    The door opened and a familiar man came in. He walked with his arms wide, took the damp nket that Aelock had hung outside, and hung it in front of the firece. The man went to the kitchen next door without realizing that Aelock was awake. Soon, Aelock could hear the sound of things being moved. It was such a small and quiet cottage that Aelock could even hear a low curse muttered by the man. Aelock couldn¡¯t hear it properly, but he thought he heard the man saying that dog food would be better than this.


    Aelock suddenly felt ashamed. Perhaps this was not much different from what Rayfiel had felt before. Unlike that innocent and gentle man, no one would kiss Aelock¡¯s blistered fingers. His neck suddenly cowered. At times like this, he should just be more confident, but now he just wanted to hide in the cozy coat.


    After the sound of ttering in the kitchen continued for a while, Klopp came out with a cleaned dirty pot. Instead of the chair near the bedside, Klopp pulled out the other chair next to the table, which had always been unused in that ce, and sat down near the firece. He took a small lump out of the pot that he put on the floor and began to cut it with the knife in his hand. It was a potato.


    Unlike Aelock, who would scathe his fingers every time he cut a potato, Klopp skillfully cut it well with his big hands. The pretty, shiny potatoes looked very appetizing in the red glow of the firece. He quickly cut off one and took another. The movement of his long fingers touching the light orange-colored potato was like a craftsman working with pumpkins. It was extremely delicate and elegant.


    So his strong and fierce hands could move like that.


    Aelock took a peek mesmerizingly at the man through the gap in the cor of his coat.


    Soon, Klopp had finished peeling all the potatoes and took the pot back to the kitchen. It was a shame as Aelock wanted to see more of his fingers. After a while, Klopp hung a pot filled with potatoes and other things over the firece. Aelock didn¡¯t know what Klopp made, but soon, the soup boiled with a delicious smell that made his mouth water. Stirring skillfully with a paddle spoon, Klopp ced the cooked soup down on the table.


    Surprisingly, there was no burnt smell at all. If Aelock was the one who did it, part of the food would be half-burnt and the other part would be half-cooked. Whenever he tried to cook some soup, for some reason, all the vegetables were likely to be mushy.


    Klopp went out, got some more firewood, and put it near the firece. He took the nket and walked towards the bed. Aelock quickly closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. Soon, the warm coat was raised up. Aelock shivered at the sudden coldness, and a nket covered him. He had washed it, but the nket was so dirty that there was still a faint scent of soap on the stains. The nket was bigger and thicker than the coat, covering his cold toes, but somehow, he felt that the coat was warmer.


    Having finished all his business, Klopp left the cottage. Aelock thought that he might being back, but the door didn¡¯t open even after a long time. Feeling disappointed with the reality that Klopp would no longer see him today, Aelock lowered his nket and rose to his feet.


    To think that he was feeling disappointed. Aelock didn¡¯t know why he was being so fussy today. Perhaps it was because he was hungry. Holding his hungry stomach, he lifted himself up and walked to the table. When Klopp opened the lid of the pot, steam came out and it smelled very appetizing. Aelock had calmed down a little while he was covered with the coat, but he still had a slight fever and a cold back, so Aelock went to the kitchen wearing the nket to bring a spoon. After contemting for a moment whether to use his usual chair, Aelock carefully climbed onto the chair where Klopp had been sitting earlier. And he brought the hot pot closer and ate the soup that was still hot.


    ¡°This is delicious.¡±


    It was so delicious that Aelock blurted out thepliment without realizing it. He looked closely into the soup, but there wasn¡¯t any special ingredient in it. How did it be so different? Aelock began to eat the soup in gulps. He had always eaten a small portion, but maybe because he had skipped his meal as he was sick, Aelock ate the soup, sticking his nose into the pot, and devoured every drop until the bottom was exposed.


    As far as Aelock could remember, he hadn¡¯t heard of Klopp being a good cook. He used to be in a boarding school, and even after he graduated and had a bit of a rough time, he still had lodging. He might have learned it when he was wandering after losing his wife and child.


    Just what had happened to him. However, there was no way for the current Aelock to know. Even if he recalled his old memories of eating many rare and precious meals, he was so preupied with eating the very delicious soup that he definitely would give a thumbs up. Soon, he quickly forgot about all the other thoughts.


    <noscript>


    </noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 6.1 - The first one

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 6.1 - The first one</h4>


    When Aelock first became pregnant with his first child, he wasn¡¯t surprised. His once-proud family had already fallen on hard times and had to sell their estate, the epitome of Teiwind¡¯s pride, after barely enduring a few years on their own. When he found out that the buyer was none other than Klopp, he didn¡¯t feel shocked or surprised; in fact, he thought his pregnancy was a good thing. After all, the father of his child was none other than Klopp Bandyke.


    It was quite unexpected, in a way. Even if he put aside his alpha status, he never imagined that Klopp would extend a hand to him, who had lost everything due to foolish judgment. While all his former ¡®friends¡¯ and ¡®rtives¡¯ ignored Aelock¡¯s desperate letters, Klopp came to him when he had nowhere to go after selling his estate to pay off his debts. He offered to let Aelock stay in the mansion.


    ¡°Is there anything that you¡¯re good at?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good at things involving literature, music, or art.¡±


    ¡°That means you¡¯re good at nothing.¡±


    Klopp had never looked at Aelock warmly, but that time, his eyes had looked very eerie, like a truly bloodthirsty predator. It was as if he knew something.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you can¡¯t do anything useful. I have something else to do for you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°When the timees, I¡¯ll let you know. Also, now that I¡¯m the owner of this house, and you¡¯re a guest of mine, please be careful with your words.¡±


    It was a fair demand, but it wasn¡¯t easy to be formal towards him immediately. After some hesitation, he replied, ¡°I understand that well.¡±


    Klopp really didn¡¯t ask him to do anything specific. Klopp was busy with various things, so he rarely stayed in the mansion. Klopp would leave early in the morning and returnte at night, when Aelock asionally encountered him in the hallway, Klopp would walk past him making a small sneer but still treating him with impable manners.


    At first, Aelock was very nervous and awkward facing Klopp. He wondered if Klopp might know something. However, Klopp only mocked the fall of the Teiwind family and didn¡¯t indicate any other motives. Considering his naturally aristocratic demeanor and the fact that everyone had a certain amount of pretense for the sake of maintaining their status, it was possible that he had no ulterior motives. Aelock, whose life was in utter despair, was so desperate that he could hardly suspect anyone. The days passed without anything happening.


    One day, Klopp who returned early, found Aelock in his study, lost in thought, reading his favorite ssic. He held out a rather full paper envelope.


    ¡°What is this item?¡±


    ¡°From now on, three times a day, two pills each. Take three capsules before bed.¡±


    ¡°Pills? But I¡¯ve not hurt anywhere.¡±


    He looked up at him in wonder. His eyes were cold, and he hadn¡¯t even removed his coat yet. He took off his gloves one by one before he turned to Aelock and mocked him.


    ¡°You fully know that you¡¯re in no position to say that, Count. Just eat them as I say.¡±


    Aelock frowned at the sarcasm and opened the envelope, finding the pile of white pills.


    ¡°Why, do they look like poison pills?¡±


    ¡°Do I have to answer that?¡±


    Heughed lightly. But his deep eyes still glowed with a fierce intensity that still gave him an eerie feeling. Seeing Aelock smile reflexively, Klopp exined in a light voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s a new drug from a pharmaceuticalpany I recently invested in. They say it¡¯s amazing at enhancing pheromones.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m the test subject.¡±


    ¡°Do you not want to?¡±


    Even if he didn¡¯t want to, he couldn¡¯t say yes to that. The pheromone pills sounded like some kind of tacky potion or erectile dysfunction treatment. Aelock would have preferred to test poison pills, but it was clear that Klopp had chosen these drugs on purpose. Human testing of such a crude drug could be done on anyone wandering around looking for a mate, like a dog in heat. Perhaps Klopp wanted to humiliate Aelock. Still holding the open book in hisp and the bag of pills, Aelock looked up at Klopp.


    Aelock tried to read if Klopp had any ulterior motives, but his expression remained unchanged. No one knew what had happened. Unless Aelock spoke anything about it, it would just be remembered as an unfortunate ident. In all honestly, that was the truth too.


    ¡°I understand. I will make sure to take them on time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thankful for that, and please keep me posted on the progress. Information is important for investment.¡±


    With a satisfied smile, Klopp left the study. Aelock grimaced at the mysterious pills before pushing them aside and browsing through the rest of the bookshelf.


    A few monthster, Aelock realized that the pills were extremely dangerous. Every night, his stomach hurt so much as if it were tearing apart, and his brain was spinning so much, making him dizzy. Even just taking the pills made him constantly nauseous, unable to swallow food, andter, he was even unable to properly vomit bile. He would get a fever, and he would groan and toss around all night. He would barely recover in the early morning hours, with a soaked body from sweat that required washing. Strong ck tea was all he could force down his throat during breakfast, brought to him by the old butler, who was the only remaining Count¡¯s servant and still served Aelock. He was losing weight rapidly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look well, my Count.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I haven¡¯t slept well. It¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Aelock replied to the concerned butler. He was a loyal servant, but he was also old and about to retire. Aelock didn¡¯t want to make him worry when he couldn¡¯t even provide him with a generous retirement.


    Another person who knew about Aelock¡¯s condition naturally inquired about him.


    ¡°My stomach hurts so much at night that I can¡¯t even sleep, and my head is dizzy. I also feel nauseous. Investing in such pills seems like a big loss in the future.¡±


    Aelock was almost sarcastic because of the irritation caused by his body aches andck of sleep. As if waiting for that response, Klopp lightly replied, ¡°It¡¯s absurd to get a lecture from the Count on investments. At least I haven¡¯t lost my home.¡±


    Unlike other things, talking about his estate made him feel offended. As Aelock¡¯s brow furrowed and stayed silent, Klopp chuckled lightly and added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, those symptoms were expected. You¡¯re adjusting well, so I think it¡¯s better for you to increase your dosage. Take three pills at a time and five before bed.¡±


    After giving that ¡°order¡±, Klopp left again. He said it wasn¡¯t poison, but maybe it was. Maybe he intended to slowly dry him up and kill him. Perhaps he might even know the truth. Aelock held his aching head and sighed. Later, he took three pills and had to lie in bed from the dizziness that made his vision spin since broad daylight.


    A few days into the dosage increase, he groaned and clutched his hurting lower abdomen as usual. When the sweat started to flow too much and soak the sheets, he had no choice but to get up despite his heavy body. He would have called for the maid in the past, but he couldn¡¯t now. Besides the butler, all the other employees were Klopp¡¯s men. He didn¡¯t want to entrust his body to strangers. Instead, he took the wet towel that the butler had brought into the room and wiped himself off.


    As he struggled to control his pounding head and lowered his legs under the bed to stand up, something hot trickled between his legs. He looked down in horror at the strange sensation of something unrecognizable running down his thighs and felt shivers down his spine. His light silk pajama pants were starting to get soaked red from top to bottom.


    ¡°What, what is this?¡±


    As Aelock trembled in shock and reached out to touch the bloody fluid, something surged out from his opening along with stabbing pain, and it flowed down to soak his ankles and the carpet below. It was full of blood.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t worry. Count, you will be fine soon.¡±


    ¡°I have served the Count since he was born. Sir Aelock has never bled before. We need to call a doctor.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything unnecessary, Butler. In my house, you follow my orders.¡±


    ¡°I am the Count¡¯s butler.¡±


    ¡°This ce isn¡¯t owned by the Count anymore. Don¡¯t be mistaken.¡±


    Aelock was still feeling too disoriented to open his eyes properly. The usually calm butler, in a rare burst of agitation, protested against the new owner of the house and was eventually dismissed. A few momentster, Aelock could barely open his eyes and saw Klopp with a faint smile.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gained consciousness.¡±


    ¡°What was that drug?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You don¡¯t have to take them anymore in the future. I actually didn¡¯t expect you to listen to me so well. Is it because of your constitution?¡±


    Although Aelock wanted to retort, he didn¡¯t have the energy, so he closed his eyes again and held it in. It was a clear sign that he didn¡¯t want any more confrontation. But Klopp continued to pace around the bed, seemingly unwilling to leave. His sensitive nerves were getting irritated, thus Aelock opened his eyes again and red at Klopp with all the strength he could muster.


    ¡°I¡¯d like for you to leave.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave for today. There will be a lot for you to do in the future, so you can rest for now.¡±


    Klopp told him to rest with a smirk on his face, but it was annoying that he was actually interrupting his rest. Aelock furrowed his brow, closed his eyes again, and turned his body away. However, Klopp stayed there for a while longer before finally leaving the room when Aelock¡¯s exhausted mind began to blur.


    The next morning, Aelock still had a mild fever and painful bloody discharge, but he was in much better condition. He sat on the bed and waited for breakfast. Unlike usual, the breakfast was brought by a housekeeper he wasn¡¯t familiar with. She said her name was Martha.


    When Klopp entered the estate, he brought in a middle-aged female omega who greeted Aelock dryly and put the breakfast tray on the table instead of the bed. Aelock asked her to bring it over, but she ignored him. He was infuriated by her rude behavior, given their clear status difference even if she was a maid who served a separate master. It was not right to vent his anger on someone else¡¯s poorly-educated servant. He would clearly convey her rudeness to her owner.


    Aelock got up from the bed and carefully moved his wobbly legs to sit on the chair. She didn¡¯t even bother to make tea and was about to leave. He wondered where the butler was and why he had to be treated like this.


    ¡°Where is the butler?¡±


    ¡°He has been dismissed early this dawn.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Aelock was surprised and inadvertently raised his voice. Martha, who was about to leave the ce, was filled with a strong sense of disgust as she red at Aelock and said, ¡°That was expected. The master has no wage to give to the servant.¡±


    As soon as the long ck skirt went through the door, it was immediately closed. Aelock silently looked down at the cold teacup. He had just truly be an orphan.


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 6.2 - The first one

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 6.2 - The first one</h4>


    His body recovered quickly after he stopped taking the drug, but he still had fevers every night, which might be due to stress too. Aelock was frantic, and his pajamas were ufortably wet when he woke up in the morning. He didn¡¯t know what that drug was, but it had a very unpleasant after-effect. As the fever subsided and the sweating decreased, a slippery substance was constantly secreted from his anus. It was like Omega¡¯s slick.


    Aelock had to bite his lip in embarrassment when he looked at his wet pajama pants every morning, it was as if he had a leak. Especially when Martha, with her white and round face, sneered as she picked up the pajamas. It was unbearable, but he pretended not to notice.


    When he protested against the unteral dismissal of the butler, Klopp said, ¡°I don¡¯t need a uselessly expensive butler in my house.¡± That was all he said.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you at least have waited until you notify me first to let me write him a rmendation?¡±


    ¡°A rmendation from a fallen family would only be a hindrance.¡±


    That was Klopp¡¯s reply when Aelock staggered to find him in the study. He found him sitting behind a desk that was like an heirloom passed down from generation to generation by the Count of Teiwind. His attitude had nowpletely changed to arrogant. Aelock didn¡¯t know what was making Klopp like this. However, every time he faced Klopp¡¯s domineering posture and entrapping gaze, his heartbeat and breathing became faster. Along with that, the after-effects also became even worse. Tired of the feeling of wetness in his pants, Aelock couldn¡¯t protest anymore and turned away.


    ¡°How is your body recently? Are you still having fevers?¡±


    ¡°There is no problem.¡±


    As he hurriedly walked away, the heat continued to leak out of him. It was very unpleasant and embarrassing at the same time. He didn¡¯t want anyone else to find out, and even if anyone did, he hoped it wasn¡¯t this guy.


    Just as he was about to turn the doorknob, Klopp suddenly stood right behind him and put his hand on Aelock¡¯s shoulder. Surprised, he turned his body and violently swatted his hand away. The swinging hand identally grazed Klopp¡¯s firm jaw. Klopp also looked surprised and stared at Aelock, eyes wide.


    ¡°¡­I apologize. I didn¡¯t mean to do that on purpose.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very sensitive these days. Like an omega in heat. I¡¯ve felt it before, but even your scent seems to have changed.¡±


    Already in a state of sensitive nerves due to his abnormal body, Aelock could only retaliate with sarcasm, giving him a fierce re.


    ¡°It¡¯s such a delusion to think I resemble him. It¡¯s so pathetic that it makes me tear up.¡±


    At that moment, arge hand twisted Aelock¡¯s neck. His blue eyes, shaking from earlier, rxed their tension in shock. Into the dting pupils, there was the piercing razor-sharp gaze of an enraged alpha, ready to kill at a moment¡¯s notice.


    ¡°If you dare to speak recklessly with your mouth, I¡¯ll have to sew your pretty lips using a needle stitch by stitch. It¡¯s better for you to be careful.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you hate me so much, but if you¡¯re being like this, it might be better for you to kick me out of here.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go away that easily, Aelock Teiwind. There¡¯s a price that you need to pay for me.¡±


    His heart sank. It was clear that Klopp knew about it. But how?


    ¡°I would kill you right now, but then it would only give you a peaceful rest. You have to suffer like me too. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    A voice as cold as a winter snowstorm striked Aelock¡¯s ears. He felt his blood freeze. When he looked up at the man with horror in his eyes, the man added emotionlessly with augh, as if he were a reaper holding a giant scythe to harvest his life, ¡°I was going to give you a few more days off, but now I won¡¯t. You should learn to keep your mouth shut in the future.¡±


    He let go of Aelock¡¯s neck and pushed him away. As Aelock hit the door from the gust of wind, he watched the man¡¯s back as he walked back to his desk, saying, ¡°I¡¯lle to find you tonight.¡± Aelock couldn¡¯t help but wonder why tonight, as slick from his anus trickled down to his ankles.


    Aelock left the study, then he clutched his numb head in his hands. Something had gone terribly wrong. His body felt strangely aroused, and Klopp¡¯s voice echoed in his ears. This couldn¡¯t be happening. There couldn¡¯t be such a drug. It must be just the nasty side effects of some crude drugs. There was just no way. And more than anything, Klopp, of all people? He was thinking too much. Maybe he woulde to give him another drug or to mock him. After how he had been treated earlier, Klopp might even try to hit him. Yes, that¡¯s it. That¡¯s probably what he¡¯ll do.


    Aelock clutched his stomach, feeling sleepy, and headed for his room.


    Aelock¡¯s expectations were half correct and half wrong. When Klopp showed upte at night and saw Aelock, who couldn¡¯t sleep from being nervous, he violently pushed him onto the bed. When Aelock tried to resist, Klopp pped him. Aelock¡¯s pale-white noble skin, which had never been touched by any bruises before, was now marked with a hand-shaped bruise from just one p.


    Horrified, Aelock stared nkly at the man who was climbing on top of him, one hand holding his burning cheek. Klopp¡¯s cold, rake-like hands had already ripped off Aelock¡¯s half-soaked pajama pants as if to tear them off. Repeatedly surprised, Aelock stammered, ¡°What are you doing?¡±, like a fool. Klopp deftly spread Aelock¡¯s pale legs, which he was trying to close. Klopp was holding them down with his knees and easily grabbed the two arms that were trying to push him away. Hisrge hands grabbed both wrists at once and pinned them above Aelock¡¯s head. Then he began to untie the waistband with his other hand. Aelock couldn¡¯t stay silent.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m an alpha.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say this is the trend?¡±


    ¡°B-but, you refused me then.¡±


    ¡°At that time, I had a family to protect, and now that I don¡¯t have a wife, there¡¯s no need for me to maintain fidelity.¡±


    ¡°Then find another omega!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I came to you.¡±


    The moment Aelock looked at him, who had a sneer on his face, his mind went dark.


    ¡°You said¡­ it was a drug for¡­ pheromone enhancement¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s for pheromone enhancement. But, only for omega pheromones.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. There¡¯s no way that could happen.¡±


    Klopp knew that if Aelock was too surprised, he would lose his will to resist. Aelock¡¯s body went limp, unable to even scream, and only mumbled quietly. Klopp¡¯s response was a cold sneer.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have just focused on noble hobbies like literature or art, you should have also paid attention to thetest scientific advances. Living like an outdated person, you¡¯ll eventually be a fossil, Count.¡±


    ¡°Why on earth would you do that to me¡­?¡±


    As Klopp was done undoing his belt and pants, he abruptly stopped and looked down at the person lying beneath him, who used to be an alpha and was now an omega. Then he grasped Aelock¡¯s neck with a powerful grip like he could tear it straight away.


    ¡°You took my wife and child away from me. You should return them to me, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    The extremely painful voice weakened enough to the point where he had to pause once in the middle. At the same time, Aelock¡¯s heart also sank deep.


    He knew it. He knew everything. And he intended to take revenge on Aelock. In the most pitiful and miserable way. In the cruelest way possible for Aelock, who had only looked at Klopp until now.


    read the nsfw content here


    After all the things he had been through, it wasn¡¯t such a surprise when he found out about he was pregnant. He calmly epted the fact. Atoning for an irreversible sin is not easy. Aelock was grateful for the opportunity that Klopp had given him. It also gave Arok hope of regaining what he had lost.


    If the child was born safely, he would be Klopp¡¯s eldest child. If he was born as an alpha, he would be the heir to the rising noble family of Bandyke. Currently, Bandyke had absorbed almost all of Teiwind¡¯s wealth. In a way, Teiwind had now belonged to Bandyke. And the rightful heir of Teiwind is also the rightful heir of Bandyke. Although the surname would change, considering all the things that Aelock had done, it would be fortunate if Teiwind became a middle name.


    After giving birth, he wanted to bring back the butler who was kicked out without saying goodbye. The Teiwind bloodline needed a butler who understood their elegant traditions, not a crude and ignorant housekeeper. Sitting at a table in the garden where the rich scent of the flowers wafted through the tattered petals, enjoying the sunshine, he touched his yet-to-be-bloated belly and smiled a little.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    No matter how many children he had, the opportunity to find the butler would nevere. It was toote now, and he was in no situation to find him. Seeing the skinny Aelock, making a dry smile while dressed in rags that were a constant reminder of his sins, would only give a big shock to the housekeeper who practically raised him.


    Sometimes, he thought of the butler because he wanted to show him the angels he had given birth to. But there was no point in showing off his children to the butler when Aelock himself couldn¡¯t even see their faces. Aelock stroked his belly, obscurely believing that his third child was doing well inside.


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 7.1 - I know and, I know

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 7.1 - I know and, I know</h4>


    Regardless of the situation, Aelock was currently raising Klopp¡¯s first child in his belly. It wasn¡¯t something to go out and brag about, but he also didn¡¯t think he needed to cower and hide about it. He also didn¡¯t have any acquaintances who would reach out to him to socialize now.


    The alpha¡¯s attitude changed a bit now that he knew his omega was pregnant. He didn¡¯t hit Aelock and checked once a day to make sure he was safe.


    ¡°You¡¯re a littlete today.¡±


    ¡°Ah, there were a lot of people rushing to me. There are quite a few people these days who are losing money on foolish investments,¡± Klopp said as he handed his coat, hat, and gloves to Martha.


    Aelock was sitting in the living room, reading a book with a nket on hisp. He didn¡¯t have anything else to do, so he decided that he wanted to do a bit of prenatal care for the child. Right now, he was engrossed in reading the works of ancient philosophers. Getting immersed in the ssics that required a few minutes per line to ponder, time passed quickly, and above all, his heart felt at ease.


    At first, he would y the piano or violin at the music hall, but now his belly had grown too big, and he couldn¡¯t sit at the piano or stand for too long because his legs hurt. There was a piece that he wanted to hear, but it didn¡¯t seem like Klopp would allow him to go out, and Klopp didn¡¯t seem willing to invite a performer too, so Aelock just held it back.


    ¡°How was your day?¡±


    Just as Aelock wanted to speak up after flipping his book, Martha, who was putting away Klopp¡¯s coat, spoke first.


    ¡°He had been eating well and exercising. The baby is growing well. Other than that, he spent the whole day sitting and reading.¡±


    ¡°The baby must be smart.¡±


    As they exchanged conversation as if gossiping about themselves, Aelock nced at them with a stern expression before returning his gaze to his book. Aelock thought Klopp would leave soon, but instead, he sat down on the couch across from him.


    ¡°What are you reading?¡±


    ¡°<Forms of Crimes>.¡±


    Of all books, why did he pick this one today? And why did Klopp ask something he usually wouldn¡¯t? Aelock didn¡¯t deliberately avoid eye contact, but he didn¡¯t think he needed to see the other man¡¯s sneer. As he was in the middle of reading a book.


    ¡°What does the book say? What form of sin is it when a pervert who lusts after the same alpha instigates a pregnant omega to his death?¡±


    The fingers gripping the book became white with tension. The pages he was about to turn creaked.


    ¡°The crimes discussed in this book are not rted to actual criminalw, but rather philosophical and moral sins that should not bemitted as social leaders.¡±


    ¡°I see. That¡¯s why you couldmit such a sin without a conscience. You¡¯ve never been taught about it. Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to read <Human Justice> before reading that? It would teach you the basics that you need to have as a human being.¡±


    Hearing those words, Aelock raised his eyes and looked at Klopp. His tone was sarcastic, but his expression was serious. He was tired of the hatred and condemnation pouring out without the slightest pretense. Aelock sighed softly and closed his book.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take note of that.¡±


    He stood up, leaving to sleep first. And Klopp did not stop him.


    The usual bedtime routine done by the butler was now taken over by Martha, who had a displeased face. She was Klopp¡¯s right-hand woman, in charge of everything in the estate, where there was no butler.


    ¡°I wish I could have some warm tea before bed.¡±


    ¡°Tea is not good for the baby.¡±


    ¡°It is not good for the baby either if the expecting mother is unhappy.¡±


    At those words, Martha, who was tidying the bed, red at him fiercely. She quickly approached and roughly took off Aelock¡¯s clothes and dressed him in a white nightgown. Her hands were rough like a stern nanny dealing with a naughty child. She forcibly pushed Aelock onto the bed. Being forcefully pushed to the bed, he tried to reach for a book that he hadn¡¯t finished reading on the table, but Martha hit the back of his hand painfully.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t allow you to stay up anyter than this. Sleep is essential for the baby¡¯s growth.¡±


    He was an adult and of higher status than her, and on top of that, he was pregnant with her master¡¯s child. He felt offended by her harsh words.


    ¡°Even as Klopp¡¯s housekeeper, you¡¯re being out of line. Is your master aware of your rudeness?¡±


    He didn¡¯t like to directly say he dislike a servant, but he had no choice since Martha was unmanageable. Despite Aelock¡¯s scolding, she continued to spit harsh words.


    ¡°My master is probably unaware of it, as he is rotting in the ground with his unborn child. So don¡¯t try to act like you¡¯re my master under the excuse of your petty pregnancy.¡±


    Oh. Martha was probably Rayfiel¡¯s servant. Now he understood why the middle-aged omega was so ferocious. She would probably be this mean to Aelock for the rest of her life. Martha turned off the light and left without asked.


    He couldn¡¯t sleep, so hey in the dark room and stared nkly at the dark ceiling. Aelock decided that he would have to send her away when he gave birth. No matter what, the servant of his deceased ex-wife would not be good for the baby¡¯s emotional development. He wrapped his round belly and closed his eyes, thinking about how to persuade Klopp for the baby.


    Martha, who had revealed her true colors, often made Aelock miserable. At first, he wanted to let it go, butter, she crossed the line too much. She made him eat all the leftover meal that didn¡¯t suit Aelock¡¯s taste.


    ¡°Some people can¡¯t eat this, even if they want to. If you don¡¯t finish everything, I will inform the master.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like fish. Give it to someone else who wants to eat it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you to eat it for the child, not for yourself. It¡¯s a generational tradition from the paternal side of the family to have the pregnant woman eat fish.¡±


    As soon as he heard the word ¡°you,¡± Aelock raised his head and red at Martha. He couldn¡¯t hear the rest of her words because of the shocking vocabry. No matter how low he had fallen, amoner shouldn¡¯t use suchnguage toward a noble. Aelock couldn¡¯t bear the rising anger and shame, and he spoke in a stern voice with a slightly reddened face.


    ¡°Once I give birth to my child, I¡¯ll kick you out.¡±


    Martha snorted at those words.


    ¡°Who¡¯s talking about whom?¡±


    ¡°As the biological mother of the child who will inherit the Viscount estate, I can no longer tolerate your rudeness.¡±


    ¡°Then do you think one can tolerate a pathetic, selfish person who killed a kind master and his baby, yet stillins about food?¡±


    The frank reproach stung him. Aelock¡¯s mouth hung open. For a moment, he was stunned by her unsophisticated and crudenguage. Aelock let out his anger which rarely happened.


    ¡°Get out right away. Your vulgarnguage is rotting my ears!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to breathe the same air as something who¡¯s not even human too.¡±


    She cursed until the end, and Aelock¡¯s hands on the chair trembled due to the shock. He couldn¡¯t bear the sudden rush of fatigue and went to bed early. Late at night, he heard the voices of Klopp and Martha through the crack of the door. Aelock covered his ears with his hands.


    From the next day on, fish was added to all his meals.


    ¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s fish.¡±


    A piece of smoked red-fleshed fish fillet came in the grocery basket in front of the cabin today. It was nicely trimmed for eating, seasoned with bay leaves and whole peppercorns, and wrapped in clean paper. Judging by the skillful work, it was probably done by Martha.


    Fish was always the hardest food to get on the street. Even though he had eaten fish countless times before, he couldn¡¯t remember what it tasted like. He thought for a moment about what to do with it, then he unwrapped it and put it in a rustic pot, then he threw it into the fire pit, which was still burning. It was fish, so he figured he could just roast it.


    Soon a delicious aroma wafted through the air, and without realizing it, his mouth watered. He opened the hot pot to reveal juicy and delicious roasted meat. Aelock picked up his fork and took a piece of perfectly cooked meat. Carefully putting it in his mouth, the meat melted on the tip of his tongue. Suddenly, he was overwhelmed with hunger.


    ¡°It¡¯s delicious. Don¡¯t you think so too?¡±


    As if answering his question, the baby in his stomach gave a weak kick in response. Laughter burst out of him. It seemed like the father¡¯s love for fish was gically passed to the baby. Yielding to the baby¡¯s urging a few more times, Aelock happily tore into the hot flesh, blowing on it to cool it down.


    After eating fish for the first time in a long time, he felt drowsy after the full meal. The baby seemed satisfied and slept without any more movements. He hadn¡¯t seen Klopp yet today, so he tried to wait it out, but his heavy eyelids kept closing, and darkness crept in. Unable to hold out any longer, Aelock ended up sitting at the foot of the bed, only his upper body resting on the bed, and fell deeply asleep.


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 7.2 - I know and, I know

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 7.2 - I know and, I know</h4>


    The firstbor was full of dread. Aelock couldn¡¯t lie in bed and clung to the couch cushion like a castaway clinging to a single rotting nk in the open sea. He buried his face in the fluffy cotton, screaming his whole life¡¯s portion of screams.


    ¡°Endure it! Just what is so painful!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t even hear the harsh voice. Aelock¡¯s mind was hazy, he felt like his lower body was being ripped apart, and he wished someone would cut him open with a knife right away. Soon, the doctor came in. Tears pooled in his eyes, but he didn¡¯t shed any. Instead, his cold sweat, runny nose, and drool made a mess on his face.


    ¡°The cervix is still far from opening.¡±


    ¡°It hurts so much. Please¡­please save me.¡±


    Aelock didn¡¯t care about his pride and begged the doctor. The doctor raised his damp sleeves and awkwardlyughed.


    ¡°Huh, you can¡¯t be acting like you¡¯re dying when it¡¯s only this much. It will hurt many times worse when the pelvis starts to contract properlyter.¡±


    ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°Please endure it. As it¡¯s your firstbor, it¡¯s going to take a lot of time. Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale like this. It¡¯ll be tough because your pelvis is small.¡±


    The doctor¡¯s deep breathing method helped a little but then came the intense pain, and Aelock screamed at the top of his lungs, tearing at the cushion, not even able to breathe.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why he had to suffer such pain. He was an alpha. He used to be an alpha. Why did he have to be an omega and writhe in pain like his body was torn in half?


    Guilt and atonement were nothing in the face of excruciating pain. He just felt resentful. He was extremely resentful of the man outside the door who was watching this way and having a serious conversation with the doctor. He knew exactly what Klopp¡¯s intentions of impregnating him were.


    Upon seeing the fake worried expression on his face that he put on in front of the doctor, Aelock gritted his teeth so hard that his jaw trembled. He didn¡¯t want to show tears here. Enduring this much pain was enough. He didn¡¯t want to increase the other person¡¯s satisfaction by shedding useless and sentimental tears.


    ¡°Aaaack. Ugh. Uh.¡±


    He exhaled deeply, burying his face in the already damp cushion.


    Aelock had been inbor all morning and had finally given birth to a baby boy at sunset. He was so exhausted that he couldn¡¯t even blink, holding onto the torn cushion while breathing shallowly. In the midst of that, he heard Klopp¡¯s voice in his ringing ears.


    ¡°The baby boy is an omega with blonde hair.¡±


    ¡°Congrattions, Viscount.¡±


    ¡°Martha, take the baby to the room.¡±


    Where are they taking him? Show him to me. I spent nine months growing and giving birth to the baby while breaking my pelvis.


    Aelock screamed, but no one seemed to hear him.


    In his blurred vision, a tall man appeared.


    ¡°He¡¯s not dead, right?¡±


    ¡°He was just exhausted. He did lose a lot of blood, but it¡¯s nothing dangerous. However, since his body went through a lot of stress, I would rmend that you use contraception in the future.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    The doctor didn¡¯t argue anymore after he was cut off.


    Other people soon came and lifted the copsed Aelock and took him somewhere. He couldn¡¯t remember much because he passed out on the way. But when he opened his eyes again, feeling like his body was going to break apart, he was in a shabby cabin that he had never seen before. Aelock couldn¡¯t understand what was going on and thought it was a dream. Then he lost consciousness again. The beginning of a brutal reality set in as he fell into a deep sleep, true vengeance awaited him.


    At first, he couldn¡¯t believe it. How could they confine an omega who had just given birth to his child in such a filthy, barren ce? It was a dusty room full of dirty wooden beds, where no light could even enter.


    Aelock, still unable to walk properly, dragged his aching body out of the cabin. He could see the estate in the distance. He walked, wrapping his still-strong belly with one hand and supporting himself with a tree branch or anything he could grab with the other. asionally, something hot trickled between his legs, and he knew it was blood without looking at it. He walked barefoot without shoes, stepping on the thorny, painful gravel until he reached the rose garden. From here, he thought Klopp would be able to see him.


    In the distance, through the bright window, he could see Martha holding a baby wrapped in a longce. Her face was beaming with joy as if the baby were her own grandson. Next to her, Klopp smiled softly while looking down at the newborn baby. Then, he looked up and met Aelock¡¯s eyes. His gentle smile disappeared, and a cold sneer appeared on his face. He opened therge window that also served as a balcony and stepped, soon facing Aelock.


    ¡°Can you walk already? Oh my, you¡¯re bleeding.¡±


    ¡°It hurts. And I¡¯m cold.¡±


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s because you¡¯re walking around in those thin clothes. If you¡¯re cold, go back and light a fire. If it hurts, take the painkillers I brought.¡±


    Even a stranger wouldn¡¯t act so indifferent. Unable to support his trembling knees, Aelock grabbed Klopp¡¯s arm wrapped in an expensive shirt. He grunted a little, but instead of pushing him away, Klopp supported his elbow with his hand.


    ¡°Why do I have to be there? What about the baby?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the baby. And now, that ce is yours. If you don¡¯t like it, you can leave.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t understand what Klopp was saying. No, he didn¡¯t want to understand. Aelock held onto the shirt he had in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ve given birth to your child.¡±


    ¡°You returned one of the things you took from me. Still, my first child that I lost won¡¯te back.¡±


    ¡°You asked to have your wife and child returned to you. So¡­¡±


    The dark brown eyes looked down at Aelock with an emotionless gaze.


    ¡°So what? Are you saying you want to y the role of my wife now that you¡¯ve given birth to my child?¡±


    Ah. At that moment, Aelock didn¡¯t know how to react. He wasn¡¯t offering to be a recement for Rayfiel. He simply thought that, as the biological mother of the child, he had the responsibility and authority to take care of the child.


    ¡°I¡¯ll raise the child well on my own, so don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t n on raising him to be a criminal who would shamelessly walk around even aftermitting crimes.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you that you can leave if you don¡¯t like it. I hope you don¡¯t show up in front of the estate in that filthy state again in the future. What was it again? Ah, it damages the reputation of a nobleman to have neglected acquaintances. I have to be more careful of my reputation now, so will you help me with that? I¡¯ll send the fish prepared for you so you won¡¯t hurt your fingers.¡±


    Looking at the cruel man who only chose the most hurtful words even without any profanities, Aelock felt the world plunge into darkness. And everything sank down, and further down.


    Was this revenge? Had he been keeping his head down and waiting for this opportunity all this time? So that he would wander forever in this dark abyss. He lost his property, his family, his people, and his child too. He was only left with himself. If he had his everything taken away, he would have rather lived in eternal oblivion. Because Aelock didn¡¯t receive that final thing, it was even more cruel revenge. Lying on the hard bed that only hurt his body, Aelock decided to give up on his final moments.


    He ate nothing and drank nothing. He didn¡¯t have the strength nor the will to do so. No one came to visit him in this quiet cabin. It would be a lonely death. But the silence even masked that loneliness. As there was truly nothing left, peace came easily. Besides, his body, which had lost all its will to live, quickly withered.


    A day, two days. Although it didn¡¯t seem like much time had passed, he could feel his breathing bing weaker and his heartbeat slowing down. He had already given up on his sight, but his hearing, which was functioning on its own, gradually lost strength and brought silence. To just disappear like this felt like the most appropriate ending.


    Aelock felt his life evaporating until thest drop dried up, and then he felt his body rising up. He read before in the testimony of a certain preacher, called


    , that death wasparable to a gust of wind. People would float like bubbles, pushed by the breath of God, through bright skies or deep underground, until they reach their final destination, be it a shining sky or a dark underground. That¡¯s right, he was floating right now. But why was it so warm? The preacher did not leave any record of death being warm.


    In his blurry vision, he saw a grim reaper carrying dearly the dirty soul with his two arms. He had dark auburn hair and a tough-looking face, with unwavering eyes that could pierce through a person. Some called the grim reaper a terrifying god, but at least to Aelock, he was a very kind and gentle god. That¡¯s why the god appeared in that guy¡¯s appearance at the end. If he was indeed the grim reaper, Aelock could tell him all the things that he wanted to say. Aelock moved his arm, which he couldn¡¯t feel properly, and embraced the grim reaper¡¯s neck. Then he buried his nose in his strong shoulder and smelled his scent.


    Klopp.


    I¡¯ve always thought of you as my alpha. I had been through a lot of pain and suffering, but I was d to be your omega. You wouldn¡¯t like for me to end it like this. There was no helping it since it was the price I had to pay for my foolishness. If there was a next time, then that time, I would¡­


    ¡°There won¡¯t be a next time. Your sin is too great to just die like this.¡±


    The grim reaper¡¯s voice was so cold that it could freeze the air. Even until the very end, his heart remained cold.


    ¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Aelock gasped for breath and opened his eyes. Just moments ago, he was dying alone after giving birth to a child. He quickly put his hand on his belly. He felt somethingrge and taut. As he looked up through the open window, he saw a sliver of blue sky. It was still a bright afternoon.


    Ah, it seemed like he had been dreaming. He had probably dreamed such a nightmare because of his lying position on the bed. Aelock gathered his cramped joints and lightly patted them with his fist.


    Every time he gave birth, he would remember the pain of the first time. At that time, he was healthier than now, but his belly had ached more. And the despair was greater because he had hope. Enough that he even attempted suicide. He feared most of what would happen after that. Klopp never forgave him for trying to die so easily. Even after that, he tried to die once again but he was always saved by Klopp. It would be useless to try again now, and he didn¡¯t even want to die anymore.


    If he continued to sit on the floor like this, it might make his water break at the wrong time. To change his mood, he got up and went out of the cabin. He could see the rose garden and the mansion. Aelock smiled and was thankful for the unchanging scenery.


    He recalled thest words of the preacher, who said that only by abandoning many things can one find the way to paradise. This ce was no longer the abyss. The person currently here was not Count Teiwind, but Aelock. Klopp¡¯s omega. With his light body that didn¡¯t have anything, he was already carried by the breeze to paradise. The time he spent with his baby waiting for his alpha toe was full of delight.


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    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 8.1 - Blue blooded

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 8.1 - Blue blooded</h4>


    This time, Aelock would really have nowhere to go if he got abandoned again. He tried not to be arrogant like he was during his second pregnancy. He didn¡¯tsh out at the servants who brought him meals, nor did he starve himself. He tried to live quietly and obediently as much as he could.


    But it wasn¡¯t easy at all to do things he had never done before in his life. He cut his fingers too many times while peeling potatoes, so the soup ended up boiling with his blood. He tore his clothes to shreds while doingundry. It took him all day to light the fire pit in the kitchen, and sometimes he bumped his head while cleaning and got a bruise. Nevertheless, he still managed to do it.


    Klopp came once a day. He looked around the cabin without saying any words and checked if Aelock was okay. While Klopp was checking if the omega he owned stayed safe overnight, Aelock was too nervous to say anything and just stood there observing Klopp too.


    Klopp always looked like a hero from Northern mythology. He looked like an intellect in his reserved clothing but still looked strong like an alpha, and he could embrace him passionately when he went into heat. After everything that happened, sometimes Aelock would get scared and sad, but he was still happy. Sometimes when their eyes met, Aelock awkwardly smiled. Then Klopp frowned as if he was offended and red at him.


    ¡°You really have no self-esteem¡­.¡±


    Aelock already knew what Klopp was going to call him without hearing it. There was a time when Aelock was full of jealousy that he outrightly insulted Klopp, saying that if he had no self-esteem, he was not human but a bug. There was the time when Aelock had tried to berate his beloved wife, and Klopp, who was his fianc¨¦ then, had stepped in, so Aelock had berated him instead.


    Klopp remembered all of that. He must have a really good memory.


    Aelock just smiled.


    read the nsfw content here


    Aelock woke upte the next day and looked at his unsurprising empty side. He had opened his eyes a while ago but hadn¡¯t gotten up, so he brushed off the crumpled sheet under his heavy weight. Pregnancy was not bad. In fact, it was good because Klopp woulde often. But on the other hand, he was afraid. Giving birth always hurt, and he had to let go of the baby without even saying goodbye. He tightly hugged the nket, which still had the alpha¡¯s residual scent, and took a deep breath.


    After a while, he got up from the bed. He was so hungry that the baby was probably upset and kicked his belly loudly.


    ¡°Wait a little bit. You need to have some patience.¡±


    There would probably be two roasted potatoes left fromst night. He should eat them before they go bad.


    As he tried to stand up with both legs, he fell back down under the bed. His legs gave out, there wasn¡¯t any strength left in them. Hended on his buttocks painfully, and his belly hurt too. The baby must have been surprised too, the kicking stopped. Aelock groaned and stood up again.


    At that moment, something hot ran between his thighs. His face became red at the sight of the slightly bloody, sticky substance. He could smell the alpha¡¯s scent mixed with his own scent through the pungent smell. He wiped between his legs with an old cloth that served as a towel, rubbing his suddenly flushed face. Then he started eating the potatoes he took out of the fire pit.


    ¡°They taste really good today. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    The child moved in a hectic as if responding to the question. Aelockughed out loud without realizing it.


    He washed with water drawn from the manual pump. It was regretful to lose Klopp¡¯s scent, but if he didn¡¯t wash up, his stomach would hurtter. After washing, he suddenly felt tired and feverish from the remaining effects of his heat, so he climbed into the bed andy down. Klopp¡¯s scent still lingered on the sheets. Aelock felt lucky. With his cheek lightly resting on the sheet, he closed his eyes and fell asleep. As the pregnancy progressed, he only felt an increase in fatigue and sleepiness.


    When Klopp dropped by unannounced, Aelock mentioned this fact to him. That his body felt strangely heavy and he kept falling asleep. Even when he had been through enough pregnancies previously, this time felt a bit abnormal, he said with a slightugh. It was just something he said to dispel the awkward atmosphere that had arisen from their previous intercourse, but it didn¡¯t seem to work. Klopp looked at him with a twisted voice, and Aelock felt embarrassed. Klopp looked his way without much response.


    ¡°What do you want this time, Count?¡±


    Klopp asked with a twisted voice, making Aelock feel embarrassed. He felt like he was acting out again. He quickly shook his head, fearing that he would receive another chastise that began with ¡®You really dare to not know your ce.¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything. I just wanted to mention it. I¡¯m satisfied now as it is.¡±


    His dark auburn eyes flickered with interest, but when Aelock smiled, they quickly turned into displeasure. He despised Aelock¡¯s smile so much. But Aelock always unconsciously smiled, and the air always became cold. It just couldn¡¯t be helped.


    asionally, Klopp would stare at him absentmindedly. But he didn¡¯t say anything. When he looked at him like that, Aelock didn¡¯t know how he should respond, so he just sat still with a thin smile, staring back at him.


    Sometimes, almost imperceptible, Klopp would return a momentary smile. When that happened, Aelock felt his heart pounding. His fingertips trembled, so he deliberately grabbed the hem of his shirt and crumpled it. He wanted to keep looking at that smile, but he didn¡¯t want Klopp to notice his blushing cheeks, so he deliberately turned his head away.


    ¡°I am the one who feels ufortable.¡±


    Klopp stood up, leaving iprehensible words behind, and left without further actions. He could have stayed a little longer.


    Left alone, Aelock found himself wondering what to do in the center of the cabin that had suddenly turned into winter. He wiggled his frozen toes for a bit, then stood up and walked aimlessly around the empty space. He grabbed a potato on the table and put it down, then wiped the back of an empty chair that Klopp had forgotten to push back in ce. And he caught a glimpse of himself in the dusty mirror hanging on the wall.


    His unruly hair had grown quite long. The hair that he had cut short when hest came back to the cabin was now long enough to reach his shoulders. His once golden and lustrous hair was now dull and ugly. As he nced at his face, he noticed that his cheeks had sunken in, and his eyes had lost their sparkle. Aelock smiled faintly without any hint of arrogance. He felt awkward looking at his own reflection, but he also felt somewhat familiar with it. After a while, he realized who the person in the mirror looked like.


    <i>Ah. That smile Klopp made wasn¡¯t directed at me.</i>


    His chest ached.


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 8.2 - Blue blooded

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 8.2 - Blue blooded</h4>


    Time passed and it was time to give birth to his third child. The midwife who had helped with the previousbors came. Unlike the first two, this baby was delivered in the cabin. The pain was so unbearable, it made him feel like he was going to die. The midwife immediately cut the umbilical cord and wrapped the baby in a soft cloth even before the baby could let out the first cry.


    Aelock had gotten used to it by now in his third pregnancy, he just watched the baby with his tired body. The midwife handed the baby to his father who was waiting outside.


    This was their third child and the second omega child. The baby was also Klopp¡¯s first daughter. Klopp was ecstatic and smiled in joy. Aelock looked at the baby with his numb body and found himself smiling unconsciously looking at the scene. Klopp, who had left a soft kiss on the small, round, and red baby head, turned his head towards Aelock. Klopp smiled a little wider when he saw Aelock¡¯s crinkled smile, which was now familiar to him that it felt almost weing.


    ¡°Good work.¡±


    Aelock¡¯s eyes blinked. The greeting was so unexpected that he wanted to react more enthusiastically, but his body wouldn¡¯t listen. In the blink of an eye, Klopp¡¯s eyes darted in Aelock¡¯s direction before he turned back and took the baby away.


    Aelock hadn¡¯t expected to be able to see the baby anyway, but he still felt sad every time he watched Klopp¡¯s back walking away. Omega son, Alpha son, and Omega daughter. Aelock already had three children, but he never knew their names.


    Even if it¡¯s a fallen family, it would be nice to give at least one of them the middle name of ¡°Teiwind.¡± But that probably wouldn¡¯t happen.


    Aelock closed his eyes, fatigued.


    Unlike before, the midwife at least showed some sincerity this time by changing the dirty sheets. With the help of the rather not-gentle midwife, Aelock had a wash andy down in bed. Painkillers and water were ced next to his bedside. It wasn¡¯t like this before, but now, he couldn¡¯t endure the pain without taking the medicine.


    The midwife roughly cleared the messy floor and left without saying any greeting. After that, Aelock was left alone, overwhelmed and trembling with anxiety. He was afraid that when he opened his eyes again, he would see the cold stone floor. His eyelids were dropping, but he couldn¡¯t stop himself from opening his eyes again and again.


    Grunting, Aelock soon lost his focus and passed out. After some time, when he realized that he was sleeping, he was startled and opened his eyes in surprise. He let out a deep relief when he saw the familiar cabin ceiling. For a moment, he felt he was about to cry, but it only reached his throat and subsided. Something hot burned and kept flowing down his throat.


    Klopp¡¯s visits abruptly stopped the day after he gave birth.


    He must be busy raising the baby. He would also have a lot of work as a promising economic bureaucrat. There was no need for him toe here.


    Aelock brainwashed himself to avoid feeling disappointed and immersed himself in various chores in the cabin.


    He was now quite skilled at peeling potatoes. He also became better at sewing. He learned how to tend the flower garden in front of the cabin and how to clean the firece. It was better to be caught up in various tasks so that he didn¡¯t have to think about anything else.


    He cleaned the soot-covered firece and scraped off all the ashes, dumping them in the flower garden. He fetched water from the well and scrubbed the dusty cabin clean. This time, he was even skilled enough to wash the quilt separately. While mending his torn clothes, Aelock looked out the window. Sometimes, when it rained, listening to the beautiful sound of raindrops falling made the day go by quickly.


    As he became more proficient at housework, he had more time to spare. He was too free. He thought it would be nice if he had books or instruments, but then he realized he had a lot of time on his hands, so he could try making them himself. At the thought of producing something, his gloomy mood suddenly became lifted.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see. With what I have now, I can¡¯t make a violin or an oboe. A piano is impossible. Hmmm. If I had a pen and paper, I could at least write something. Using blood as ink on bed sheets is too much. I guess, there¡¯s only that one possible option. It¡¯s difficult to do it alone, but not impossible.¡±


    He went outside and picked several pebbles of simr size. He carefully marked the patterns on them with charcoal from the firepit, then drew a grid on the tabletop. He created a somewhatcking, but still well-formed chessboard.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Unconsciously, he spoke to the baby while stroking his belly with his hand. But his belly was now t, all belly fat had already disappeared for some time. He put his hands on the table in disappointment. But that didn¡¯t continue for long, Aelock was soon lost in the game of chess.


    ying shadow chess against his own self was quite a difficult game. He had to concentrate hard, and he could be immersed in it all day. It was purely a delight that he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Aelock was quite skilled at chess. It was a little painful to use his head, which had been unused for a while, but it had been so long since hest enjoyed ying games, it made him hum songs. asionally, he would gesture the violin fingerings in the air while thinking about his next move.


    ¡°Aelock Tewind, you¡¯re quite strong. You can¡¯t get defeated easily. That¡¯s as expected. However, don¡¯t forget that I received lessons from a chess champion.¡±


    Out of habit, he continued to talk to himself. There was no one listening so he didn¡¯t feel embarrassed.


    After giving birth to three children, his facial skin felt thicker, but it didn¡¯t matter. He had no appearance or obligation to maintain anymore. So this would be fine.


    Then he boldlyy face-down on the table. It was an act of rebellion he had never done before, as he always kept his back and shoulders straight with his head high. Heughed heartily even though the chess pieces were disrupted. He buried his face in his arms andughed. When he looked up, he met Klopp¡¯s eyes looking at him from across the room. He looked at Aelock, who was frozen, still with a bright expression, his haphazard chessboard and pebble pieces next to him. Klopp uttered something at him.


    ¡°Do you even have a heart? When and what do you have to experience so that you get hurt and cry miserably?¡±


    Aelock was very puzzled. And he didn¡¯t understand. What do you have to experience to get hurt? Wasn¡¯t that something Klopp himself knew best? He had been reduced to rags in every way imaginable, physically and mentally, even spiritually. He almost thought he had paid all the price of his previous sins.


    When his family fell apart and he became pregnant as an omega, he had already lost his pride. Many times, he had felt so miserable and hurt that he couldn¡¯t even believe his reality. He sold himself for a piece of bread and felt he was so miserable that he almost went crazy. There was also a time when he even thought of giving up everything as there was no hope. Seeing Klopp who was showing frustration, Aelock collected his smile and spoke up.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been hurt too.¡±


    ¡°How? When you are justughing with so much joy? My wife was crying in despair, he is slowly rotting away in the ground, but why are you having funughing and ying?¡±


    Aelock was even more bewildered by his words. Did Klopp want him to just stare nkly into the air? He didn¡¯t know what to say, so he just looked around the room and lightly clenched his hands.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to y chess, I won¡¯t y it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about ying chess! Do you even have a heart? Do you even have a beating heart inside your chest? How can youugh like that even when you live such a miserable life after getting your children taken away? Were you just tricking me into sympathy when you jumped into the river?


    Aelock froze up. In a sh, Klopp closed the distance between them and grabbed Aelock¡¯s neck, growling. Aelock was at a loss for words.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t tricking you. I really wanted to die at that moment¡­¡±


    No matter what he said, Klopp didn¡¯t listen. Aelock could see himself stunned in Klopp¡¯s eyes which were zing with intense anger. Aelock unconsciously rxed his face. At that moment, Klopp sneered with disgust.


    ¡°You always look down on people with that arrogant smile of yours. You¡¯re such a noble aristocrat. You¡¯re just like a blue-blooded demon who doesn¡¯t shed any tears at any moment.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t smiling because he wanted to. It was just an unconscious act as a way to suppress his emotions which he couldn¡¯t control. But Klopp didn¡¯t see it that way.


    As the sessor to a prestigious count, Aelock was trained from a very young age to embody the nobility to his very bones. He always held his head high, never disyed excessive emotions, and always wore a faint smile.


    Crying was also strictly forbidden. It was as natural as breathing, eating, and sleeping. It didn¡¯t carry any significant meaning; it was simply tradition and manners. Because of that, the nobles were sometimes called emotionless, cold-blooded demons among themoners. But Aelock hadn¡¯t thought that Klopp, who was also a noble, would criticize him for it.


    He and Rayfiel faithfully expressed their emotions to each other, unlike nobles. Instead of being sophisticated and indirect, no matter what others said, they confessed their honest love straightforwardly. Even when people were watching, the lovers often whispered to each other asmoners do. It made the two lovers look very adorable, and they made the nobles who had unrequited love jealous.


    Even when Aelock swallowed his pride and used the alpha-alpha and omega-omega trend as an excuse to ask Klopp to sleep with him for just one night, Klopp didn¡¯t respond like a noble would. Instead, Klopp was baffled and became serious.


    ¨C Save your decadent and corrupted behavior in your scents-mingled estate that makes one¡¯s nose rotten. You¡¯re just like a pig in heat.


    After throwing that insult, he went to find Rayfiel. There were other nobles watching them, and Aelock¡¯s dignity fell to the ground. But even then, Aelock just smiled faintly and left the room with a pale face.


    Even now, he could do nothing butugh. However, Klopp¡¯s expression became increasingly hostile, and it seemed like he wouldsh out at him soon. Unable to make any resistance while being grabbed by the neck, Aelock asked in a weak voice, trembling slightly.


    ¡°Do you want me to cry?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If I cry and show my tears, will you realize that I¡¯m in pain too?¡±


    When Aelock asked that, Kloppughed out loud, showing his teeth. He sneered at Aelock, saying ¡®How dare you speak of pain from your own mouth¡¯, and eventually let out a cold chuckle and sarcasm.


    ¡°You can try it. When you didn¡¯t even cry while giving birth.¡±


    Just looking at Klopp made Aelock¡¯s heart ache so much that he felt something rising in his throat. His eyes became hot, but no matter how long he waited, tears did note. Instead, his face contorted, and he tried to make a sobbing sound, but in the end, no tears came out. He was in despair.


    ¡°You¡¯re really toying with people until the end. You fucking demon.¡±


    Leaving those harsh words, Klopp shrugged off Aelock¡¯s neck and swept away the pebbles Aelock had collected. He turned away and left with a cold re.


    For the rest of the afternoon, Aelock didn¡¯t pick up the scattered pebbles. He only tried to shed a tear. Strangely, no tears came out. <i>Why don¡¯t tears flow when my heart was in so much pain?</i> Later, he poked his own eyes to force out his physiological tears before a few drops could finally fall. He didn¡¯t know what was wrong with himself.


    Why didn¡¯t tearse out?


    If someone felt sad or hurt, tears should have fallen naturally. Until now, he thought he was holding his tears back. Even when his eyes became hot, he thought he was forcibly swallowing them back down his throat. Now he realized he wasn¡¯t holding his tears back, but he lost his ability to tear up altogether. Perhaps his tear ducts had broken down due to neglect. Even when he was in so much despair that he wanted to die, he didn¡¯t shed any tears. Just as Klopp had said, for someone who didn¡¯t cry even when he was in the excruciating pain of giving birth like his bones were being stretched alive, how would he be able to cry now? He tried his best, but he ultimately failed.


    Was this a sign that he was bing a blue-blooded demon? He couldn¡¯t know for sure.


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    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 9.1 - Not this time

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 9.1 - Not this time</h4>


    Klopp¡¯s visits had be less frequent. His daily life passed idly. Now that he couldn¡¯t y chess anymore, he immersed himself in gardening. He felt like Klopp would be angry if he saw this too, but he couldn¡¯t bear not having something to upy himself with.


    Every morning, Aelock woke up and took painkillers while recollecting memories of the few gardening books that he had read before. Following what he remembered from the book, he transnted flowers that bloomed in abundance nearby and also collected some seeds. He trimmed branches and asionally picked flowers, putting them in a bucket, to decorate the cabin. The yellow daffodils and colorful tulips scattered around the cabin were originally nted by Aelock¡¯s mother.


    Although he could barely remember her now, he remembered that his mother¡¯s hobby was gardening, and she had skillsparable to an expert. The estate¡¯s pride and joy, the rose garden, was once unremarkable, but her mother made it so colorful and beautiful. His mother had bought all kinds of rare rose seedlings and decorated the garden sophisticatedly. The garden was most beautiful in early summer, that¡¯s why his father always invited people over for tea parties in early summer. Although it was also out of his aristocratic obligation, it was probably also with the purpose of showing off his mother¡¯s rose garden.


    Someday, Aelock hoped to visit the garden again, in the early summer when thousands of roses bloomed in different colors. It was the only trace of his mother left for Aelock.


    One day, as he was going about his day as usual.


    Aelock suddenly heard a child¡¯s voice. Aelock had just transnted the daffodils when he raised his head up and heard the sound of tiny footsteps across the cypress trees. He also heard a burst of high-pitchedughter. He stood up and fixed his gaze on the small creature that seemed to be the source of the sound. After a moment, a child suddenly appeared from the cypress tree path leading to the cabin.


    The child looked to be about four years old, and his blonde hair was sparkling in the sunlight. His pale face was as pretty as a doll crafted by a skilled artisan. Most of all, his eyes, more clear and blue than the sky, were extremely lovely. The child was surprised when he saw Aelock and froze in his tracks, staring at him with wide eyes. Without any words, Aelock knew at that moment.


    The child was his firstborn. The omega boy, born to Aelock.


    Suddenly, his heart started beating loudly. He felt like he should say something, but he had no idea what to say. Aelock stiffened up, then without even realizing it, he smiled. The child saw it and responded with a smile of his own. He saw a smile from the most beautiful flower ever in the world.


    He thought he would really get killed this time if Klopp found out, but Aelock couldn¡¯t resist approaching the child and touching him. The child, who seemed to be raised well with love, was very healthy and exuded confidence. When Aelock grasped the child¡¯s shoulders with his trembling hands, the child did not seem afraid at all. Aelock was so surprised that he didn¡¯t even think to put down the yellow daffodil he was holding. The child reached out with his small hand and took the flower.


    ¡°What¡­what¡¯s your name?¡±


    He asked in a shaky voice as he handed him the daffodil and the child giggled in amusement. Just as those cherry-like lips were about to open, Aelock heard an urgent male voice calling out from the other side, ¡°Rayfiel!¡±


    ¡°Daddy!¡±


    The child, Rayfiel, quickly turned back and ran. Klopp appeared from behind a huge tree, like a parent who had lost their child and was rushing to find them. Klopp ran over and picked up Rayfiel¡¯s small body in his arms. It was the first time Aelock had seen him look so worried. Klopp ran his hands over Rayfiel¡¯s tiny hands and legs to make sure he was okay, then he took a deep sigh of relief and kissed his forehead. He then looked at his son with a slightly stern gaze.


    ¡°What were you doing here?¡±


    Despite the stern words, Rayfiel did not cower.


    ¡°I met him. He gave me this.¡±


    Rayfiel pointed at Aelock with a bright expression and then held out the daffodil he was holding. Aelock kept staring nkly at Rayfiel. This was the first time he had seen him from this close, so he wanted to remember every detail. But the child¡¯s other parent didn¡¯t seem to feel the same way. With the little blonde boy in his arms, Klopp was about to leave. Aelock quickly called out to him.


    ¡°Excuse me, Klopp?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡±


    The familiar cold response came back. But the look in his eyes was a little strange. Recently, he had been full of sneers and disgust, but now he red at Aelock with a newfound fury. Aelock couldn¡¯t find words to say anymore. Soon, Klopp turned his body and blocked his son¡¯s gaze, then took him away quickly. Aelock continued to follow them as far as he was allowed with quick steps, trying to catch a glimpse of the blond hair a little longer. The child, who was being held by his father, looked at Aelock and waved his hand. Aelock waved back, his heart feeling full.


    Rayfiel.


    It wasmon for the first omega child to take their mother¡¯s name. It was a name that suited the lovely omega child very well.


    Klopp came to the cabin atte night. Aelock, who had been waiting for him without doing anything, got up as soon as the tall man entered the cabin. He spoke with a bit of expectation, ¡°Um, during the day, about the child.¡± Aelock was so nervous and his heart was pounding so much that he couldn¡¯t even look at Klopp properly.


    ¡°So his name was Rayfiel. He¡¯s very pretty.¡±


    He wanted to know more, even just a little bit. There was no specific reason. It was only natural for Aelock to be curious. He wasn¡¯t asking Klopp to let him meet the child. He just hoped that Klopp would show a little mercy and tell him anything about Rayfiel, even small things would do. But when Aelock looked up at him with expectations, all he got was a rage that seemed like it could explode at any moment.


    ¡°Are you done talking?¡±


    Unlike his anger, his voice sounded calm, and Aelock was confused. Klopp grabbed Aelock¡¯s cor and mmed him to the ground. His light body hit the floor hard. Before he could even understand the situation and stand up properly, Klopp¡¯s hand flew towards him.


    p.


    He covered his throbbing cheek with one hand and turned his head to face Klopp.


    Klopp tossed his undone cufflink onto the table. As it made a ttering sound, Aelock¡¯s body was paralyzed with fear of the impending hit. When he saw the man approaching with his sleeves rolled up, slowly casting a shadow over him, he immediately closed his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t know how many times he was hit. It was much more painful than when he had torn his clothes and raped him. Instinctively, Aelock curled into a fetal position. Every time Klopp lost his breath and gave him a brief break from hitting, he would spit out the coagted blood in his mouth. It was painful just to breathe as if his spine and ribs had been injured. His cheeks were already swollen and burning from the repeated hits by therge hand. Cold drops of water fell on his cheeks. He barely managed to open his eyes


    Ah.


    What was harder to bear than the pain was the clear tears that fell from Klopp¡¯s eyes, which were filled with anger. Klopp, whose fists werepletely covered with red and blue bruises, shouted with furiousness.


    ¡°Never again! Don¡¯t you dare ever again! Never touch my Rayfiel with your dirty hands! Or I¡¯ll burn you alive!¡±


    He sounded from the bottom of his heart. Aelock could only nod, unable to speak. Eventually, Klopp was exhausted and staggered to his feet. Even until the end, tears of sorrow flowed from his eyes. Aelock was the proof of the person he couldn¡¯t have.


    Left alone, Aelock barely fainted. Shards of his, once innocent, soul shattered, dripping down the irreparable wound on his red cheek.


    Klopp would often visit and beat Aelock mercilessly, his eyes filled with hatred, carrying memories of wailing over his pitiful wife¡¯s corpse. It seemed as though the meeting with the child had opened up his old wounds. When he got tired of beating him, sometimes, they would have sex.


    It was far too rough and painful to be called sex, but at the end of it, Aelock could feel a slight sense of pleasure. Then, he would go into heat and be pregnant again. Only then were the beatings stopped. Aelock was relieved that he didn¡¯t have to get beaten anymore. When Klopp heard that Aelock was pregnant, he could only stop hitting him, his fists trembling. Aelock almost thought Klopp would p him like before, but he didn¡¯t.


    The pregnancy this time was extremely difficult. Aelock couldn¡¯t easily swallow his food. He wasn¡¯t being beaten, but sometimes he would feel so much pain that he had to take painkillers. He even came close to miscarrying multiple times. Barely filling the whole 9 months, Aelock gave birth to a very small omega son.


    After returning to the cabin, in two years, Aelock gave birth to two more children. Although Aelock had given birth to four children now, Klopp had never properly told him their names. The one name he knew only constantly reminded him of his own sin.


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 9.2 - Not this time

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 9.2 - Not this time</h4>


    Aelock groaned as he curled up in pain. His weakened body couldn¡¯t endure the repeated births and he rapidly became frail. He couldn¡¯t stand a moment without painkillers. Aelock struggled to stand up and ate some vegetable porridge, which he could cook well now, and leftover meat from when he was pregnant. But soon vomited everything out. He couldn¡¯t digest anything. He continued to have intermittent bleeding and his fever kept rising.


    Every time heid his creaking body down at night, he felt like he was lying down in a shabby coffin. Sometimes he wished to close his eyes and never open them again. It hurt too much. But even that wasn¡¯t easy. In the pitch-ck darkness where he couldn¡¯t distinguish between dream and reality, he would have the desire to see the man, who rarely appeared out of nowhere and looked down at him, just one more time.


    He wished the man would look at him and smile, just once. Then maybe he would leave so the man¡¯s sorrow would disappear. <i>Yeah. As you said, I am a blue-blooded demon. I could just let you go, but I am greedy and clinging to something that you won¡¯t allow even until the end.</i> Regardless of how much pain it caused the man to have.


    Now, he couldn¡¯t even tell how much time had passed. How long had he passed out?


    Today, the bed was unusually cozy. And his body didn¡¯t feel any pain. It was strange. His body should have hurt in the chilly air, something warm was tightly wrapped around me.


    <i>What is this?</i>


    When he opened my eyes, he saw not the dull walls of the cabin, but someone¡¯s arms. He blinked his eyes, trying to focus. A familiar nape. It was Klopp.


    His quiet heart began to race. Why was he sleeping here? Did something happen? Or was he trying to bring him back alive again, like before when he was dying?


    Honestly, none of that mattered. It just felt so nice. Being held in Klopp¡¯s arms, he wished time would stop, even for a moment.


    Afraid that he would wake up and leave him, Aelock held his breath and breathed in Klopp¡¯s scent. It made him dizzy, like inhaling a strong anaesthetic more powerful than any painkiller. Now, he feltpletely like an omega. No, he was an omega who had given birth to his children. But just smelling Klopp¡¯s scent made his body and soul relieved of pain, and he felt peaceful. Even though Klopp wouldn¡¯t allow his desire, his body had recognized him as his alpha since a long time ago.


    How did it be this way? Just what was so good about Klopp? He was merely a half-aristocrat from the countryside. Aelock smiled a little. If he knew it would turn out this way, he wouldn¡¯t have done such a thing. What use was it to be curious about him now?


    Aelock cautiously rested his forehead on Klopp¡¯s chest.


    Thump thump.


    He could feel his heart beating powerfully close to him. He wished he could just die and disappear like this, but that was impossible. Soon, Klopp would open his eyes and sneer at him with contempt. See, I was right.


    ¡°What makes you all happy and smiley?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    ¡°Crazy bastard.¡±


    Klopp muttered dismissively and shoved Aelock away. As their heated bodies separated, a chill ran down Aelock¡¯s spine. Aelock curled up against him, hoping to hold onto the warmth even just a little bit longer. Meanwhile, Klopp sat up on the bed. He grumbled with annoyance and let out a small stream of curses, clearly unhappy with the situation.


    While lying down and looking at Klopp, Aelock suddenly noticed that Klopp had an erection. It was clearly a morning wood, as he was still a young alpha in his prime. Even though Klopp spoke to him with contempt, Aelock felt like it wasn¡¯t as harsh. Was it because he wasn¡¯t fully awake yet? Feeling his heart racing in his chest, unknowingly, Aelock blurted out.


    ¡°Do you want to have sex?¡±


    Klopp quickly turned his head and red at him.


    Aelock spewed out that nonsense without thinking, influenced by his own alpha scent. He remembered asking the same thing before and getting called a vulgar aristocrat for it. He expected to hear Klopp call him crazy, but surprisingly, Klopp didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he climbed onto the bed with a twisted smile.


    For the first time, Aelock understood why people say sex is sweet. It was only once, but he felt like he was melting like candy. If he was in his heat, he was sure that he would have conceived twins. He also realized that there was a sweet poison to it.


    ¡°Do you like this so much, you devil.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­hmm¡­Klopp¡­hnggg.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been beaten and despised so much, you¡¯re like a dirty whore with no pride. Who would ever know that you were once a high-ss nobleman?¡±


    He whispered with a sweet voice mixed with contempt. It was hard to keep hearing harsh words despite knowing Klopp¡¯s intense hatred for him. His broken soul seemed to still be functioning as he felt very hurt. It felt like his heart was being ripped out alive.


    Please, quickly make his senses feel numb. Let him forget reality and be consumed by false happiness until the end.


    He showed up quite frequently after that. His previous violence and anger were gone, instead, they always had passionate sex. The repeated happiness he got from it made him increasingly afraid. He wondered if he would eventually believe this happiness to be reality if it kept happening for a few more times. However, he couldn¡¯t fall into that madness because of the harsh experiences that he had learned, also, the kind but cruel avenger wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    Before the dream-like ecstasy hadpletely faded away, Klopp whispered affectionately in the panting omega¡¯s ear, without taking out his penis that ejacted inside Aelock.


    ¡°You¡¯re trying so hard. If you¡¯re human, you should act like one. Try crying and begging for forgiveness.¡±


    Every time, Aelock would try his best. He contorted his face and tried to open his trembling lips to ask for forgiveness, but it wasn¡¯t easy. Tears wouldn¡¯te out. If he could, Aelock would have cried until his entire body melted away. Stroking Aelock¡¯s slightly flushed cheek from trying so hard, Klopp smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re a disgusting demon.¡±


    Left alone, Aelock wanted to cry. He really did feel that. But why couldn¡¯t he cry? Later, he felt that if he just cried, Klopp would forgive him for everything. It felt like everything would turn out okay if he just kneeled down and begged while crying.


    He gradually reached his limit. Even after realizing that gentle sex was more painful than rough and violent sex, Aelock couldn¡¯t express anything. Klopp was cruel. The feeling of being stroked gently without hiding his disgust was incredibly miserable and painful. It was like Aelock was standing at the edge of a cliff with everything crumbling around him. A few more steps and he would fall into a ceaseless hell. In the midst of the slightly rough yet extremely affectionate movements, Aelock grabbed the person¡¯s clothes who was pushing him away.


    Aelock was in heat. For two days, he felt like he really was going to die, and yet during that, Klopp held him like a very caring lover. The heat that started from his toes gradually rose to his heart, and Aelock felt his climax. Salty fluid flowed down his trembling eyes. How nice would it have been if they were tears. Klopp got up and put his clothes back on, sighing heavily as he got off the bed.


    ¡°If you get pregnant this time, give birth to the child. And this is the end of it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough now.¡±


    His world came crashing down. He was sure he was lying on a firm bed, but he felt like he was constantly falling, his insides churning. Was he getting abandoned? Was he really getting abandoned for good this time? He wanted to beg for forgiveness and ask to stay by his side, but he didn¡¯t have a possible way to ask for forgiveness.


    This would be the first time he had ever prayed not to be pregnant. But his body, which was in a miserable state without medication, faithfully responded to his alpha and conceived a life. When the first morning sickness came, Aelock was in shock. He sat still, feeling helpless.


    As his belly was getting bigger, Aelock was unable to catch Klopp who made brief stops in the cabin. With a twisted expression, he could only watch Klopp¡¯s back as he stepped outside. There wasn¡¯t much time left now. He wanted to see him a little more, but his body was hurting so much that he couldn¡¯t even walk properly. He could barely even take a few steps, before he copsed, hugging his swollen belly.


    The time he thought was happiness was fleeting, and the illusion of his satisfaction was quickly shattered in his pain. It hurt. It hurt too much to endure. He was reaching for the bottle of painkillers and spilled it. He sobbed while swallowing the white pill on the ground as if it were the raisins. But even then, his tears didn¡¯t appear.


    His head was dizzy from the strong medicine. <i>How to get out of this ce that¡¯s full of only pain?</i> Groaning in pain and tossing his body all night, he remembered Klopp¡¯s gentle whisper. Maybe he had been too skinny before, grabbing his much bigger belly than usual, Aelock stumbled to his feet on trembling legs.


    No one was there to catch him from the beginning. Klopp just kept him alive here, but he didn¡¯t tie him up. Just like what he had said before, the door was not locked, and Aelock could leave the cabin whenever he wanted.


    Daybreak.


    For the first time, Aelock left the estate on his own will.


    We¡¯re almost at the end of Volume 1! Next update will be a long one!


    Make me feel happy and supported by leaving ament!


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 10.1 - Trapped in the living hell

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 10.1 - Trapped in the living hell</h4>


    Late at night.


    Klopp came to the cabin again. And he looked down at the omega who had fainted, breathing heavily in the darkness with a pained expression. His pale skin was still stained with faint bruises from when he had hit him in anger after he talked to their son.


    He had be very weak. It was only natural, he had given birth to four children. Even if he was an omega, male childbirth was not encouraged. Only one or two, and three at most. Moreover, Aelock wasn¡¯t even a natural-born omega. He was still alive only because of his strong vitality as an Alpha previously. So he couldn¡¯t die early and suffered more, but now, even that tough vitality was fading away.


    Aelock looked a lot like his deceased wife, Rayfiel. But at first, he didn¡¯t think they had anything inmon. His deceased wife had a thoughtful and meticulous personality, while Aelock was an arrogant and unpleasant aristocrat. But looking at Aelock, who was dying now, they seemed to indeed share the same bloodline. Especially after giving birth, Aelock¡¯s body lines became thin and round, making him resemble Rayfiel so much that sometimes his heart would beat fast.


    <i>I¡¯m a madman.</i>


    He said to himself. He felt severely ashamed of himself. Even if it was for revenge, it was disgusting to find himself aroused while looking at the enemy who had miserably killed his wife. He was the worst for being conflicted whenever he saw Aelock.


    Klopp had a rough idea of what Aelock had suffered at the bottom of his life. To seed while having nothing, sometimes he had to join hands with those who had given up their humanity. He knew well the physiology of those who had struggled desperately at the bottom of their lives. He had secretly shed tears every day, suffering and in pain, but Aelock seemed to be different.


    When Aelock returned to the estate, Klopp had an indescribable feeling seeing him radiating a nobility from head to toe, dressed in old, tattered, and in clothes. He held his head high as if nothing could tarnish him, and he still had his old mannerisms with a faint smile.


    The way he looked directly at him made his skin crawl. He had wanted to hurt the untouchable and shining being by making fun of his Count title and his family, but it was childish. Despite his pale and witheredplexion, Aelock calmly handled the situation,menting lightly on the paintings of an uing new artist and elegantly sipping his tea. Then, like a nobleman responding to an invitation from a host, he mentioned the child with proper etiquette.


    ¡°Your child was beautiful.¡±


    Klopp thought Aelock was mocking him, calling the child he had birthed as if he was someone else¡¯s child. He was a loathsome being who had no emotions at all. He had an impulse to smash that unbreakable mask.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he resembled his mother.¡±


    He mocked intentionally, pointing out that those children were Aelock¡¯s own.


    Aelock seemed shocked by that. Klopp had never seen him so shaken by sharp words. Klopp was quite satisfied with the unexpected reaction. Even in the midst of shock, Aelockplimented the tea with courteous manners and left the estate with a sophisticated thank you that was neither excessive nor inadequate for the hospitality.


    Watching him walk away from the window, Klopp felt strange. Aelock¡¯s steps were always light as if he was dancing, but now they seemed weightless as if he could get carried away by the wind. He had a premonition that the faint silhouette could disappear at any moment, that he might never see it again. He quickly told the gatekeeper, Hagen, to follow him.


    Late that night, the watchman returned with a drenched and confused Aelock.


    ¡°I rescued him from jumping into the river.¡±


    Even in his fainting state, he embraced and carried Aelock¡¯s shivering body with blue lips. He led him to the bathroom attached to the room used by the former count. As hot water filled the bathtub, he took off Aelock¡¯s clothes. His skinny body was covered with unknown scars and filth.


    When he was put into warm water, he panicked from the sudden temperature change. In his fainted state, he couldn¡¯t breathe properly. He was shivering and gasping, so Klopp had to help his breathing by kissing him. Aelock was unable to sit up straight and slipped into the water, so he had no choice but to embrace him in the bathtub without even taking off his own clothes.


    Thin legs floated in the sshing water like twigs. Unlike his own legs which were wrapped in dark fabric, Aelock¡¯s pale legs looked as if they were melting into the hot water, along with his powerless, dangling arms. He held his bony and motionless hand, intertwining their fingers. Aelock¡®s head lolled naturally on his shoulder, touching and wetting the nape of his neck. His thin breaths echoed in his ear.


    ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to die so easily.¡±


    Klopp couldn¡¯t believe that Aelock attempted to end his own life. He didn¡¯t know if Aelock hated him so much for mocking him about how he gave birth to his child. He couldn¡¯t describe his feelings at that time. All he remembered was that he couldn¡¯t let it end like this, fueled by his burning anger.


    He wanted to make him miserable, to cry and scream like he did, to make him suffer. At first, he deliberately drugged him to destroy his self-esteem and just to have a child from him.


    Then, he saw the wet eyes that wanted him to prate the omega when he was in heat. It was the few times Aelock showed emotions, so he felt a sickening sense of triumph and raped him again and again. Despite knowing that his artificially created omega body couldn¡¯t withstand repeated pregnancy and childbirth, he didn¡¯t stop. He wished for him to endure more pain and scream more. Fueled by the bitter hatred and malice, he kept going like that.


    When he had found him starving to death alone in the cabin just after giving birth to their first child, Klopp was furious at the thought of letting him go so easily. Despite his ambiguous body that seemed both like Omega and Alpha, Klopp picked him up in his arms and took him to the estate to save his life. On the way there, Aelock had regained consciousness, then he arrogantly smiled and wrapped his arms around Klopp¡¯s neck, causing him to shiver at the cost of his overbearing confidence.


    After giving birth to their second child, he had simply thrown him on the back burner and forgot about him. No, he tried tirelessly to forget him. Unlike their second child who resembled himself, their first child became more and more simr to his birth mother as he grew up. He had insisted on naming him Rayfiel, but every time he called him by the name, he felt a pang in his heart. That¡¯s when he realized he was trapped in the hell he had created for himself, consumed by hatred and losing his mind.


    He poured more hot water to keep him from getting cold. After he confirmed that Aelock¡¯splexion had returned, he took him back to the cabin andid him down. He couldn¡¯t allow himself to be generous enough to give himfort in the estate. He had to suffer more. At least until he shed uncontroble tears of blood as he did.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but when Aelock woke up, he didn¡¯t try to run away anymore. The door of the cabin was not locked, and the estate¡¯s gate did not prevent him from leaving. But he was always there, like a person trapped behind transparent bars. He watched him go back and forth between the cabin from the window of the estate.


    He felt strange as Aelock pumped the prepared water. To think that the Count, who used to order him around with a proud look, would do such a thing. Did he learn that when he was at the bottom of his life? He thought Aelock would endure this without eating or drinking anything again. He expected him to be stubborn and demand to be treated with honor.


    However, he did not leave the cabin. He didn¡¯t even look for Klopp, like on the day he came to the estate with blood between his legs. He was strangely angry. He brought him unprocessed, difficult-to-handle vegetables on purpose.


    The next day, a small puff of smoke rose from the cabin. But Aelock was still there.


    As he watched him lying on the hard bed, he brushed off the damp hair stuck to his forehead.


    No matter how miserable and wretched he was, he couldn¡¯t help but exude his innate nobility. Even lying on a shabby bed without anything on, he looked elegant enough to be recognized as a nobleman. His blue eyes, always staring straight ahead, had an iparable dignity to them. Recently, he realized that his desire for revenge and conquest also made him want to destroy that dignity.


    Regardless of the motive, being with the omega who had bore four children with him, when he gave a thin smile, it stimted Klopp¡¯s alpha instincts. That,bined with coincidental events that reminded him of his old hatred, always led to uncontroble situations like an explosive trigger.


    Even at the moment when he was dying after repeated violence, Aelock still looked like a sophisticated, luxurious doll. The only thing that made him look human was his asional shaking eyes. It was always doubtful whether he was breathing or not.


    Klopp sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over to ce his ear under Aelock¡¯s nose. He felt a faint breath, and as he turned his head, their lips brushed against each other. Aelock¡¯s lips were dry, slightly cold, and rough. They looked like Rayfiel¡¯s moist and soft lips, but they felt so different.


    Aelock was cold. As cold as his breaths, his hands and feet were also as cold as his soul. The only thing alive about him were his haughty eyes that scrutinized everyone else. Even they were now shrouded in thin eyelids that revealed his veins.


    Klopp wanted to peel off this shell that didn¡¯t seem like a human being. So that he would cling to him and beg for him. Not just out of fear, but to drop everything, to reveal his nakedly ugly nature, to fall even lower than the humans he looked down upon. He wanted Aelock to shout out his name fervently. For Aelock to be an ordinary human being and suffer from the sins he had created himself.


    To do that, he had to keep him alive. It would be useless if he died. Kloppy next to the freezing Aelock, warming his body. After spending several years going through heats together, they now had simr scents. It was ironic. To feel such a deep sense of relief from holding someone in his sleep, who he hated so much that he could rip out his heart. It was also proof that they had both be equally vile.


    As he always knew, omegas found stability in the scent of the alpha whom they had continuously mated. As he held him and wiped his cold arms and legs, Aelock¡¯s paleplexion gradually returned. Even in his sleep, he dug into his embrace with anguid sigh.


    It was always like this. Despite Klopp¡¯s cold gaze and attitude, Aelock never rebelled, even if he was threatened with a raised hand or cursed at with malice. Unlike what any normal human would do. There was always something stubborn about him that made Klopp more angry and annoyed.


    When he had their second child while living in the estate, Aelock became arrogant, as if he was the mistress of a viscount, giving orders around. However, when they returned to the cabin, things were much different. He thought that his endless high and mighty self-confidence had finally started to disappear. But his nature remained the same.


    Now Aelock didn¡¯t expect anything from Klopp. Aelock lived without wanting anything from him anymore, as if he were ming Klopp himself for dwelling on the past. If he had cried or showed some difficulty, he might not have been so neglectful towards him, even if he got ridiculed.


    A long time had passed, seasons had changed, and they had two more children, but Klopp was still struggling with anger and hatred, unable to escape from Rayfiel¡¯s death, while Aelock was moving forward. He would cook on his own and do his ownundry. No matter what insult he received, he responded with a subtle smile and began to live as best as he could.


    Had he let go of something at the crossroads of life and death? Or has everything be empty? Even if he was raped roughly, he just whimpered. When he got pregnant, he gave birth to the child as ordered. No desire for anything meant there was no need for struggling. Even if he was alone, he was living andughing happily.


    No. That was absolutely not alright.


    As much as he hated himself and was in pain and conflict, so should Aelock. Klopp hugged the thin, breathless body as if he could crush it.


    ¡°Do you want to have sex?¡±


    <noscript></noscript>


    <noscript></noscript>

 Vol. 1 Chapter 10.2 - Trapped in the living hell

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 10.2 - Trapped in the living hell</h4>


    After Klopp saved his life, that was what Aelock said as soon as he opened his eyes. Klopp had forgotten that some pathetic pigs were only interested in pounding and being pounded. And the fact that Aelock was one of them. Even after all he¡¯d been through, Aelock never stopped showing interest in Klopp.


    Aelock was really the same aristocrat as before, it now made Klopp feel that this situation was ridiculous. No matter how much pain he had caused him so far, if it was sexual, he would eventually get turned on and exhale hot breath. It was the only time he would shed his pretentious shell and reveal his true self. Destroying his high and mighty arrogance was surprisingly easy. Chuckling, Klopp climbed onto the bed.


    It was his first time having sex with him, without intentionally wanting to inflict pain on him or when he wasn¡¯t in heat. He hugged Aelock¡¯s thin body, rxing his grip and trying not to let his temper get the better of him as he would suffocate. He touched him slightly, his body scent was fading with his vitality dropping. He brushed his lips against Aelock¡®s body. To make the dying fire burn a little more.


    Aelock seemed very inexperienced. He acted like an innocent virgin who didn¡¯t know anything about caressing. He had lived on the streets for years and had already given birth to four children, and yet when Klopp licked and sucked on the sensitive ces, Aelock¡¯s face twisted and he covered his mouth with his hand. His blue eyes, which looked very startled, looked at Klopp.


    He raised the corners of his mouth and acted even more repulsively. He licked and touched his entire body, kissed him, and eventually had a deep kiss with him. He couldn¡¯t remember ever kissing Aelock before. Aelock didn¡¯t know what to do with the tongue inside his mouth. Seeing him pretending not to know how to breathe, Klopp thought he was being hrious. He broke the sloppy kiss and whispered softly while licking his hot ear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be innocent when you¡¯re just a worn-out whore. It¡¯s disgusting.¡±


    The nk gaze that had been facing him turned away. Judging from the way he trembled, it seemed he was weak against such things. But was it something he disliked, or was it something he enjoyed?


    Klopp didn¡¯t hesitate to lick all over Aelock. He had thought it was dirty, but once he made up his mind, it wasn¡¯t difficult to do. When he sucked on Aelock¡¯s penis, Aelock twisted his body in pleasure. His breathing became ragged, unable to bear it.


    ¡°Klo¡­pp¡­ Ah¡­ stop¡­¡±


    Arching his back and pushing Klopp¡¯s head away with his hands and shaking his thin body, Aelock soon reached his climax, his skinny thighs wrapped around the man¡¯s head. Aelock ejacted in his mouth and Klopp swallowed half of it, before kissing Aelock to give him a taste of his own semen. When the bitter taste entered his mouth, Aelock frowned, but he didn¡¯t break the kiss. Instead, he grabbed the shoulder part of Klopp¡¯s shirt with his bony and thorn-like fingers.


    His fingers dug into the dampness of Omega¡¯s body. Following Klopp¡¯s lead, Aelock bent over and raised his butts, wing at the old pillow and shuddering. Spreading his butts open, Klopp licked the unsightly wrinkles with his tongue over and over. The wrinkles could hardly be called pretty. As soon as the licking began, Aelock¡¯s throat rumbled as if he were about to cry. Klopp silently said ¡®just a little more¡¯, but there were no tears from Aelock that seeped into the pillow. He clicked on his tongue and inserted his fully hard penis into the moist, loose folds.


    ¡°Ah-hmmmm¡­¡±


    A voice, not too high and not too low, came out. His arousal grew and blood rushed to his lower body. He wanted to lose his control and pound into him, but he forced himself to hold back, afraid that Aelock¡¯s bony and thin butts would break. Instead, he slowly and gently pushed in, gradually increasing his pace. Aelock, who was moaning with his face buried in the pillow, soon started screaming uncontrobly. His weak cries were as feeble as a bird flopping around after being shot by an arrow.


    As Klopp slowly reached his climax, he came deep inside, and simultaneously, Aelock also came for the second time. He seemed to have used up all his energy, he turned his limp body away to embrace Klopp and kissed him deeply. With a dazed expression, he smiled faintly looking at Klopp.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t like your usual self. Why are you suddenly like this?¡±


    The wavering eyes seemed to expect something from him, so Klopp smiled and whispered in a soft voice.


    ¡°I hate you so much. I¡¯m disgusted with you. I hope you meet the same miserable end just like what you did before.¡±


    As he saw Aelock¡¯s pupils dte in shock and horror, a sense of immense satisfaction rose in Klopp. He kissed Aelock¡¯s dry cheeks and chuckled softly.


    He had been busy with an important appointment for a while. After several days since he hadst seen Aelock, Klopp was finally able to walk alone through the rose garden. The path to the cabin was now so familiar that he could find it even with his eyes closed.


    After that first time of having intercourse that¡¯s more like sex than rape, Aelock¡¯s facial expression changed. He didn¡¯t stop his faint smilepletely, but whenever their intercourse started, he would grimace and cling to Klopp as if he would cry. Sometimes it was very arousing to pick his cruel words to whisper to Aelock.


    Every time, Klopp would unknowingly hug the omega who was clinging to him and run his hands down his back and legs. Aelock now even aroused his protective instincts. As he wrapped the omega¡¯s trembling and thin body, Klopp frequently chuckled.


    Even today, Klopp felt a little happy at the thought of seeing Aelock¡¯s pitiful appearance, who was like a rain-soaked bird. Aelock was currently pregnant. It was already his fifth time. His body was weak, so he seemed to be on the verge of miscarriage a few times. Aelock never told him about those incidents, so Klopp could only guess.


    After he gave birth this time, Klopp nned to bring Aelock to the estate during the winter. His body temperature kept dropping, Klopp didn¡¯t want for him to just freeze to his death in the cabin. After childbirth, he was likely to be extremely weak, so it seemed better to spend quite some time next to his side. The hard wooden bed in the cabin was ufortable, and since they would sleep together anyway, it would be better for Aelock to stay in his bedroom.


    <i>Or should I bring Aelock to the estate before he gives birth? If the child came out early, alone in the cabin, he might get into a dangerous situation.</i>


    The corners of his mouth twitched upward as he imagined how Aelock would be surprised to hear this. His steps quickened slightly.


    However, all that joy evaporated when he entered the dimmed cabin.


    ¡°Aelock? ¡­ Aelock!¡±


    As soon as Klopp learned that Aelock had disappeared, he was filled with extreme rage.


    <i>To think that he¡¯s running away now. What a weak guy.</i>


    It was not eptable for Aelock to secretly escape from the hell they had created together. Klopp returned to the estate, shouting loudly and immediately dismissing his servants to search for Aelock. No one answered Klopp¡¯s question about when he escaped. Even the gatekeeper, Hagen, didn¡¯t know about it, so Aelock had definitely fled during the night.


    This was the first time he had escaped. It was always Klopp who had thrown him away, but Aelock had never run away on his own. When he was brought to the cabin for the second time, he lived as if nothing had happened. So Klopp didn¡¯t think that it was possible for Aelock to escape. Aelock always returned to the estate on his own; he returned on his own when Klopp found him wandering at the bottom of his life, so he never suspected this would happen.


    Moreover, there was no lock on the cabin. After all these years, there was no reason for him to run away in his weakened body. He was even so close to giving birth.


    <i>I should have kept him locked up. I should have broken those thin ankles and chained them with a metal chain, not letting him out of the small wooden cabin, so that even if he hid his body in the darkness, I could just pull on the chain to make hime running to me.</i>


    Klopp regretted it toote.


    It took him a full day to finally find him at the deep bottom of the town. When Hagen, who had found his tracks first, came running to the pale Klopp, who was searching in another direction, his feelings were much more miserable than what he had felt before. The news that someone with his child was found on the deep bottom once was enough. He swore that once was enough to send him into an agony that would never heal. But why did he have to hear such news twice?


    <i>Why¡­ Why on earth¡­</i>


    Despite his brain that struggled to think properly, his body moved very fast. Not long after, he discovered a heavily pregnant omega surrounded by several alpha men, being raped in a back alley near a filthy brothel.


    ¡°Wow, I never knew a guy with a baby could be so arousing.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how long I¡¯ve been looking for you since you disappeared a few years ago? Today, we¡¯ll treat you well and feed you lots of raisin bread.¡±


    ¡°Where did you get the baby? I thought he was an alpha. You¡¯ve fooled us all this time.¡±


    ¡°What does it matter? As long as his hole is tight. It¡¯s even better if he¡®s an omega who could give birth, but even if he¡¯s an alpha, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s bleeding.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not dead, right? Hey! You¡¯re not dead, are you?¡±


    Amidst theughter of the men, the sound of flesh colliding echoed. The smell of blood mixed with an unpleasant fishy odor. The men shifted the unresponsive limp legs. In between their grotesque movements, he could see a bloated stomach, a twisted arm that seemed to be pulled around, a neck and face covered in bruises, a gaping mouth, and lifeless blue eyes. When the limp neck moved with the men¡¯s movements, the dead eyes made eye contact with Klopp, and soon, darkness suddenly engulfed him.


    When he regained his senses, a decapitated corpse was lying in two separate parts, and a bloody sword was in his hand.


    ¡°Ahh! It¡¯s murder!¡±


    The other two, who still couldn¡¯t hide their hideous penises, ran away in a panic. Klopp fixed his gaze downward andmanded grimly.


    ¡°Kill them all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master.¡±


    Hagen and another servant who hade with him pulled out their swords and chased after them. The ones who couldn¡¯t even pull up their pants and run properly, turned into an alley, and soon met their end with an unpleasant sound of necks being cut. However, that didn¡¯t matter to Klopp.


    He pushed aside a decapitated corpse. Covered in blood, Aelock was much worse than he had expected. His bare lower body was covered in bruises and dirt. One end of his syed leg was broken, and his ankle was stretched outward. The worst part was between his legs. Unable to withstand the brutality of those beasts, it was ripped apart and was bleeding a dark color, almost ck. Along with that, there were traces of semen stuck to him.


    Klopp put down his sword and shakily took off his coat. Then he knelt beside Aelock, who was shivering and as pale as a corpse, unlike his lower body full of red. Then, Klopp embraced his body. As he wrapped Aelock in his coat, the unconscious body swayed left and right like a broken doll. Carefully lifting his grotesquely disembodied arm and cing it on his chest, Klopp called out with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Aelock?¡±


    Despite wanting to scream and shake him awake immediately, Klopp couldn¡¯t make any big noise at all. If he did, he felt like Aelock would shatter into pieces. He couldn¡¯t even touch the bruised face with his hand. It was hard for him to breathe too.


    ¡°Aelock? Wake up.¡±


    At some point, his throat had closed up. As he tried to figure out what he could do to get anything from the unresponsive man, the tightly closed eyelids fluttered a little. He quickly brought his ear to Aelock¡¯s nose and heard a faint, rasping choked breath.


    ¡°¡­ Thank you. Really¡­ Thank you so much.¡±


    Klopp didn¡¯t even know who he was thanking. He just repeated it several times.


    The two men he had sent away returned with blood on them. Seeing them, Klopp gestured to the other corpse. Hagen nodded wordlessly. The other servant ran out of the alley and fetched the carriage.


    Klopp lifted the limp Aelock in his arms. Even though he was thin, being a full-term pregnant omega made him quite heavy, but Klopp didn¡¯t want to use anyone else¡¯s help. He didn¡¯t want anyone to touch even a single strand of his hair. As he held him, Aelock grimaced and made a weak sound, either because of his broken arm and leg that hurt, or the other parts of his mangled body. Klopp put his head against his wet forehead and said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay now. I won¡¯t let you and our child die this time.¡±


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 Vol. 1 Chapter 10.3 - Trapped in the living hell

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 10.3 - Trapped in the living hell</h4>


    They returned to the estate and Kloppid Aelock on his bed. His water had broken during the ride, so Klopp¡¯s clothes also became a mess. It wasn¡¯t time for the baby to be born yet, but it seemed to happen because of the sexual violence by those several men. He resented the fact that he couldn¡¯t kill those bastards more painfully.


    ¡°Martha! Help me. You, call the doctor!¡±


    After ordering one of the maids, Klopp turned towards Aelock. His face, which had been groaning all the way from the carriage, was now so pale as if he would die at any moment. Martha hade running and was shocked at the sight of how filthy Aelock had be. She stood still for a moment before running outside.


    ¡°Bring warm water and towels now! And new sheets and nightwear too! Everything!¡±


    After yelling at another maid, she pushed Klopp away from Aelock¡¯s side.


    ¡°Stay over there for now. Holding his hand won¡¯t be of any use now.¡±


    ¡°Martha.¡±


    ¡°We need to save him, don¡¯t we? Then please cooperate, so I can do my job.¡±


    Klopp was pushed away from the bed, and until the doctor arrived, she tended to Aelock¡¯s wounds. Seeing Klopp¡¯s messy clothes and realizing that Aelock¡¯s water had broken, the experienced housekeeper patted Aelock¡¯s cheek to wake him up.


    ¡°You can¡¯t lose your consciousness. Wake up! Here. Bring more towels.¡±


    At her resolutemand, the other maids took the towels soaked with blood away and gave her new ones. Meanwhile, another maid approached Klopp and asked him to change his clothes, but he refused. He would not leave the room until he confirmed that Aelock was safe.


    The doctor arrived shortly thereafter and entered the room, horrified that a full-term omega had been sexually abused by several men.


    ¡°When did the water break?¡±


    ¡°Not that long ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, this is a very big problem. It¡¯s going to be tough.¡±


    At Martha¡¯s words, the doctor looked up from the white sheet covering Aelock¡¯s lower body and he clicked his tongue.


    ¡°The bleeding is not stopping. If we don¡¯t take the baby out quickly, both of them will be in danger.¡±


    The doctor rolled up his sleeves and looked at Klopp before asking.


    ¡°Are you the alpha?¡±


    Before the serious-looking doctor could say anything more, Klopp spoke up first.


    ¡°Save them both.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee that. As you can see, the baby is premature, and too much blood has already been lost.¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t save them, I won¡¯t just stand by.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no point in threatening me. I may be a doctor, but I¡¯m not God. But I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    Ignoring the angry Klopp, the doctor quickly went back to Aelock¡¯s side and gavemands to Martha. Following hismands, Martha prepared clean scissors, silk thread, and warm towels. In the meantime, there was nothing that Klopp could do. It was the same as before. All he could do was wait. The doctor worked on Aelock with quick hands.


    ¡°Since the birthing omega has lost consciousness, we have no choice but to push the baby out forcibly. Don¡¯t just stand there,e here and help hold him down.¡±


    Klopp obediently followed his instructions. The doctor folded the towel a little and put it over Aelock. He then asked Aelock to tightly grab Aelock¡¯s already sagging shoulders.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use if you press them so loosely. Press tightly.¡±


    ¡°His shoulders are dislocated.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothingpared to the pain he¡¯s about to experience. Just hold on tight because I¡¯m going to pull hard.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    ¡°We first have to take out the baby first, before I can save him or not.¡±


    With that, the doctor deeply lowered his body as if he was going to climb onto the bed. Then, he ced both hands on the bloated upper belly of the pregnant omega, before giving signals to Klopp who was pressing Aelock¡¯s shoulder, and Martha who was waiting between his legs.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    He pressed his full weight down on Aelock¡¯s belly. At that moment, Aelock, who had been lying unconscious, opened his eyes wide and his whole body tensed. Even Klopp was surprised at how hard he was trying to stand up and had to press his shoulders down.


    ¡°Aaaaaack!¡±


    Despite the towel in his mouth, a terrible scream erupted in a dyed response.


    Klopp, white-faced and shaking, embraced Aelock¡¯s broken and thrashing body, his eyes wide and flipping over.


    ¡°Are you really doing it right? He¡¯s dying right now!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not in the position to push the baby properly, so I have to push the baby out with force. Hold on tight. If you back off here, both the baby and this person will die.¡±


    The doctor gave him a brutally cold response and continued to press down on the belly. From the top, to the middle, then bottom. It was hard to tell as Aelock was covered by the sheets, but seeing Martha¡¯s face turning pale, the situation must not be doing good. The maid who continued to hand Martha clean towels from the side looked like she could pass out at any moment.


    ¡°Doctor, I can see the head!¡±


    ¡°Really? Keep pushing, and when the heades out, grab and pull the baby out. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    While a few more thrashings followed, sweat broke out on Klopp¡¯s forehead. Amidst the piercing screams, no one said anything. A momentter, after using so many towels, Martha looked at the doctor and slipped her hands under the sheets, and she pulled out a very small baby. At the same time, the doctor released the two hands that had been pressing down on the belly. Aelock¡¯s thrashing also stopped. He gradually rxed and stretched his body out. Klopp breathed heavily while holding him. He didn¡¯t even think about looking at the baby, thinking that it was finally over.


    The doctor cut the small umbilical cord of the premature baby and left a belly button before handing the baby over to Martha. She wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes as she let out a relieved sigh. She tried to give the baby to Klopp, but he shook his head.


    ¡°Quickly, save this person first.¡±


    Aelock¡¯s breathing was very weak in Klopp¡¯s arms.


    ¡°It¡¯s not toote yet. If we stitch up the wounds and stop the bleeding, he¡¯ll live.¡±


    The doctor immediately took out a needle and thread from his medical bag, sterilizing them in boiling water. Then he pulled the soaked sheets away and was about to sew up the torn wound when he blinked a few times and put down the forceps he had picked up with a deep sigh. He then began to feel around inside with his hand.


    At that moment, Aelock opened his eyes halfway again and began to make a whimpering sound, as if he didn¡¯t have the strength to scream anymore. His indescribable anguished face was neither crying norughing. Aelock struggled, tearing at Klopp¡¯s arm, which was holding him down, and writhed in agony. The sound of his terrifying cry sent a chill down Klopp¡¯s spine.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, the babies are twins. This way, we won¡¯t be able to stop the bleeding.¡±


    The doctor looked at Klopp with a stern face, then shook his head. Klopp¡¯s mind went nk, and he didn¡¯t know what to say. While he was speechless, Aelock let out another horrific scream. The second baby was starting toe out.


    Finally, the other baby came out. The second baby was much smaller than the first, so the doctor had to perform artificial resuscitation to help the baby breathe. Eventually, the baby survived, but Klopp didn¡¯t have time to hold the frail creature. Aelock was dying.


    ¡°His body is too weak, and he has suffered severe mental and physical trauma. Even if he hadn¡¯t gone through that incident, an omega male would still get into this condition, as you¡¯ve impregnated him five times. That¡¯s why I advised you to use birth control in the first ce.¡±


    Clicking his tongue, the doctor shook his head and added.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can, but honestly, it¡¯s hopeless. If he survives, it¡¯ll be a miracle. It¡¯s better for you to be prepared.¡±


    Klopp said nothing. Martha and the other servants were distracted because of the sudden delivery of the babies. Having nothing else to do, the doctor left, leaving Klopp alone with Aelock in the now silent room.


    In Klopp¡¯s arms, Aelock was already like a corpse. It was doubtful if he was even breathing. Klopp held his limp hand, ced it on his chest, and stroked his forehead with his other hand. At that moment, Aelock¡¯s eyelids trembled slightly, then he let out a small breath.


    ¡°Aelock?¡±


    When Klopp called his name, Aelock slowly opened his eyes. His eyes, which were staring nkly at the air, gradually narrowed their pupils and titled his head toward Klopp. He blinked very slowly, his full lips barely moving. Aelock¡¯s voice was weak, almost inaudible if Klopp didn¡¯t listen closely.


    ¡°¡­The baby?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re twins. They both survived.¡±


    ¡°¡­Good. Thank goodness.¡±


    The voice was as light as air, devoid of any life, and Klopp struggled to suppress the overwhelming emotion that he felt. Otherwise, everything inexplicable would burst out all at once. Klopp chewed on his lip and stared at the ceiling for a moment, trying to catch his breath. He barely contained himself because he didn¡¯t know how to feel at the fact that Aelock woke up and looked for his child first even after experiencing such a horrible thing.


    Aelock had enough consciousness to realize that he was giving birth even when the onlookers were going crazy in the situation. You¡¯re just really¡­


    He swallowed the emotions that kept rising. He had to make him say something. Otherwise, he felt like he would die too.


    ¡°Why did you run away? None of this would have happened if you hadn¡¯t run away.¡±


    He didn¡¯t intend to, but his criticisms still poured out. Aelock slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again and spoke up.


    ¡°¡­It hurt. Those people weren¡¯t human. That was not¡­ sex.¡±


    ¡°You idiot. You were raped by multiple people! That was a rape!¡±


    Klopp couldn¡¯t listen to Aelock anymore and his anger red. Aelock¡¯s eyes blinked again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t feel my body.¡±


    From how he had been talking nonsense from earlier, it seemed like Aelock was drifting in and out of consciousness. It was a miraculous situation that he was even able to speak. No matter how angry or usatory Klopp got, it was useless.


    ¡°You¡¯ve lost too much blood.¡±


    Aelock looked at Klopp with slightly trembling eyes, then cast his gaze into the distance and said.


    ¡°Am I dying?¡±


    ¡°¡­Probably.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Aelock blinked again. Even though he had been told that his death was imminent, he didn¡¯t show any sign of movement, or emotion or shed any tears. He closed and opened his eyes for a moment as if he was listening to someone else¡¯s story. He looked at Klopp and gave a faint smile.


    ¡°Is this how Rayfiel died too?¡±


    Did he still have the strength to be sarcastic even at this moment? Klopp felt like he couldn¡¯t breathe due to overwhelming despair and frustration. He wondered when would this demon finally be satisfied with torturing his soul. What crime had hemitted for Aelock to pick and choose only the cruelest things to do to him? He really wanted to go mad. Perhaps it would be better to go mad and forget about these indescribable emotions. The emotions that he had been holding back were starting to pour out.


    <noscript></noscript>


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 Vol. 1 Chapter 10.4 - Trapped in the living hell

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter 10.4 - Trapped in the living hell</h4>


    ¡°What did I do wrong to you in the first ce, why¡­¡­ are you doing this to me¡­¡­.¡±


    Tears of despair flowed from the eyes of the broken man. Even as he was dying, this damned demon had hurt him more than he could bear. Yet he couldn¡¯t even curse him. He could only hold the dying body and shed tears uncontrobly. Cold tears fell on his fair cheeks and rolled down. Aelock¡¯s eyes shook as he saw him. His wounded lips trembled slightly.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°After all these times, don¡¯t tell me such a lie.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. For everything. I now understand the pain that Rayfiel must have felt. I was just trying to die quietly. And for making you recall your wounds again¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡±


    Klopp screamed at the top of his lungs, feeling like he was about to go insane. He reached out to strangle the demon, eager to end his life as quickly as possible in a moment of intense hatred. However, as his hands clenched as his hands clenched around its slender neck, he froze up. The ssy blue eyes, that always confronted people, were full of tears.


    Ah.


    As Klopp¡¯s grip loosened, clear tear drops rolled down his golden eyshes, wetting them.


    ¡°At first, I thought I would have to take the suffering. Because that¡¯s how I should pay for my sins. I¡¯d just have to stay still, like before. But I couldn¡¯t do that when my child was getting in danger. So I rebelled¡­and got beaten.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just a simple beating that he had suffered. His arm was dislocated, his ankle was broken, and his entire body was abused. And yet, without a single curse, Aylock¡¯s narrative was stoic. It was as if he didn¡¯t even realize that he was crying.


    ¡°Rayfiel would probably have done the same. Because he wanted to protect the child. Because it was his child with his beloved person.¡±


    Klopp wanted to say how dare he say such words, but he couldn¡¯t say anything because his throat was too tight to speak. Aelock smiled as he looked at him. Tears streamed down endlessly. He had lost so much blood, Klopp couldn¡¯t understand from where did those tearse. It was like the dam that had been clogged finally copsed and everything he had gathered in his life was pouring out.


    ¡°My eyes feel strangely hot. Ah, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m now¡­ crying, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    The corner of Aelock¡¯s mouth slightly curled up, as if he were pleased. His drooping fingers were struggling to move as if he wanted to feel his tears, so Klopp wiped away his tears with his thumb instead. Looking at his soaking wet andrge hand, Aelock closed his mouth and swallowed, feeling choked up.


    ¡°Will you believe me now? I have feelings too, and I can get hurt. Even though Imitted an unforgivable sin that cannot be washed away.¡±


    After a moment of trembling voice, Klopp nodded his head. His wet blue eyes grew a little bigger and then softened.


    ¡°I was going to ask forgiveness from you and Rayfiel¡­ but now that I have experienced it, it¡¯s not something that I can ask for forgiveness. He will be in heaven and I won¡¯t, so I probably won¡¯t even be able to meet him.¡±


    He smiled and blinked his eyes. Tears that had been welling up in his eyes fell down.


    Turning his head away from Aelock¡¯s view, Klopp sobbed under his breath. Tears flowed down his cheeks and chin, not really knowing what those tears meant to him. The tears that rolled down his cheeks and chin got mixed with the tears running down Aylok¡¯s white face. Aelock, as usual, didn¡¯t avoid his gaze and spoke with a faint smile.


    ¡°I apologize for all the trouble I¡¯ve caused you. Someday, I hope to be reborn and repay you. And at that time, I won¡¯t go anywhere near your lover.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that all you have to say to me?¡±


    Klopp could only respond with a hollowugh to Aelock¡¯s aristocratic sarcasm in even hisst words.


    <i>You cruel demon.</i>


    Klopp took Aelock¡¯s hands with both of his and pressed his forehead against them. He didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Goodbye? Leaving him in this wretched world and continuing to live a cursed life forever? This damned bastard. Then he heard a fading voice.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    At first, he thought he misheard it, and Klopp raised his head and stupidly asked, ¡°What?¡± Aelock smiled and repeated himself.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always loved you.¡±


    Klopp didn¡¯t know what to say. With a nk expression, he denied him, ¡°What you did wasn¡¯t love.¡± Aelock looked a bit dejected at his words and then awkwardly smiled.


    ¡°Maybe. I¡¯ve never been in love with anyone else¡­ but you¡­ so I might not know what love really is¡­.¡±


    With those words, Aelock let out a deep sigh. Unlike before, he barely managed to continue speaking without breaks.


    ¡°Still¡­ even if it¡¯s¡­ a lie¡­ it¡¯s okay, won¡¯t you¡­ just tell me once¡­ that you love me?¡±


    But Klopp couldn¡¯t bring himself to say such words. It was okay even if it was a lie, thosemon words were nothing to him, but still, he couldn¡¯t just say it. Aelock didn¡¯t say anything more, leaving behind a bitter smile. The blue eyes met the flickering dark brown eyes for a moment, unmoving, before they slowly disappeared into his eyelids.


    ¡°Aelock!¡±


    At the urgent call, the eyelids that were just fluttering open slightly, dropped back down and closedpletely. No matter how much Klopp shook and called out, Aelock didn¡¯t open his eyes again.


    He didn¡¯t die immediately. That quack of a doctor had barely managed to stop the bleeding, and in that state of unconsciousness, Aelock managed to hold on for three days. He slept in Klopp¡¯s arms in a clean and tidy bed, and on the third day, he quietly took hisst breath on a sunny morning.


    In those three days, Klopp didn¡¯t understand why he held his despised enemy in his arms and kissed him on the forehead until the veryst breath. He just couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave the slowly cooling body alone. Klopp never took a step out of the room until the weak breath hadpletely stopped. Sometimes, he would give a little water to the pale, unconscious omega¡¯s lips. Their parched and chapped lips touched, and a faint breath escaped.


    As Aelock drifted into an evesting sleep, he asionally moved his lips and shed tears, dreaming of something. Then, Klopp would hold him close and brush his lips over the corner of his eye.


    Strangely enough, it turned out that tears had a vor. It should just be saltwater, but it had a very deceptive and indescribable taste. It wasn¡¯t bitter or salty, but rather a sweet taste that made his tongue numb. He wondered if he had finally gone insane.


    But he soon realized it. Aelock was having one of hisst very happy dreams, and that¡¯s why his happiness overflowed and his tears tasted sweet. To anyone else, they would be mere salt water, but to Klopp, who had been wrapped in Aelock¡¯s scent for years until their scents mingled together, the tears tasted like drugs as he licked them while holding the cold body and gently stroking his back. The weak body gradually stiffened.


    asionally, while holding Aelock¡¯s hands and kissing his forehead, Klopp would call out ¡°Aelock?¡± But Aelock never woke up from his happy dream. When his heart, which had been beating slowly, finally stopped, Klopp drank thest tear that Aelock shed and gave him a short kiss on his dry lips. Wrapped in white sheets, Aelock looked incredibly peaceful as if he was drifting towards his dreams.


    Now, there was no one left in this living hell but himself. He couldn¡¯t afford to take his own life like Aelock did. Because there were their children. Their gem-like children who came to life because Klopp raped Aelock and made him sacrifice what was left in his life. In return, Klopp was left with a torn soul that would never heal and forced to live alone in this terrifying hell forever. From now on, he would eternally be alone.


    Unlike Rayfiel, who was buried in the family cemetery, Aelock was buried in a sunny spot near the cabin. His tombstone was simple, with only his name and the years of his birth and death. There were no epitaphs inscribed on it. He didn¡¯t bring any flowers to the tombstone, but instead, the colorful and beautiful flowers that he had tended so diligently in his lifetime bloomed vividly and decorated the lonely tombstone. Until the end, he was a shining light unto himself.


    Sometimes, when he took their growing children near the cabin, Klopp would stand in front of the tombstone for a long time. His regrets overcame himte.


    He should have told him what he wanted to hear then, even if it was a lie.


    As he ran his fingers over the tombstone, he tried to say those words btedly, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say them in the end.


    After a while, Klopp turned towards the children calling out to him in the distance.


    And that marks the final chapter of Volume 1! There will still be a short epilogue to this volume and a preview to the next volume before we move on to Volume 2!


    From now on, I will be updating the chapters separately every 3-4 days (3rd/6th/9th)! Please look forward to the continuation of the story!


    Make me feel happy and supported by leaving ament!


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 Vol. 1 Chapter Scene #1 - Once upon a dream

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter Scene #1 - Once upon a dream</h4>


    He saw a beautiful rose garden blossoming into colorful flowers.


    Aelock, from the Teiwind family, strolled leisurely through the green space, bathed in early summer sunshine. Recently, he received several proposals from various households. It was his duty as the sessor to his family to choose a suitable omega and get married, and Aelock thought that was expected of him.


    He nned to evaluate the omegas carefully, just like selecting roses. They shouldn¡¯t be too ignorant, but it would also be troublesome if they were too smart. It was fine if they had a certain level of wealth, but it wasn¡¯t necessary for them to be excessively rich. They should be cultured and well-behaved. Preferably, a female omega. Male omegas often couldn¡¯t give birth to many children and had a high risk of dying during childbirth.


    His own mother was a male omega, and giving birth to him hadpromised his health. Although a single child could monopolize their parents¡¯ attention, Aelock believed that having more children was better. If he chose a female omega, she could give birth to numerous energetic children and fill this spacious garden with life. That¡¯s how Aelock dreamed. If he hadn¡¯t encountered a lost young man from the countryside in the garden that day.


    Tall and handsome, he had none of the sophistication of city aristocracy. Instead, he possessed an upright, innocent, and kind smile that anyone could recognize at a nce. Being invited to the Count¡¯s tea party, the guy had wandered a bit in the garden and lost his way. Aelock kindly led him to the rose garden where the party was being held.


    ¡°I am Aelock Teiwind. And you?¡±


    ¡°Klopp Bandyke.¡±


    In front of the rose garden, Klopp showed a faint smile as he looked at Aelock. At that moment, Aelock experienced a cliche feeling that could only be expressed as a fluttering of the heart. As they shook hands, Aelock stared into Klopp¡¯s dark brown eyes. And his serious pupils were directed at him.


    Aelock saw himself reflected in those eyes. His eyes were wide, his mouth slightly open, gazing at the other person absentmindedly. He looked like a young boy falling in love. So he smiled, not with a subtle fragrance-like smile, but brightly and vividly, like a rosebud bursting open with all its might in the early summer.


    A rose was most beautiful right before it fully bloomed. Once a bud burst open, it would soon wither and lose its vibrancy when getting hit by rain.


    When he returned to the estate, risking his life, and had their second child, there was a woman who approached Klopp. Although her appearance was different from his wife¡¯s, her manner of speaking and her personality were remarkably simr to Rayfiel, who had passed away. She had a kind and gentle nature. Klopp seemed to like her, and he asionally invited her to his house to have tea. She seemed to already know that Klopp had one child, but it didn¡¯t seem to bother her, and they became very intimate.


    One day in the estate¡¯s garden, Klopp kissed her hand and gently smiled at her. She became shy but they shared a kiss on the mouth. Aelock observed them from a window in the estate, feeling as if thete Rayfiel hade back to life and was mocking him.


    A fiery jealousy rose within Aelock. As the father of their child, he couldn¡¯t tolerate seeing Klopp involved with another omega. However, he couldn¡¯t order someone to get rid of her as he had done before. He didn¡¯t have that power anymore, and more importantly, he didn¡¯t want to resort to such methods anymore.


    Instead, Aelock made an effort himself. He pretended to be sick or in distress to keep Klopp by his side, even for just a little while, and prevented him from meeting her.


    ¡°The baby isn¡¯t moving.¡±


    Once the lie started, it couldn¡¯t be stopped. Using the excuse of the baby, Klopp would spend the whole day by Aelock¡¯s side, cing his hand on Aelock¡¯s belly to check if the baby was moving or not. Although the baby moved quickly inside the womb, Aelock held onto Klopp¡¯s hand and didn¡¯t let go. He knew the woman was waiting outside for Klopp, but he purposefully didn¡¯t let go of him until the end.


    ¡°It hurts. I might have a miscarriage.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s call a doctor.¡±


    ¡°The baby needs a father.¡±


    With a faint smile, Aelock made such demands. After Klopp embraced the dying Aelock back to the house, Klopp distanced himself even more. He still had his piercing gaze but no alpha could resist looking at the omega who bore his child. Aelock was confident in that.


    Eventually, Klopp sighed tiredly and called a maid to inform the woman that she should return. It was a highly offensive act. He didn¡¯t apologize directly to her, instead, he conveyed it through a maid.


    However, Aelock made him do that. It was also Klopp¡¯s fault for hiding Aelock¡¯s pregnancy. Even if it would be a little troublesome, if Klopp had revealed it from the beginning, such a thing wouldn¡¯t have happened. Klopp seemed extremely angry, but he couldn¡¯t do anything with a pregnant omega by his side. Aelock smiled and held Klopp¡¯s hand, cing it on his belly.


    The woman¡¯s visits became less frequent, then stopped altogether. Even after such an insult of being sent away, she didn¡¯t cut ties with Klopp immediately, she must have had quite an affection for Klopp.


    Indeed, although he had a child, an unmarried aristocrat with wealth and abilities like Klopp was popr everywhere. Aelock was once the object of such admiration, but now he had be Klopp¡¯s omega. He had already conceived their second child, and no matter what happened in the past, it was only right for him to reflect on himself to some extent. Although Klopp was extremely angry, Aelock acted oblivious. It was Klopp who didn¡¯t mention anything about the woman. He looked heartbroken.


    During his pregnancy, Aelock would asionally get a mild heat and he boldly asked Klopp to have sex with him. Klopp strongly hated it, but he couldn¡¯t help but give in to the pregnant Omega¡¯s urgings.


    Sometimes, Aelock would y sick and get the doctor to nag Klopp, telling him to be gentle with the pregnant omega. In the end, Klopp lost again. With a stern look, he removed Aelock¡¯s thin nightgown. Aelock smiled as Klopp slowly entered his body.


    Soon, arge penis was inside his body. As he only had a small amount of slick, it became extremely painful with each thrust. Aelock whimpered softly, more from agony than pleasure, sweating profusely. Klopp held Aelock¡¯s arms and focused on forcing his legs apart, thrusting into him. It didn¡¯t take long before something hot was released and filled inside Aelock. The pain was worse than when he was in heat, so Aelock couldn¡¯t even have a full erection, but he was still satisfied. Klopp pulled out of Aelock¡¯s body, cursing under his breath.


    ¡°Are you satisfied?¡±


    Moreover, Klopp didn¡¯t even remove his clothes, so he could easily leave this spot. Aelock hurriedly grabbed his hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°What else do you want now?¡±


    The irritation in his voice extinguished the passion he just had in his chest. But Aelockdidn¡¯t back down, and his tone was calm.


    ¡°Sleep next to me.¡±


    Klopp red at him as if he would kill him and trembled with anger, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t refuse again. Still naked, Aelock nestled into the alpha¡¯s arms and closed his eyes. Who would have thought that pregnancy could be used for this? Giving birth was painful and tough for his body, but if Klopp stayed by his side like this, Aelock thought he could endure giving birth a few more times.


    He hoped the second child would be alpha. An omega who gave birth to an alpha would secure a reputation to their name. Even if it would be a little difficult for him, after giving birth to one more child in the future, Klopp would give up and ept the reality. His partner was not the deceased Rayfiel, but Aelock.


    It was at the bottom where the ugly, twisted petals had arrogantly held on and fallen to the fierce rain. Trampled countless times by uncaring steps, the petals could no longer maintain their color and blended with the dirt, losing their shape. The ce, where the arrogance of beauty should havested forever, would be washed away and filled with the scars of rotting petals.


    As the pain washed over him, Aelock stood in front of the rose garden once again.


    Wearing tattered clothes, Aelock¡¯s skinny body was leaning back at the deserted cabin. When he absentmindedly looked towards the distance, he saw Klopp. And he also saw six angelic children. Aelock watched that scene mesmerized. It was the first time he saw all six children.


    Overwhelmed by his emotions, he tried to run towards them, but for some reason, his legs wouldn¡¯t move. So he called out to Klopp. He tried so many times, with all his might, yet no sound came out. He was definitely screaming, but he couldn¡¯t hear anything in his ears. Even when he waved his hands and yelled, Klopp didn¡¯t look back at Aelock. Instead, he looked happily at Rayfiel, who was standing beside him.


    So he was alive.


    A beautiful person approached the children with a bright smile. The children circled around him, calling out, ¡°Mom! Mom!¡± <i>Those children¡­ They were Rayfiel¡¯s children. I don¡¯t have any children. It¡¯s strange. Why did I try to run towards them?</i>


    Aelock stood there in devastation, and then his legs gave out, causing him to take a step back. Strangely, the legs that couldn¡¯t run suddenly moved. Soon after, he heard a dull sound. Looking down, he saw blood flowing profusely between his legs.


    Ah, that¡¯s right. I was on the verge of dying.


    He lifted his head and looked at Klopp and the children again. And also at Rayfiel, who was smiling like an angel. Klopp seemed happy. He smiled brightly, like in his faint memory. But strangely, he didn¡¯t feel any jealousy. Only that his heart ached, and something leaked from his eyes. He reached out his hand and found clear moisture.


    Tears. Right. Now I know how to cry.


    Aelock smiled as tears dripped down his cheeks and chin into his palms. Then he raised his head again, and Klopp was looking at him. While crying and smiling, Aelock realized. Now there was no need for words. He was just smiling, but Klopp looked at Aelock for a short moment, then he turned away and went back to where his wife and children were calling him. Far away. Until he was beyond reach.


    In the cabin, the dim darkness crept up from under his feet. He was no longer afraid of the calm darkness, which felt neither cold nor hot. Aelock watched Klopp¡¯s back as he disappeared into the distance and said.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not love, then I don¡¯t know what to call this. If there¡¯s a next time¡­ that time, I want to love you.¡±


    Theplete darkness rose, engulfing his ankles, knees, thighs, stomach, chest, and finally his neck. Theyers wrapped around him like soft flower petals.


    Through the final closing cracks of darkness, iridescent fragments scattered away.


    Into the Rose Garden, Part 1


    <In The Abyss> Fin.


    To be continued in the next volume¡­


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 Vol. 1 Chapter Next Volume Preview - Volume 2 Preview

    <h4>Vol. 1 Chapter Next Volume Preview - Volume 2 Preview</h4>


    The years passed uneventfully. The man always sat in that same ce, gazing at the cabin. On a dark night with a raging snowstorm, the man, who was staring out without any movement, stood up and rushed outside. He grabbed his coat and ran outside, not bothering to put it on. Despite nearly stumbling multiple times in the heavy snow, his gaze remained fixated on the deste ce hidden by darkness and the snowstorm.


    The once dark brown hair was now covered with snow, making it impossible to discern its color. The man didn¡¯t even consider the fact that his expensive clothes and shoes were getting wet. He hastily reached the cabin, only to find dust and loneliness inside. He clearly saw a light. It was a faint but persistent light, never extinguishing even amidst the blizzard and darkness, just like his shine. However, the cabin remained engulfed in pitch-ck darkness.


    Unable to believe it, he called out the name he had repeated countless times in his mind again and again. However, even after shouting with all his might, nothing could push away the suffocating silence except for the deafening roar of the snowstorm.


    Stepping out with heavy steps, the man buried himself in the snow and gazed at the cold stone visible only at the end of his sight.


    Ah.


    Btedly realizing it, he brushed his cold, damp hair with his brash hands. He continued to stare at the tombstone until he lost all his senses up to the tips of his fingers, submerged in snow up to mid-calf.


    That was the man¡¯s first delirium.


    .


    .


    .


    When he opened his eyes, he felt tears streaming down his cheeks. It felt like he had a tremendously agonizing dream. He dreamt of an unimaginably hellish ce where he couldn¡¯t even struggle and gradually sumbed to insanity¡ªa miserable and agonizing dream that made no sense.


    ¡°Damn. What the hell is this suddenly¡­¡±


    With his hands still tingling, he roughly wiped his tear-streaked face and stood up. His eyes caught sight of an unfamiliar luxurious interior. He was in the Count estate¡¯s guest room.


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, he wiped his moist face again. Maybe it was because he had slept in an unfamiliar ce. He was usually not particrly sensitive, but his mood felt strange. Though no one else was in the room, the fact that an adult alpha had cried over a mere nightmare made him feel embarrassed, so he quickly straightened the sheets and got out of bed.


    Taking a few deep breaths, he brushed his hair that fluttered in the early morning breeze and looked into the distance. From the second floor, he could see a rose garden not too far away.


    The sun had yet to rise, so it still looked dark, but when he first entered this room, he couldn¡¯t help but be awestruck by how morous it was. It felt like he could already smell the roses all the way up here. He wasn¡¯t particrly interested in flowers, but he was slightly looking forward to this rose garden. This ce would give him a new opportunity. Just as he gazed at it once again, he saw a shabby building far away through the rows of trees.


    ¡°Is it a barn? Or a gardener¡¯s cabin?¡±


    Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t suit the extravagant rose garden at all. A count this wealthy would have had many employers, and it was natural to have amodations and workces for them throughout the garden. But they weren¡¯t built in in sight like that thing. Concealing for aesthetics is typical, but that was none of Klopp¡¯s business. This mansion belonged to Count Aelock Teiwind, so it was his problem to solve. Perhaps it was deliberately done like that due to the count¡¯s rumored peculiar taste.


    .


    .


    .


    The massive trees reminded him of the dense forests in his hometown in the north. He hadn¡¯t seen much trees since he came to study here. He took a deep breath, shaking off all the remaining irritation. Since there wasn¡¯t really anything to smile about, he continued to walk with a serious expression, and someone appeared in the distance.


    The person, slightly shorter than himself with delicate features, seemed to be an alpha male, but there was a strangely erotic aura about him. With a sophisticated and elegant gait that suited his refined appearance, he looked to this side and was extremely surprised to discover him. He abruptly came to a stop. Even from a considerable distance, Klopp could sense his blue eyes trembling.


    What¡¯s this? There¡¯s no one else around.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why the person looked so shocked as if he had seen a ghost upon seeing him. At that moment, a breeze brushed against his hair, poking his eyes, and he brushed his hair away, annoyed.


    When he faced the person again, their expression had changed. Gone was the surprise of a moment ago, reced by the thin smile of an aristocrat, making him look clearly of the upper ss, born and raised in the city. Gracefully and lightly, as if carried by the wind, he started to guide the way without even being asked, saying, ¡°The rose garden is that way.¡± Although it was somewhat arrogant and rude, it was so fitting that there was no room for him toin.


    It was usual to not have any conversation in unfamiliar encounters, but in their walk together, he felt a strange sensation. Clearly, this was the first time he saw this person. Even when he quickly looked back on his rtively short life, there was no asion where he had be involved with such an elegant city aristocrat. But why did he feel a sense of familiarity?


    ¡°I am Klopp Bandyke.¡±


    Extending his hand for a handshake, the other person finally looked straight at Klopp. After making a slightly awkward and nk expression, he soon regained his smooth smile. Then, with a face as fair as his hand, he reached out and shook Klopp¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Aelock Teiwind.¡±


    Ah, somehow he had a feeling he would be him. It wasn¡¯t that he knew he was a count, but he did expect him to have a title of that reputation.


    ¡°Thank you for guiding me the way.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    He worked in the office untilte. Recently, there was urgent paperwork that needed to be done due to an increase in new clients. He also had a backlog of investment proposals to review. He was nning to finish just a few more things and go home, but he got a visitor thiste at night.


    ¡°Who is it at thiste hour?¡±


    He was not dressed appropriately to meet a client, but it wasn¡¯t particrly courteous for the visitor to visit the office at thiste hour either. In fact, that person should be relieved that they didn¡¯t get yelled at and shooed right away. His secretary had already left, so Klopp had to personally open the office door, which had a namete with ¡®Bandyke¡¯ on it. It wouldn¡¯t take him long to open the door, but before it was even halfway open, the visitor banged on it with a force like they were about to break it down.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind at this hour?¡±


    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re here after all.¡±


    Standing in the dark corridor and dressed in a dark suit, the visitor surprisingly turned out to be the blond young count.


    Startled by his unexpected appearance, Klopp leaned on the door frame with his arms and stared at him nkly. With a slightly stiff and awkward smile, the count asked.


    ¡°Can you spare me a moment?¡±


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Aelock revealed the purpose of his visit without hesitation.


    ¡°I made an investment recently and incurred losses. It wasn¡¯t a significant loss, but because everyone kept telling me to meet you, I reluctantly came here.¡±


    ¡°To think that you could lose enough money to buy ten ordinary houses in the Eastern Gem Mine and still call it not a significant loss. Truly, Teiwind is remarkable.¡±


    ¡°¡­Did you already know?¡±


    The count¡¯s smile became a little awkward. Leaning his upper body back and resting it against the backrest, Klopp spoke.


    ¡°News spreads quickly in this industry.¡±


    ¡°Then our talk would be fast too. Regarding the investment agent.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking any more clients. I¡¯m already overwhelmed with my current clients, and I don¡¯t want to deal with annoying clients who easily fall for shoddy investment schemes that are nothing more than scams.¡±


    Klopp rested his chin on his hand while leaning his elbow on the armrest and smirked. Aelock¡¯s pride seemed to be wounded by that and he tightly pursed his lips. He then pulled out a neatly folded letter from inside his well-tailored jacket, which entuated his physique.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°A rmendation letter.¡±


    Klopp received it and opened it. The content wasn¡¯t long.


    <i>It¡¯s me.</i>


    <i>No need for small talk, make a contract with him. This is all for your good.</i>


    <i>Derbyshire.</i>


    That damned old man. Klopp gritted his teeth. As he exerted a little force with his fingertips, the high-quality handmade paper got creased. Seeing him, Aelock grimaced a little, as if in disapproval, but then smiled again.


    ¡°I have no intention to make a contract with a barbarian like you. However, it would be impolite to reject a rmendation from Viscount Derbyshire.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°Did you have a heartbreak?¡±


    The words that came out of nowhere sounded sarcastic even to his own ears. While Klopp was inwardly flustered, Aelock lowered the hand that was rubbing his eyes and raised the corner of his mouth, smiling. Turning his head slightly, he nced in this direction with trembling lips.


    ¡°I can get hurt too.¡±


    Klopp couldn¡¯t make sense of that absurd response.


    <i>What¡¯s with him? Did he really have a heartbreak, or is there something else going on with him?</i>


    Klopp remained silent and stared into his wet blue eyes. He couldn¡¯t look away from him. The shock was too much. No matter how much Aelock wiped away his tears, they continued to fall, soon smearing his face and dampening the back of his hand. For him to cry this much, he must have loved someone so deeply and had a falling out with them. He didn¡¯t expect the arrogant aristocrat could cry that pitifully.


    ¡°If you were heartbroken, it might be better for you to not wander around at night drenched with a scent that would make you pass as an omega. You might end up in a situation with more than a little embarrassment if an alpha passed by and mistook you as one.¡±


    Aelock, whose tears hadn¡¯t dried, smiled again and retorted, ¡°As long as it¡¯s not you.¡±


    Although it wasn¡¯t a particrly malicious statement, Klopp felt as if sanity was slipping away. Even without that, he was constantly getting turned on, and now that he could even smell Aelock¡¯s intoxicating scent which was enough to make his head hurt, he almost lost control of his self-restraint. He clenched his fists tightly. His hand, pressed against the bandage, throbbed with pain, but it seemed to bring him back to his senses.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s not my concern, you can act however you want with your body, whether as an alpha or omega. But I hope you¡¯ll choose someone who doesn¡¯t spend money excessively.¡±


    He finally managed to utter the words he had intended to say for a while now. It was bing agonizing to keep looking at him. Why did Aelock have to be an alpha? Klopp bit down on it and red at Aelock. His tears that had dried started to fall again.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? Did you really have a heartbreak?¡±


    Klopp said sarcastically with a furrowed brow, and Aelock wiped away his tears with his already damp hand. Then, without retorting, he turned away from Klopp, intending to leave. That response seemed toe from his sarcasm, as Aelock deliberately nudged his shoulder while passing by. The remaining shred of Klopp¡¯s shallow self-restraint waspletely shattered.


    Klopp reached out and grabbed the wrist of the figure that had moved a few steps away.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    To be continued in the next volume¡­


    And this is really the end of Volume 1! I¡¯ll start posting Volume 2 next week!


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 1.1 - All again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 1.1 - All again</h4>


    <strong>Part 2. Into the Brilliant Garden</strong>


    Once he realized it, the dull tombstone had be surrounded by blooming and colorful flowers. The man would visit the grave from time to time, always wanting to say something, but in the end, he would leave without uttering a word.


    This wasn¡¯t the ending that he had wanted. He wanted to hold onto the person who was bing as light as a piece of paper and keep him by his side forever. Even if his end was inevitable, he wished to postpone it for as long as he could. But by the time he realized this, it was already toote. That pregnancy was supposed to be hisst, but the person who couldn¡¯t bear it any longer without the white pills had already shattered off what little life he had left. Then, he had given those parts to his two children and left. If he hadn¡¯t had children, would he have lived longer? That probably wouldn¡¯t happen.


    The two children, born after Aelock became addicted to drugs, were fragile andte in development. They cried incessantly and constantly sought attention. When he tried to soothe and hold them, they would hit and push him away. However, they would still cling to him with their small hands. As he held them, sobbing beyond belief, he knew he couldn¡¯t shorten their lives. It would take a long time for these children to stand on their own.


    Because of the children, there was never a moment when he felt miserable or lonely. However, after each child grew older, they found their beloved person and left. Theughter and cries that once filled the grand estate disappeared. The man sat in his chair, his body aged and settled, only gazing out at the window. Beyond the ss of therge balcony that reached from the floor to the ceiling, he saw a morous rose garden, like colorful jewels sprinkling on the greenwn. And the cabin that was hidden between the walls of Cyprus trees. Along with his own sins.


    The years passed uneventfully. The man always sat in that same ce, gazing at the cabin. On a dark night with a raging snowstorm, the man, who was staring out without any movement, stood up and rushed outside. He grabbed his coat and ran outside, not bothering to put it on. Despite nearly stumbling multiple times in the heavy snow, his gaze remained fixated on the deste ce hidden by darkness and the snowstorm.


    The once dark brown hair was now covered with snow, making it impossible to discern its color. The man didn¡¯t even consider the fact that his expensive clothes and shoes were getting wet. He hastily reached the cabin, only to find dust and loneliness inside. He clearly saw a light. It was a faint but persistent light, never extinguishing even amidst the blizzard and darkness, just like his shine. However, the cabin remained engulfed in pitch-ck darkness.


    Unable to believe it, he called out the name he had repeated countless times in his mind again and again. However, even after shouting with all his might, nothing could push away the suffocating silence except for the deafening roar of the snowstorm.


    Stepping out with heavy steps, the man buried himself in the snow and gazed at the cold stone visible only at the end of his sight.


    Ah.


    Realizing it btedly, he brushed his cold, damp hair with his brash hands. He continued to stare at the tombstone until he lost all his senses up to the tips of his fingers, submerged in snow up to mid-calf.


    That was the man¡¯s first delirium.


    ***


    When he opened his eyes, he felt tears streaming down his cheeks. It felt like he had a tremendously agonizing dream. He dreamt of an unimaginably hellish ce where he couldn¡¯t even struggle and gradually sumbed to insanity¡ªa miserable and agonizing dream that made no sense.


    ¡°Damn. What the hell is this suddenly¡­¡±


    With his hands still tingling, he roughly wiped his tear-streaked face and stood up. His eyes caught sight of an unfamiliar luxurious interior. He was in the Count estate¡¯s guest room.


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, he wiped his moist face again. Maybe it was because he had slept in an unfamiliar ce. He was usually not particrly sensitive, but his mood felt strange. Though no one else was in the room, the fact that an adult alpha had cried over a mere nightmare made him feel embarrassed, so he quickly straightened the sheets and got out of bed.


    Taking a few deep breaths, he brushed his hair that fluttered in the early morning breeze and looked into the distance. From the second floor, he could see a rose garden not too far away.


    The sun had yet to rise, so it still looked dark, but when he first entered this room, he couldn¡¯t help but be awestruck by how morous it was. It felt like he could already smell the roses all the way up here. He wasn¡¯t particrly interested in flowers, but he was slightly looking forward to this rose garden. This ce would give him a new opportunity. Just as he gazed at it once again, he saw a shabby building far away through the rows of trees.


    ¡°Is it a barn? Or a gardener¡¯s cabin?¡±


    Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t suit the extravagant rose garden at all. A count this wealthy would have had many employers, and it was natural to have amodations and workces for them throughout the garden. But they weren¡¯t built in in sight like that thing. Concealing for aesthetics is typical, but that was none of Klopp¡¯s business. This mansion belonged to Count Aelock Teiwind, so it was his problem to solve. Perhaps it was deliberately done like that due to the count¡¯s rumored peculiar taste.


    A momentter, he could hear the sounds of servants waking up the dawn and bustling in the corridor outside the door. Klopp left the view of the rose garden and the particrly deste-looking cabin behind and entered the room.


    Count Tewind was a high-ranking aristocrat, famous for his long-standing tradition and immense wealthparable to the royal family. Now that the world had changed, with the rise of the emerging affluent ss and the slowly copsing ss system, even the advocates of egalitarianism, who shouted that there was no such thing as born-aristocrat people, kept their mouths shut in front of them.


    The Tewind family was not simply a snobbish noble family, they were true ¡°lords¡± in the sense of fulfilling their noble duties. Even now, when they had no direct obligations, they took the initiative in aiding the poor within their territory, they wanted to give opportunities to many young people who could reach higher. That was precisely the reason why Klopp hade there.


    The Count invited promising young individuals who were talented butcked inherited titles or wealth, connecting them with sponsors. The sponsorship group, known as the ¡°Tea Party in the Rose Garden,¡± was packed with aristocrats who enjoyed the noble hobby of nurturing talents and ambitious young people, who were determined to seed through these aristocrats¡¯ hobbies.


    At the same time, it was also full of frightening parents, who came with the intention of disposing of their burdensome omega offspring. They pick out young alphas with their sharp gazes as if they were picking out horses in a stallion market.


    Klopp, who majored inw and economics at the National Capital University and graduated with excellent grades, was of course invited. He was the second son of Baron Bandyke, but since his elder brother was an alpha, he wasn¡¯t in line to inherit the family. Moreover, the family itself was located in a remote countryside that very few know of, and they were poor, so there was nothing remarkable about them.


    The only thing his family could offer him was tuition fees. However, even with that, it was difficult to cover the expenses of studying abroad. Fortunately, Klopp was an exceptionally brilliant student. He was able to receive a state schrship through a professor¡¯s rmendation and also enjoyed a free dormitory in return for assisting the professor.


    Although his school life wasn¡¯t impoverished, he had no intention of continuing a difficult life. He aspired to be an economicwyer or an expert in global investments, but at the moment, he had no reputation or connections, and he also had no immediate profits. That¡¯s why today was very important for his future.


    After washing himself with the water brought by the maid and putting on a new suit he had bought with his small savings, Klopp wore the cufflinks that his father had passed down to him. He had barely seen his father throughout his study abroad, but he was able to attend his graduation ceremony. They were in and somewhat old-fashioned, but the aged shine added a little more sense of sophistication to the young man. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his tie and brushed back a few stray strands of his hair.


    ¡°This should look fine.¡±


    He had never thought of himself as handsome, but he didn¡¯t think hecked charm either. After all, he had nevercked omega lovers since his university days, but he wasn¡¯t currently dating anyone. And he hadn¡¯t specificallye here to find himself an omega.


    Some prideless aristocrats wanted to sell themselves as stallions to noble families that only had omegas, but Klopp wasn¡¯t such a lowly person. At the very least, he wanted to maintain his dignity as an individual and carve out his own life. Today, what he sought was not a decadent and low-minded rtionship based on body and pheromones, butpanionship with an individual who would recognize his expertise. And he was quite confident in it.


    This is the start of Volume 2! Update will be every 3-4 days ??


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 1.2 - All again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 1.2 - All again</h4>


    The grand rose garden transformed into a sponsorship party thatsted for about three days. It was more like a grand banquet than a tea party. Since only tea and snacks were served without alcohol, it was just called a tea party in the name. The morous flower garden, which was said to have been built by a king who was so in love with his queen that he sold his country to build them, was adorned with young people in full dress even before the tea party officially began. Like mating peacocks, they fluttered their wings and showed off their elegance.


    Although he had arrived a little early, Klopp couldn¡¯t help but be surprised by the number of people who had already gathered there. First, he was taken aback by the arrogance of the alphas who strutted around without any sense of shame. Second, he was astonished by the pheromones that the omegas emitted, who were far from shying away from those alphas, but instead casting flirtatious nces and smiling at them. Third, as soon as he stepped into the space that could be called the center of the rose garden, he was met with hostile gazes from the alphas and intense, curious looks from the omegas.


    A shiver ran down his spine. He had been told that this was a social gathering, but this felt more like a marketce for blind meetings! Damn it!


    He didn¡¯t even have a chance to look around to see where the distinguished gentlemen and their wives, who could engage in discussions about investments andw, were located. Before he was even offered a cup of tea, a group of omegas, led by a dignified middle-aged omega, who had ¡°Mother Representative¡± or ¡°Matchmaker¡± written on her face, charged towards him. He had no choice but to turn and run away. Otherwise, he feared he would be stripped naked on the spot and forced into mating with those many omegas,


    First and foremost, he needed to look ahead and get as far away as possible. He could hear the cries of omegas searching for him, like hounds chasing a fox. They were relentless and persistent too. He skillfully maneuvered through the tall, towering trees. It wasn¡¯t until he was a good distance away and the sound of pursuit hadpletely died down that Klopp wiped the sweat on his forehead.


    This was aplete mistake. The professor had said there would be plenty of opportunities, but he had mistaken it for diversity in conversational topics. He felt like a fool for dressing up and preparing himself. His expectations had already hit rock bottom, so he didn¡¯t want to go back to the rose garden. It would be better to return to his room and catch up on the sleep he hadn¡¯t gotten because of his restless dream. And he would have to leave this ce immediately tomorrow and explore other options. Klopp clenched his teeth and headed towards the nearby estate that came into view.


    He was sure that the estate was nearby. However, why was the garden soplicated that the closer he got, the farther he seemed to be?


    On top of his surly mood, his irritation began to creep in. If the cool breeze hadn¡¯t blown in and cooled his temper, he would have snapped and broken every damn tree in that spot.


    It was only detrimental to himself to let his temper re up when he couldn¡¯t find his way. If only there was someone passing by, he could have asked for directions. But all people must be busy in the rose garden that wasn¡¯t too far from here, there wasn¡¯t a single ant in sight, let alone a human. At this point, it seemed better to take a stroll along the path lined with pine trees in the other direction and reflect on his current situation.


    As he walked alongside the towering trees that soared into the sky, his irritation slowly began to dissipate. Perhaps he had grown tired of thisplicated city. The massive trees reminded him of the dense forests in his hometown in the north. He hadn¡¯t seen much trees since he came to study here. He took a deep breath, shaking off all the remaining irritation. Since there wasn¡¯t really anything to smile about, he continued to walk with a serious expression, and someone appeared in the distance.


    The person, slightly shorter than himself with delicate features, seemed to be an alpha male, but there was a strangely erotic aura about him. With a sophisticated and elegant gait that suited his refined appearance, he looked to this side and was extremely surprised to discover him. He abruptly came to a stop. Even from a considerable distance, Klopp could sense his blue eyes trembling.


    <i>What¡¯s this? There¡¯s no one else around.</i>


    He couldn¡¯t understand why the person looked so shocked as if he had seen a ghost upon seeing him. At that moment, a breeze brushed against his hair, poking his eyes, and he brushed his hair away, annoyed.


    When he faced the person again, their expression had changed. Gone was the surprise of a moment ago, reced by the thin smile of an aristocrat, making him look clearly of the upper ss, born and raised in the city. Gracefully and lightly, as if carried by the wind, he started to guide the way without even being asked, saying, ¡°The rose garden is that way.¡± Although it was somewhat arrogant and rude, it was so fitting that there was no room for him toin.


    It was usual to not have any conversation in unfamiliar encounters, but in their walk together, he felt a strange sensation. Clearly, this was the first time he saw this person. Even when he quickly looked back on his rtively short life, there was no asion where he had be involved with such an elegant city aristocrat. But why did he feel a sense of familiarity?


    ¡°I am Klopp Bandyke.¡±


    Extending his hand for a handshake, the other person finally looked straight at Klopp. After making a slightly awkward and nk expression, he soon regained his smooth smile. Then, with a face as fair as his hand, he reached out and shook Klopp¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Aelock Teiwind.¡±


    Ah, somehow he had a feeling he would be him. It wasn¡¯t that he knew he was a count, but he did expect him to have a title of that reputation.


    ¡°Thank you for guiding me the way.¡±


    First of all, as Klopp was the guest here, he expressed his gratitude. The count, whom he thought would respond coldly to match his arrogance just now, surprisingly smiled genuinely.


    Suddenly, the pit of his stomach tightened. Seeing his bright and sincere smile brought him an ufortable feeling. At the same time, the strange sensation he had right after his nightmare earlier enveloped his body again. Klopp frowned and stared intently at the count looking at him. Suddenly, he felt his anger rise at that smile and had the urge to strangle him.


    <i>What¡¯s going on? Why am I feeling like this? Is it jealousy? No, it doesn¡¯t seem like it.</i> He felt like he was about to explode with a kind of dissatisfaction and irritation. He wanted to do something to the man standing in front of him, but he couldn¡¯t figure out exactly what or how. It was an inexplicable desire that he couldn¡¯t put into words.


    The handshake became prolonged, and before an awkward silence could set in, the two of them released their hands with a small cough. Klopp took deliberate deep breaths and steadied his resolve. There was no running away from the stare of the Count who had led him the way.


    Why did theye to the rose garden in the first ce? He should have asked to be guided to the estate. Regret always came toote. Nevertheless, he felt slightly better than before. He had some time to prepare himself mentally. After brushing his hair back with his hand, Klopp took a step forward and entered the rose garden. He sensed someone following him from behind. ncing back, he found Aelock, who he thought would guide him in, but instead, he was walking behind him.


    As the two entered, the gathered crowd all turned their attention to them. Specifically, they were probably looking at Aelock Teywind, the count. Just like a pack of starving wolves running on the meadow, they flocked towards Aelock Teywind, their tempting prey.


    After a while, Klopp found himself standing alone in a far corner of the rose garden. As if they were starving for something to eat, people were trying to talk to Aelock, ignoring others.


    It didn¡¯t seem like high status and wealth were the only things he possessed. Among the swarm of ants rushing towards the sweet jam, there were already some half-lidded omegas who were enchanted. Objectively speaking, Aelock was an attractive charming single alpha, so it was not surprising. asionally, he could even see an alpha who looked at Aelock with sticky gazes. Was he himself like that earlier? Klopp quickly averted his gaze, but that alpha didn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t understand why he felt irritated seeing that alpha casually approaching Aelock from behind.


    The butlers and maids appeared, offering the guests a taste of luxurious ck tea. It was the first time Klopp tasted such tea. The tea was a feast for his sense of smell and tastebuds. There were sweets to satisfy his eyes as well. Most of the city¡¯s upper sses drank their tea with cream. It was rare to drink it with just sugar. Unlike them, Klopp only needed a spoonful of sugar. He didn¡¯t have much of a sweet tooth, and back in his hometown, this was how he drank ck tea.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 1.3 - All again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 1.3 - All again</h4>


    While Klopp was sipping two cups of ck tea, Aelock continued to engage in conversations with people, wearing a faint smile. The cup of tea in his hand had barely been touched and was cooling down.


    The people standing right in front of the young count may not have noticed, but as Klopp continued to watch him in this direction, he could clearly sense it. Every now and then, he met his blue eyes. Each time that happened, Aelock would give a charming smile. In contrast, Klopp¡¯s mood grew even more somber. He had been puzzled and unable to understand his feelings since earlier. At first, he wondered if he was jealous of the handsome aristocrat with his wealth and status.


    Until now, Klopp had never shown much interest in others. He never felt inferior because he believed in his own abilities, regardless of hisck of wealth or status.


    Just to test it out, he approached a rtively unremarkable-looking alpha who seemed wealthy and struck up a conversation. The person had shown an initial interest but quickly lost interest and threw a mocking smile at Klopp. However, Klopp didn¡¯t feel any jealousy nor inferiority. Instead, he found himself sneering at the person who had nothing to boast about except their own family. Of course, he didn¡¯t show it outwardly.


    But it was different with the count. He was extremely displeased at the fact that Aelock was smiling amongst those people. An omega, who seemed like they could go into heat any moment, subtly stroked Aelock¡¯s arm.


    The teacup in Klopp¡¯s hand trembled as he watched the Alpha who had been flirting with Aelock since earlier casually tap him on the shoulder. He gripped the handle tightly before the exquisitely patterned teacup could spill. Yet, he couldn¡¯t help but feel angry as he watched the count didn¡¯t immediately brush off their hands, only skillfully avoiding with his body. This feeling was certainly not something one should have for someone who they met for the first time. Something felt off.


    His original n to seize an opportunity here had disappeared somewhere. The whole time, Klopp wore a dissatisfied expression, full of unfulfilled frustration. It continued throughout the tea party. Restless, Klopp constantly followed Aelock with his eyes, while the easygoing count, whether aware of his feelings or not, smiled at him whenever their eyes met.


    Finally, tired of dealing with people, Aelock gracefully parted the swarm of ants and sneaked his way toward Klopp. It seemed as if it happened unintentionally, but in the first ce, there was no reason for him, who was the center of the social gathering, toe to this far corner. Only when Aelock was fairly close did he suddenly exchange nces with Klopp, as if he hadn¡¯t known he was here, and greeted him again.


    ¡°Everyone is desperate.¡±


    With a faint smile, the count approached him, while mocking the people who he had just been polite with. Although he had exchanged pleasantries with Klopp, they weren¡¯t close enough to exchange such remarks. It was such an arrogant act from Aelock. Already irritated, Klopp gave him a quick nce and then turned to the other side, responding coldly.


    ¡°You must smell delicious to them.¡±


    It was a grossly offensive remark, which even had Klopp surprised himself for saying that. Aelock seemed greatly shocked to be called a lecherous guy who exudes a strong scent.


    Such a rude remark from a stranger would normally have made them re up with anger. Of course, the count himself had uttered words that he shouldn¡¯t say to a stranger, but Klopp¡¯s remarks were on apletely different level.


    Especially if they were a noble and respected aristocrat like Aelock, who was the subject of people¡¯s adoration and ttery, the aristocrat would immediately kick the impudent speaker out of the estate. Or perhaps Aelock might p him with that seemingly gentle hand. Klopp even wished for a fight and to be driven away. He didn¡¯t think there was much to be gained in this ce, but he couldn¡¯t find the will to leave on his own.


    However, Aelock only slightly furrowed his brow and raised the corner of his mouth a little. He must not know how to get angry as he was too much of an aristocrat, Klopp thought. But that thought was shattered immediately. Handing the now-cooled teacup to a passing butler, Aelock spoke calmly but a little quickly.


    ¡°It¡¯s better than not being able to catch a single bug when you¡¯re chasing for food.¡±


    His calm and measured voice trembled slightly, but that made it sound even more arrogant. This, too, was extremely insulting, no less than Klopp¡¯s blunt words. It was as if Aelock was sneering at him. You¡¯re such a pathetic little bastard, there¡¯s nothing worthy to look at. Aelock even looked Klopp up and down.


    The count had smiled at him earlier, but now he was visibly angry, ring at Klopp. Klopp didn¡¯t back down. Although he had initiated it himself, he couldn¡¯t help feeling extremely ufortable being insulted. At the same time, he found it somewhat amusing that the count, who usually wore a mask-like smile to others, was ring at him with such vivid eyes. <i>No, I should correct myself and say it was quite satisfying.</i>


    The two began hurling insults at each other whenever they bumped into each other, whether in the garden or inside the estate. Of course, this only happened when they were alone. When other people were present in the vicinity, Klopp would keep his mouth shut, but he wouldn¡¯t transform into a noble aristocrat like Aelock, donning a subtle smile. It bothered him terribly, and he wanted to rip that mask off somehow.


    The sight of Aelock in the garden,ughing hysterically with all those bugs, made Klopp¡¯s stomach turn, so he decided to take a look at the Count estate¡¯s library. When he asked whether it was fine for him to explore the library, the silver-haired butler was happy to show him around.


    As renowned as its reputation, the count¡¯s study was filled with books of exquisite quality. Most of them were humanities and philosophy books, and each one was worth a fortune. There were several books that seemed tempting to pick up and read immediately, but knowing that he would be leaving soon and not wanting to leave any regrets, Klopp refrained. Instead, he enjoyed the artwork hanging in the study.


    Honestly, when it came to art, Klopp¡¯s knowledge was not deep. To be more precise, he was still inexperienced in the fields of expensive music, art, and the arts that required a substantial amount of money to acquire relevant knowledge. These were essential to interact with the upper ss, and hisck in that area even caused concern to his professors.


    Yet, even in Klopp¡¯s unknowledgeable eyes, he could see that the paintings hanging in the study were of a high caliber. Among the towering bookshelves that reached the ceiling, numerousrge and small paintings were disyed. Among them, there were quite a few famous works of famous masters that even untrained eyes would recognize.


    However, what caught Klopp¡¯s eye as he explored the room was andscape painting depicting a rural scene in early summer. With its intense color harmony, using white and bright yellow to represent dazzling light, the painting evoked a sense of tranquility as if he was looking at the scenery of his hometown.


    Upon closer inspection, he noticed the artist¡¯s signature and the year written in the corner, and it seemed that it was painted less than a year ago. It obviously looked like the work of a rookie. It seemed somewhatcking to be hung alongside other collections, but Klopp thought that it might be a part of the ¡®Tea Party in the Rose Garden¡¯.


    The quiet study¡¯s door was suddenly flung open.


    ¡°Aelock, think about it. It¡¯s going to be amazing.¡±


    When he turned around, he saw Aelock and an alpha standing at the door, engaged in an argument. The slightlyrger Alpha, with grease running down his face, pushed his sticky gaze onto the count. He even ran a thick hand surreptitiously down the other man¡¯s arm. It was obvious that the other alpha had explicit sexual intentions, but Klopp was surprised at the fact that it was so openly disyed rather than concealed.


    <i>Is he insane?</i> Despite having a somewhat fair and smooth face, there was no doubt that the count was an Alpha. But the other person continued to act obscenely and touch the count with his dirty hands.


    The problem was Aelock. He merely twisted his body slightly to evade, without showing much resistance, as if he was acting naive or enjoying it. If it had been Klopp, he would have easily snapped the other¡¯s wrist. He would be shouting profanities and kicking. However, Aelock didn¡¯t do that. He even showed a subtle smile. Like he was enjoying it.


    Klopp could only express his feelings as severely disgusted. He couldn¡¯t understand why he had to witness such a repulsive sight of Alphas engaging in something disgusting, not even a simple romantic rtionship. But even if he tried not to, he couldn¡¯t help but see and hear everything with his own eyes and ears.


    ¡°I¡¯m still not interested. If I ever change my mind, I¡¯ll be sure to let you know. Right now, there¡¯s a book I must find. If you¡¯ll excuse me.¡±


    After politely rejecting the other person, Aelock entered the study. The scowling Alpha gave him a wry smile that indicated he had little interest in the study and then left. Aelock closed the door, turned around, and with a rather displeased expression, then walked with a slightly forceful stride, before spotting Klopp. He seemed surprised and froze just like before.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 1.4 - All again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 1.4 - All again</h4>


    ¡°W-What are you doing here?¡±


    Aelock disyed his obvious embarrassment, but Klopp had no reason to be considerate to the other person.


    ¡°I stopped by the study to cool my head and was admiring the decorated paintings. But I was dumbfounded when I saw some crazy Alphas engaging in such an embarrassing act in broad daylight.¡±


    ¡°¡­Even if you say that, you¡¯re still talking fine. Keep looking at the paintings. You won¡¯t have a chance to see them again once you leave.¡±


    With a slightly flushed face, Aelock said that and turned his body, heading toward the other bookshelf. Klopp thought what he said earlier was just an excuse, but Aelock was genuinely searching for a book. He sneered at him, saying things about acting like an Omega for no reason, but Aelock didn¡¯t even flinch and shot back with a dignified tone. Then he picked up a difficult humanities book to read, called , and headed for the sofa. So, he was nning to read a book here. Klopp debated whether he should leave the space. Even as his mind wandered, his gaze was fixed on the painting.


    ¡°This is a painting by a rookie artist who debuted in their first exhibition. It corresponds to early summer in their four-season series.¡±


    ¡°¡­I know.¡±


    He actually knew nothing about rookies or anything of the sort, but he replied anyway. It was clearly a lie that one could immediately realize, but Aelock, who hade closer, didn¡¯t show any signs of noticing. Instead, he continued talking while looking at the painting himself.


    ¡°I happened to visit the exhibition before, and while none of the other paintings caught my attention, I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off this one from the moment I saw it. The bold use of colors is like¡­¡±


    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s bathed in light.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡°This artist loved this scenery very much.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s also right. This is a depiction of the countryside where the artist¡¯s grandparents lived, which they loved the most. Have you ever met the artist before?¡±


    ¡°¡­I haven¡¯t. I just saw the painting and it reminded me of the artist.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were rude and uncultured, but surprisingly, you have a good eye. I¡¯m impressed.¡±


    At the exaggerated remark, Klopp narrowed his eyes and red at Aelock. Aelock openly stared back andughed.


    ¡°Do you know that you were treated like an Omega by that bastard just now? And yet you¡¯reughing. You must have a taste for smelly pigs.¡±


    ¡°I know, that¡¯s why I was smiling. If I get serious, he¡¯ll think I¡¯m interested. You should be watching your mouth. I don¡¯t know where you got an invitation from, but do you even have the time to meddle in trivial matters?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a concern that I can handle on my own. For you, Count, you can stick to acting like an omega.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s also a concern that I can handle on my own, honors graduate.¡±


    Those blue eyes staring straight at him were annoyingly insolent. But seeing him effortlessly deflect every remark without uttering a single curse, Klopp thought maybe Aelock wasn¡¯t a dimwit.


    In the Count¡¯s grand library, as vast as the rose garden, there were only Klopp and Aelock at the moment. That meant they wouldn¡¯t be disturbed by others. It also meant that they could openly engage in a verbal duel.


    ¡°I thought you were looking for a ce to mate leisurely, but it¡¯s quite shocking to see you reading such a schrly humanities book. It¡¯s a ssic that¡¯s difficult to read without a considerable amount of patience.¡±


    ¡°Mate!¡­ A refined individual must cultivate various knowledge. Aren¡¯t you the one who should be finding a suitable partner for mating as soon as possible? Preferably, someone with a lot of money.¡±


    Once again, sparks flew between the two. They looked at each other, putting on artificial smiles simultaneously, then bowed and turned away. Klopp moved towards another painting, while Aelock carried the book and headed to the sofa in the center of the study. Klopp found it difficult to concentrate on the painting, but Aelock seemed unaffected as the sound of pages turning continued constantly. He was reading faster than Klopp expected.


    Is he really reading? Or is he just skimming at the text?


    Klopp asionally nced back, and whenever he did, Aelock hurriedly lowered his head and flipped through the book again. After flipping through several pages, he went back a few pages. It seemed like he wanted to show off his knowledge for no reason. Klopp snickered and moved towards another painting.


    After the tea party ended and he returned to his rent house, Klopp was invited to many gatherings through the professor¡¯s introductions. Most of them were older alphas, but asionally, there were young aristocrats as well. Surprisingly, they were just ordinary, educated people. At such times, Klopp found himself thinking of the iprehensibly arrogant Aelock and felt himself getting worked up.


    A few months passed, and another invitation from Count Teiwind arrived. Previously, he received it through the professor, but this time, a butler came directly to Klopp¡¯s house to politely deliver it.


    ¡°He wants me to know right away if I¡¯m going to be attending?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my Count asked me to deliver this message, ¡®I cannot make any special arrangements for your sake, so if you don¡¯t decide in advance, you¡¯ll end up standing at the banquet.''¡±


    ¡°Damned guy. Tell him I¡¯ll go, I am going there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understood. Then I shall take my leave.¡±


    The well-dressed, stern-looking butler in a neat ck suit, bowed politely to Klopp and left. Meanwhile, Klopp closed the front door with a bang and unfolded the fancy card in his hand once again.


    The formal dinner invitation was not printed but handwritten. Judging by the elegant signature and the identical ink and handwriting, it seemed like Aelock had written it himself. It was a challenge letter announcing their second round. By seeing that fair face of his turning into a naked grimace this time, it felt like his anger would finally subside. Klopp furrowed his brow and raised the corner of his mouth. He ced the invitation in a prominent spot on a bookshelf filled with various documents and books.


    He expected it to be a fairlyrge party, but this was something else entirely. It was like a New Year¡¯s banquet at a royal pce.


    Not only were there dazzlingly dressed men and women omegas adorned with jewelry, but also alphas who looked as if they could cut stone with their hands, wearing finely tailored ck suits and shining shoes. The party consisted of well over a hundred people. He was sure he wasn¡¯tte, but Klopp was guided to the farthest corner from the main seat. Of course, in this spot, he could just raise his head to watch and not miss the fun happening on the other side.


    ¡®<i>Why did Ie here? It¡¯s obvious that I¡¯m just stepping into the game that he¡¯s ying.</i>¡¯


    Sipping on fine wine, Klopp couldn¡¯t hide his wrinkled expression. He should have anticipated this, but his thoughts were short-sighted.


    This time, Aelock, who sat at the far end of the table in the main seat, must have a change of strategy. He had a beautiful omega woman sitting right next to him. Even from a distance, she exuded a sensual and highly alluring charm. d in a deep green dress that entuated her full red lips, she turned toward the blond alpha next to her, whispering something in a flirtatious manner and giving him a seductive smile. Aelock, impably dressed from head to toe, with not a hair out of ce on his even fairer face than that woman¡¯s, asionally nced in this direction and made an eye smile. It seemed like Aelock was mocking him, but that didn¡¯t really matter.


    Unlike the woman in the green dress, Aelock looked charming even without red lipstick. Aelock then gave his partner a short kiss on the cheek. And when those confident blue eyes met Klopp¡¯s eyes, only then, Klopp realized what he wanted.


    <i>Oh my goodness. What am I imagining right now? I¡¯m getting insane.</i>


    Klopp downed the remaining wine in one gulp. Immediately, a waiter nearby refilled his ss. The wine was of high quality and well-aged, it went down smoothly.


    As the dinner progressed and Klopp¡¯s slight buzz intensified, he began engaging in conversations with the people around him without any hesitation. As someone who once dreamed of being awyer, his eloquence wasn¡¯t bad, and the people around him quickly joined in the conversation, distancing themselves from the guests in the center and focusing on Klopp. From lighthearted jokes to witty banter, everyone wasughing and enjoying the conversation. Later, the guests in the center were getting curious about this side and they exchanged nces.


    However, even though he was leading the conversation, Klopp couldn¡¯t remember exactly what he had said. His mind was too busy fantasizing about the count with blue eyes that asionally nced in his direction. His fantasies were crude enough that he felt disgusted with himself. The continuous fantasies made him unable to remember the uninteresting conversation.


    When the long dinner was finally nearing its end, Aelock, still lively, wrapped his arm around the waist of the omega woman and affectionately escorted her somewhere, disappearing. He didn¡¯t care about leaving early, despite being the host of the dinner and needing to lead the conversation. After the dinner, the guests split into Alpha and Omega groups and went to the lounges. In the Alpha lounge, everyone began openly expressing things they couldn¡¯t say in public.


    ¡°Lord Teiwind always has a few secretive aspects. He only provides the venue and food, but he doesn¡¯t engage much in socializing.¡±


    ¡°Actually, recently, he¡¯s been showing his face more often. In the past, he invited us to tea parties but never showed up.¡±


    ¡°From the way he cuts conversations off at an appropriate time, maybe that¡¯s just his personality.¡±


    ¡°The counts from previous generations weren¡¯t particrly sociable too.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably because he¡¯s too high-ss and doesn¡¯t want to associate with ordinary people.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, but it seems like the omegas find that aspect charming. They¡¯re already moring to find out who was the beautiful woman that he brought today.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not only the omegas. Recently, even alphas have set their sights on him.¡±


    ¡°Even if casual dating is trending recently, will Teiwind actually go along with it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s possible he might easily go along with it. Doesn¡¯t his body seem to fit well with getting embraced?¡±


    The conversation among alphas began with that and eventually led to gossip and rumors. Klopp, who had only listened without actively participating, became ufortable and decided to leave. Everywhere he went, there were people who think using their dicks more than their heads. It wasn¡¯t time to leave yet, but he didn¡¯t feel the need to stay any longer, so Klopp asked a passing servant to fetch his carriage.


    ¡°Will you be leaving already? Shall I convey your message to the master?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. The count seems busy at the moment, I don¡¯t want to interrupt his leisure time.¡±


    Klopp curtly replied to the butler¡¯s greeting and boarded his carriage.


    In reality, the reason why he felt it was difficult to hear the gossip among alphas was not simply because he felt ufortable about discussions regarding sexual activities between alphas. It was quite the opposite. For some reason, when Aelock appeared with the beautiful omega by his side, engaging in behaviors heavilyden with sexual overtones while looking at Klopp, he felt as if Aelock was tempting him, instead of making fun of him.


    At that moment, Klopp felt heat rushing to the center of his body. So, he deliberately distracted himself by focusing on alcohol and conversations in the other direction. Otherwise, he felt like he would immediately rush over and grab Aelock by the cor, before dragging him away to any room, locking him in there, and giving in to his desires. He still felt he was crazy to fantasize about that.


    In the rattling carriage, Klopp leaned back and crossed his legs with a troubled expression. He sighed, holding his forehead with his hand. He had definitely lost his mind. In front of countless people, he indulged in such fantasies without any sense of shame. That¡¯s why it was difficult to hear the gossip in the lounge. Every time he listened, he could fantasize about it.


    He was clearly being abnormal. Aelock was a person he had only recently met, there were no attractive qualities in his personality, and moreover, he was an alpha. Klopp had always been attracted to people who were more pure and omega-like, so there was no reason for him to find Aelock charming. Yet, he couldn¡¯t understand why Aelock¡¯s disheveled appearance kepting to his mind. Perhaps showing up with such a beautiful woman was an extension of how Aelock had always been sarcastic to him, calling him ¡®the poor honors graduate who has to work hard because he¡¯s poor¡¯. It would be hard for Klopp to meet that kind of omega.


    However, Aelock¡¯s teasing this time was of little use. Throughout the evening, it wasn¡¯t Aelock who made Klopp jealous, but that woman. Acknowledging it himself, Klopp rubbed his face with both hands.


    <i>I¡¯ll have to do something about this. If there¡¯s no solution, let¡¯s at least avoid him. This can¡¯t be happening to me.</i>


    When the next invitation arrived, Klopp quickly declined, tossing the invitation into the firece to burn. He considered it better not to get involved with him for the sake of his smooth future. He poured time and effort into expanding hiswork through professors and soon was introduced to another wealthy and influential aristocratic family and secured his employment.


    Upon receiving his first fee, Klopp quickly proved his excellent skills in investment and negotiation, and soon earned the trust of the family, earning him arge sum of money. Through connections with his first client, it didn¡¯t take long for him to sessfully secure more contracts, and he began to prosper. His workload had increased a lot.


    Klopp moved out of his rented house and purchased a modest house in the suburbs and an office in the city. It wasn¡¯t long before he was able to hire a housekeeper to take care of his house. Devoting himself solely to his work, Klopp became a sessful investor. He would sometimes get too busy with his work, and the housekeeper, Martha, would scold him to have proper meals. In the meantime, he was able to forget about the count who had gotten on his nerves and annoyed him at every turn.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 2.1 - The fate flows

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 2.1 - The fate flows</h4>


    Viscount Derbyshire was a prominent figure among the nobility. He was a charismatic alpha aristocrat in his early 60s with a dignified appearance. He had a reputation among the aristocracy, much like Teiwind, and was known for his meddling nature and a keen eye for investment. He inherited a substantial fortune from his ancestors and multiplied that wealth on his own in this generation.


    As Klopp¡¯s first employer, he was genuinely fond of the young investor whom he believed he had discovered. Knowing that Klopp was single, having a nosy nature, he tried to connect Klopp with a good omega by any means necessary. On several asions, he invited Klopp to his house, under the guise of business proposals, and made him socialize with unfamiliar omegas over tea.


    ¡°Viscount, please, I beg you. Please stop forcing me into sudden blind dates. It¡¯s bad for my reputation to decline them. Besides, I¡¯m not yet ready to settle down. My job is still my primary concern.¡±


    ¡°You have to find someone first to settle down. Once the right person appears, you¡¯ll settle down quickly. Why else do you think we work? To establish a family. Trust me. You¡¯ll thank meter and express your gratitude.¡±


    No matter how one looked at it, Viscount Derbyshire was relentless. Watching himugh heartily, Klopp sighed in secret.


    Then, the viscount happened to attend a distant rtive¡¯s wedding. Aristocrat weddings were like a grand matchmaking market. As soon as Klopp heard the news, he quickly tried to schedule appointments with other clients to act busy. But somehow, Derbyshire knew about this and kidnapped Klopp. The viscount took him in a carriage to the wedding of an aristocrat whose face and name he didn¡¯t even know.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t have any backing up, you¡¯re an excellent scion of an aristocratic family, so your spouse should also be an aristocrat. You have outstanding talents and appearance. There¡¯s no doubt you¡¯d fit perfectly into a household without an alpha child among the respectable families. I guarantee it. You¡¯ll definitely inherit a title too.¡±


    Even if Klopp said he wasn¡¯t interested in titles, Derbyshire confidently said, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you interested in a title? It¡¯s not good to be too modest, Sir Klopp of Bandyke.¡± It was as if he would sell Klopp immediately, bustling among the guests. When Viscount Derbyshire introduced the dashing bachelor alpha, who had lost some of his countryside nature, there was a flurry of interested omegas.


    ¡°Hello, Sir Bandyke.¡±


    ¡°Call me Klopp.¡±


    Klopp had already gotten exhausted from the very first omega he was introduced to, but he politely smiled and greeted the omegas. As it was more important for him to meet and impress their influential parents than to get the omega themselves, Klopp had to keep his mouth shut and do his best. Viscount Derbyshire, interpreting this as not being uninterested, dragged Klopp around and introduced him to countless omegas. Along the way, he made some good business contacts, including one who was interested in his abilities as an investor. The day¡¯s sacrifices were well worth it.


    Before that day ended, Klopp was introduced to the omega son of someone far like the friend of a rtive of a rtive to Viscount Derbyshire.


    He was called Rayfiel of Westport, and he bore a striking resemnce to someone Klopp knew. He had the same blond hair, blue eyes, and very simr features as the ill-tempered and arrogant count, but Rayfiel¡¯s personality waspletely different. He was polite and careful in his choice of words. There was no arrogance in his eyes, just innocence and warmth.


    Klopp instantly liked him. Rayfiel didn¡¯t give off the impression of disliking Klopp either. If they were quite simr, a kind and innocent omega was much better than an ill-tempered alpha. Moreover, despite being a male, like an omega, Rayfiel¡¯s petite frame was very endearing,bined with his neat, simple, but sincere attire. <i>Yes, if I were to date blond hair and blue-eyed omega, this kind of omega would be much better for my emotional stability and a healthy future.</i>


    Unlike the other omegas he had coldly treated, Viscount Derbyshire somehow sensed that Klopp had shown some interest in Rayfiel, so he discreetly led people away to another area. Suddenly, they were left alone, and Klopp felt awkward.


    <i>I knew you were rooting for me, but this is too much, Old Man!</i>


    ¡°The Viscount is always ahead of us. He¡¯s an impatient person. I apologize.¡±


    Rayfiel simply gave a smallugh. It was a genuine, unaffected smile, unlike the condescending count¡¯s.


    ¡°I heard that the Viscount is very fond of Sir Bandyke.¡±


    ¡°Call me Klopp.¡±


    ¡°Then, please call me Rayfiel.¡±


    Taking advantage of the time they had alone, they strolled through the beautifully decorated wedding ceremony garden and started their conversation topic with the weather, then to other topics. Even without much conversation, Klopp could tell that Rayfiel was a nice omega. He had manners and, above all,cked the typical arrogance of the aristocrats. Rayfielughed genuinely, without any pretense, and seeing that, Klopp felt his heart melting.


    ¡°Sir Klopp, you don¡¯t feel unfamiliar to me. I feel strangely close to you.¡±


    ¡°I feel the same way. It¡¯s as if we¡¯ve known each other for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Could it be that we¡¯ve met each other in our previous life?¡±


    Klopp smiled in response to Rayfiel¡¯s sweet and pretty smile. But inwardly, he felt bad. He knew that the familiarity he felt was not some romantic past-life connection but it was more akin to the arrogant count he¡¯d met in the rose garden .


    What Klopp and Rayfiel felt wasn¡¯t exactly a strong love, but there was definitely a mutual attraction between them. Klopp pursued his rtionship with Rayfiel in earnest. It was a bit early, but for alpha and omega of marriageable age to be in a rtionship for that long was a sure sign of marriage.


    The people around them were pleased, saying that the two matched each other well. Viscount Derbyshire, in particr, was going crazy as if they were about to get married right away. However, Klopp didn¡¯t spread the news of their rtionship with his own mouth. He felt burdened by the excessive attention. Even in the Westport family who didn¡¯t know Klopp was well yet, he wanted to keep their private lives quiet until they officially announced their engagement.


    Nevertheless, their rtionship grew steadily closer, and they began holding hands, sharing light embraces and kisses. When he was in university, Klopp had engaged in intimate encounters with many omegas at the drop of a hat, like unleashed ponies, hoping to enjoy the limited time away from parental scrutiny. But he didn¡¯t want to do that with Rayfiel. It wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t have any sexual desires, but rather because their rtionship was genuine and serious, so he was more cautious.


    Rayfiel also shared the same serious attitude. Considering Klopp¡¯s circumstances, where he couldn¡¯t afford to hire many servants, Rayfiel practiced taking care of household chores himself. From Klopp¡¯s perspective, he didn¡¯t think Rayfiel needed to do household chores, but as an omega raised in an aristocratic family, Rayfiel seemed to consider household management as his duty. He even insisted that he was not bad at it. Sometimes, Klopp wouldugh when he saw Rayfieling out with a bandage on his finger.


    ¡°Don¡¯tugh. Dealing with such a big fish is so difficult.¡±


    ¡°Do you really need to practice cooking fish?¡±


    ¡°In the Bandyke family, they cook salmon during special holidays, so I should learn it too.¡±


    Rayfiel averted his gaze and covered the bandaged finger with his other hand. His round ears were irresistibly cute when they turned red. On one hand, he felt so sorry for him that he¡¯d injured his finger like that when all he¡¯d ever had to do in his life was probably just washing a handkerchief. Klopp resolved to quickly earn money and establish a prosperous household, dreaming of arger house and hiring a cook. He decided that once he achieved that, he would propose to Rayfiel.


    As Klopp worked hard and imagine a harmonious family, Rayfiel was always present in it. He felt that if he married Rayfiel, they could live happily together for a lifetime. It might be somewhat dull and tranquil, but that was exactly what the peaceful home that Klopp desired. Thest thing he wanted was for there to be cold eyes and usations between family members.


    Although he had never witnessed or experienced such things, ever since he started dreaming of a family, he¡¯d been worried that something would happen to his family. He worried that he might make a mistake or that a sudden misfortune might strike them. Captured by such strange fears, there were times when he would wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares he couldn¡¯t remember.


    It was probably because he was overwhelmed by something that he hadn¡¯t fully settled in yet. This uncharacteristic anxiety in himself must havee from him growing up in a boring, quiet family in the countryside.


    To get himself settled, he threw himself into work, sacrificing sleep and taking advantage of the aristocrat¡¯s assets to make a profit. The more he worked, the more his skills became renowned, and more aristocrats sought him out. With that, his wealth steadily increased, and if this continued to pass smoothly without major issues, he felt that he could propose to Rayfiel by early next year.


    As he became busier with work, he had less time to spend on dating Rayfiel, but fortunately, Rayfiel understood him and didn¡¯t get upset. He understood why Klopp was so devoted to his work even without Klopp telling him. Even if they couldn¡¯t meet, Rayfiel still diligently prepared for their marriage. He would asionally gift Klopp homemade snacks.


    ¡°This is very delicious.¡±


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ll bring you more next time.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I should give you a present as well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I baked a lot just for practice, so I¡¯m sharing it with you.¡±


    The practice was for Klopp and the future Bandykes, so he couldn¡¯t pretend to be oblivious. However, at this point, Klopp knew giving small gifts to Rayfiel wouldn¡¯t hold much significance. His wealth had umted to some extent, and it was about time for them to get engaged. But he didn¡¯t want Rayfiel to get the slightest hint of his engagement n.


    Without Rayfiel knowing, Klopp secretly went to a jeweler to purchase the engagement ring. Honestly, since way before, he had already looked through various different gemstones and designs, so he had ordered an elegant and sophisticated ring, making sure it wasn¡¯t too shy. He received a message that the ring waspleted and went to pick it up. If it weren¡¯t for the introduction from Viscount Derbyshire, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to enter the exclusive members-only jewelry store that aristocrats frequented, let alone buy it at a much affordable price.


    ¡°tinum with sapphire. Here is the ring.¡±


    The polite attendant brought the ring to Klopp, who was sitting on a waiting sofa. The ring was more magnificent than he had imagined. He went to the manager¡¯s desk to sign a check to pay the remaining amount. As the manager searched through the ledger and looked for Klopp¡¯s name, Klopp overheard a conversation between the omega aristocrats who were browsing the various jewels on disy in ss cases.


    ¡°Did you hear? Recently, Count Teiwind made a bad investment and suffered a huge loss. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t attend the jewelry auction this time.¡±


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s so wealthy that it shouldn¡¯t be a big blow to him.¡±


    ¡°I heard he invested in a gem mine in the east. If that goes well, he¡¯ll recover several times the loss from this time.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really? Then, should we also invest in that?¡±


    When Klopp heard that conversation, his face turned sullen. There was only one gem mine in the east that he knew of, and it had already beenpletely depleted. asionally, a couple of gems were found there, but they were of low value. It was no longer worth investing arge sum of money into that gem mine. There were asionally people who didn¡¯t know it was a depleted mine and invested due to its past reputation, but it was the first time Klopp heard that the aristocrats who were knowledgeable in investment information had touched that mine. While they would still get a cut loss, they should take their hands off it immediately.


    The conversation among the omegas quickly moved on to another topic. Klopp thought about joining the conversation to know more about it, but the manager had just found the ledger and handed him the receipt for the remaining bnce. Klopp wrote the exact amount in the checkbook and signed it, but the omegas had already followed another staff member¡¯s guidance and went into the inner room. Putting the ring, which was wrapped in a small silk box, into his pocket, Klopp left the jewelry store.


    ¡®<i>Count Teiwind is from a distinguished family, so he should be able to manage his investments on his own. He¡¯s not a nouveau riche who has only touched money for 10-20 years. He probably has steady investment options and has hired capable managers. Besides, it has nothing to do with me.¡¯</i>


    Klopp quickly put aside his thoughts and touched the ring box in his pocket. He caught a passing carriage and headed towards the office.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 2.2 - The fate flows

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 2.2 - The fate flows</h4>


    He worked in the office untilte. Recently, there was urgent paperwork that needed to be done due to an increase in new clients. He also had a backlog of investment proposals to review. He was nning to finish just a few more things and go home, but he got a visitor thiste at night.


    ¡°Who is it at thiste hour?¡±


    Klopp had just finished one document and was cing another stack of papers on the desk, he brushed aside his hair with an irritated voice. He wanted to pretend that he wasn¡¯t avable, but the visitor should have already noticed the presence of a person through the reflection in the ss window. The knocking sound grew louder. Frustrated, Klopp loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt slightly before standing up from his seat. He didn¡¯t even bother fixing his folded shirt.


    He was not dressed appropriately to meet a client, but it wasn¡¯t particrly courteous for the visitor to visit the office at thiste hour either. In fact, that person should be relieved that they didn¡¯t get yelled at and shooed right away. His secretary had already left, so Klopp had to personally open the office door, which had a namete with ¡®Badnyke¡¯ on it. It wouldn¡¯t take him long to open the door, but before it was even halfway open, the visitor banged on it with a force like they were about to break it down.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind at this hour?¡±


    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re here after all.¡±


    Standing in the dark corridor and dressed in a dark suit, the visitor surprisingly turned out to be the blond young count.


    Startled by his unexpected appearance, Klopp leaned on the door frame with his arms and stared at him nkly. With a slightly stiff and awkward smile, the count asked.


    ¡°Can you spare me a moment?¡±


    ¡°I may or may not have time.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t meant to be sarcastic; his situation was just exactly like that. If he really insisted on taking up his time, he could spare some, but even if the visitor wasn¡¯t Aelock, Klopp wanted to ignore it if it was an insignificant issue. However, both Klopp and Aelock knew that his intentions didn¡¯te across that way. Aelock frowned slightly, seemingly displeased, but soon disyed his characteristic thin smile.


    ¡°Since I¡¯vee all this way at thiste night, I would appreciate it if you could spare some time.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you think that it would be rude and that I would have difficulty sparing time for someone who visits without an appointment sote at night??¡±


    Even if he said that, Klopp still opened the door and let Aelock in. Although they weren¡¯t particrly close and didn¡¯t have any special rtionship, Klopp suspected that there must be an important reason for him toe at thiste hour.


    With a nod, Aelock briefly nced at Klopp as if he had a pressing matter and entered the office. Without words, Aelock passed through the secretary¡¯s office and crossed the open inner door to enter the actual workspace used by Klopp.


    Closing the sturdy door and securing thetch, Klopp, with his hands in his trouser pockets, assumed a nonchnt posture and tilted his chin towards the chair, gesturing Aelock to take a seat. ncing at the stiff wooden chair behind him, he seemed to have made up his mind to ignore the courtesy from Klopp and instead wandered around the office.


    Unlike the small but neatly organized secretary¡¯s office outside, the office was quiterge, with arge desk, a couple of chairs, and walls filled with bookshelves and filing cabs, except for therge window behind the desk. Frankly speaking, it wasn¡¯t tidy, to say the least. Klopp argued that it was organized ording to his rules, but there was no one who really believed him.


    After all, he rarely had any guests here. Most of the clients were aristocrats, and they preferred to call Klopp toe over to their own lounge or study. As a result, it felt awkward to have an aristocrat standing in this messy space filled with dry paper and the smell of ink, especially when he used exquisite luxury perfumes.


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you always smelled musty.¡±


    Klopp wanted to tell him to leave if he had anyints, but it was reallyte and he didn¡¯t have the energy to waste on trivial arguments. So Klopp went to his desk and opened the file he had just been looking at.


    The Count was wandering around the office, taking his time. Having experienced socializing with many aristocratic clients, Klopp somewhat understood the behavior of the city aristocrats who liked to act aloof, so he just let it be. Aelock was intentionally taking his time, to avoid the unnecessary rush of getting straight to the point, considering his current unfamiliarity with the space.


    Usually, when he was with other clients, Klopp would spend time together, engaging in small talk rted to light topics. In culinary terms, it would be equivalent to an appetizer. However, since Aelock didn¡¯t have an appointment and appeared suddenly at night, Klopp had no intention of serving a full-course meal or showing any courtesy. He would simply do his job, regardless of whether Aelock took his time or not.


    <i>But he¡¯s taking far too much time even considering that.</i>


    Klopp pushed the document he had just finished reading aside and pulled out another file. He looked up and saw the man still lingering in the office. Aelock, with sparkling eyes like a child who had discovered a treasure ship, was looking around with curiosity.


    Just like in the study before, Aelock seemed to have an interest in books as he carefully examined the worn book spines of dustyw books Klopp had used since his university days, tracing them one by one with his finger. He was even engrossed in observing the dust rolling around in the corners. If Klopp left him on his own, the would be spending the whole night in the office.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    At the blunt question, Aelock looked up, slightly surprised, as if he¡¯d just realized that Klopp was present in this office. Then he turned to face him, approaching with a faint smile. Although there was a client chair right in front of him, he didn¡¯t sit down and instead looked down at Klopp, who was sitting on the other chair. Klopp still disliked the guy.


    Aelock revealed the purpose of his visit without hesitation.


    ¡°I made an investment recently and incurred losses. It wasn¡¯t a significant loss, but because everyone kept telling me to meet you, I reluctantly came here.¡±


    ¡°To think that you could lose enough money to buy ten ordinary houses in the Eastern Gem Mine and still call it not a significant loss. Truly, Teiwind is remarkable.¡±


    ¡°¡­Did you already know?¡±


    The count¡¯s smile became a little awkward. Leaning his upper body back and resting it against the backrest, Klopp spoke.


    ¡°News spreads quickly in this industry.¡±


    ¡°Then our talk would be fast too. Regarding the investment agent.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking any more clients. I¡¯m already overwhelmed with my current clients, and I don¡¯t want to deal with annoying clients who easily fall for shoddy investment schemes that are nothing more than scams.¡±


    Klopp rested his chin on his hand while leaning his elbow on the armrest and smirked. Aelock¡¯s pride seemed to be wounded by that and he tightly pursed his lips. He then pulled out a neatly folded letter from inside his well-tailored jacket, which entuated his physique.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°A rmendation letter.¡±


    Klopp received it and opened it. The content wasn¡¯t long.


    <i>It¡¯s me.</i>


    <i>No need for small talk, make a contract with him. This is all for your good.</i>


    <i>Derbyshire.</i>


    That damned old man. Klopp gritted his teeth. As he exerted a little force with his fingertips, the high-quality handmade paper got creased. Seeing him, Aelock grimaced a little, as if in disapproval, but then smiled again.


    ¡°I have no intention to make a contract with a barbarian like you. However, it would be impolite to reject a rmendation from Viscount Derbyshire.¡±


    Watching those dizzyingly seductive lips that formed a soft arc, Klopp muttered curses inwardly. He was really busy, but since it was a request from someone he was indebted to, he couldn¡¯t refuse. If Viscount Derbyshire hadn¡¯t written him an introduction letter to the jeweler, he would have refused Aelock.


    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s rmendation, I would never have gotten involved with you. I¡¯m already busy enough, and yet you, an ignorant person who came herete at night rudely and can¡¯t even recognize a scammer, treat me, someone who can save you, like a barbarian, and try to provoke me. I¡¯m forced to enter into a contract with someone who always does pathetic things! It¡¯s an act of suicide that I would never ever take! But I¡¯m only epting it at the request of Viscount Derbyshire. It would be best to for you express your deepest gratitude to him.¡±


    Klopp said that with all his might. Hearing that, Aelock¡¯s lips dropped, as if his pride was wounded.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Klopp had thought that if Aelock hadined back, he could use that as an excuse to Viscount Derbyshire for not signing the contract. But he was surprised himself that Aelock agreed easily. Outwardly, Aelock was acting cool, but Klopp couldn¡¯t help but suspect that the proud Count, who came to find him secretly at this hour, had something other than the gem mine to deal with. He might be in quite the predicament..


    As Klopp pondered various thoughts and nced up and down at him, Aelock red at him with a displeased expression, before smiling again. That damned smile of his.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s alreadyte, let¡¯s talk about it again next time. For now, I need to find out about your financial situation first.¡±


    ¡°When should Ie again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle to your ce. Probably in a couple of days?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting. Well then, I shall take my leave. I apologize foring sote.¡±


    He must be satisfied with the oue, Aelock left the office with a casual farewell.


    As Klopp watched the carriage leaving in the distance, he caught a faint trace of the refreshing scent that Aelock had left behind. And he let out a sigh. Looking down, he noticed that his thing had be hard some time ago. It must be because he had been sitting for a long time. Sitting back down in his chair, he gripped the pen and was about to look at the documents when he suddenly stood up, opened the window, and let in some fresh air.


    <i>Like hell it was because I had been sitting for a long time. Damn it.</i>


    He realized that his desire hadn¡¯t disappeared. And of all people, why towards an alpha? If he were an omega, he could drug him and make him his. Of course, if he actually did it, he would ruin his life, but he couldn¡¯t understand why he was interested in an alpha like this. Was it just simply because of his sexual frustration? It seemed like it was really time for him to get married and settle down.


    Klopp took out the engagement ring he had stored in the drawer. Seeing the sapphire gleaming blue in themplight made him feel slightly better. He neatly put the ring back in the drawer and started looking at the documents he hadn¡¯t been able to handle due to the sudden uninvited visitor.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 3.1 - Cant escape

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 3.1 - Can''t escape</h4>


    ¡°But still, he was our mother! Even if he may have been an enemy to you, Father, he was the only mother I had!¡±


    With blue eyes resembling the man¡¯s, he red at him with anger and resentment. The man couldn¡¯t understand why his beloved son was furious with him. He had only tried his best for their mother¡¯s sake.


    ¡°I loved your mother. I couldn¡¯t forgive the person who made him die so tragically.¡±


    ¡°Our mother! Mother was the person who died at Father¡¯s hands! Please stop your lies full of deceit!¡±


    ¡°Your mother is not that person, but Rayfiel Westport! You were named after him because you resemble him!¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t need that name. I¡¯m no longer Rayfiel. You should have named me ¡­ If you wanted to name me after Mother.¡±


    The old man raised his fist in anger, while his grown son stared back at him without backing down. The raised hand couldn¡¯te down. Tears streamed down the eyes of his resentful son.


    ¡°I will never return to this estate again.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t live in the ce where my mother died so tragically.¡±


    With those words, his son left. The man immediately chased after his back.


    ¡°Rayfiel!¡±


    Before opening the front door, the son stood in the middle of the stairs and looked at his father. In between them, an old housekeeper stood with a pale face, constantly shedding tears and pleading, ¡°Young master, please.¡± His son gave her a cold re and then turned back to face the man.


    ¡°Goodbye, Viscount Klopp Bandyke.¡±


    ¡°Rayfiel!¡±


    The son left. And he never ever returned again.


    The man who lost his eldest son ran toward that person¡¯s tombstone and cursed him. Even after he died, he was still tormenting him to tears. Soon, he came carrying a hammer to smash that tombstone. His second son rushed in to stop his madness and was hit by the swinging hammer, causing a severe injury.


    That was the man¡¯s second madness.


    ***


    ¡°¡­ Why is Rayfiel my son? And what¡¯s with me going mad and smashing the tombstone? What absurd dream ¡­.¡±


    Because of the wild dream, he woke up with annoyance surging through him. He got out of bed, massaged his dizzy head, and rubbed his eyes with his palm. Barefoot, he went down from his bed and headed to the nearestrge window to draw back the heavy curtains.


    ¡°What incredibly amazing weather. Just perfect.¡±


    The gloomy sky seemed as if it could bring a gust of wind apanied by hail at any moment, letting out a distant roar. Perhaps it was a sign of something. His dream was bad too. It¡¯s all because of that damn count. Today was the day he would be visiting the count¡¯s estate. Could there be a more fitting beginning than this?


    Klopp dismissed the lingering dream with irritation and swiftly discarded the pajamas he was wearing. After a reluctant and meager breakfast, amidst the murmurs of the dream that still lingered, he barely caught the waiting carriage with his footsteps before a hailstorm poured down. The road quickly turned into a sheet of ice. While worrying needlessly about the carriage wheels on the road, the hail transformed into a hazy drizzle, making the mood gloomy.


    ¡°Just my luck.¡±


    Sighing, he looked outside the carriage window and saw the magnificent estate under the gray sky.


    A butler, dignified and pretentious like his master, weed him. Having seen Klopp before, the butler greeted him with ¡°Wee, Sir Bandyke.¡± However, the butler¡¯s demeanor, to put it nicely, was impably polite, but to put it honestly, he had a kind of cold aura that was impossible to describe.


    <i>It¡¯s not like I came to this shitty house because I want to, Butler.</i>


    Without saying a word, Klopp handed over his slightly dampened coat to the faultless butler. He took it with his fingertips as if it were a dirty rag and handed it to the footman standing next to him without a word. The butler turned around without saying anything and led the way. He walked with his shoulders proudly squared, his head held high as if he had a steel brace around his neck. Is he the master or the servant? Perhaps there was some special drug mixed into the air of this estate that stiffened one¡¯s joints.


    It was hard to imagine that someone actually lived in this house, given the unusually long hallway they passed through. Guided by the butler, they arrived at the study that he hade before. Upon entering the open door, the count, who was sitting on the sofa while sipping on tea, looked up and smiled.


    ¡°You came earlier than I expected.¡±


    ¡°¡­After sending that carriage, you still say ¡®earlier than expected¡¯?¡±


    Even before exchanging greetings, Klopp already showed signs of displeasure, so Aelock didn¡¯t retort back, simply smiling and gesturing for him to take a seat.


    ¡°Tea?¡±


    While Klopp was taking his seat, without instructing the butler, Aelock poured ck tea into an extra cup from the prepared tea set and added a spoonful of sugar with a silver spoon. At first, Klopp thought that, just like himself, Aelock had a somewhat rare preference to add only sugar instead of cream, but the teacup was pushed to him. Then he noticed that there was already a cup of tea with cream in front of the Count.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°My tea preference. I think this is not somethingmon in the city.¡±


    ¡°¡­I think I remember seeing you drink it before. Just as you said, it wasn¡¯t amon preference, so I remembered.¡±


    Was it during a tea party before? As aristocrats were limitlessly mindful of others, they even loved remembering useless details. The count, who could be considered at the pinnacle of aristocracy, seemed to be the same. The deep-vored tea had a slightly bitter aftertaste, awakening his still somewhat sluggish mind. It suited his taste perfectly.


    ¡°How is the tea?¡±


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    The count smiled satisfactorily as he sipped on his smooth, milky tea. The tea was more akin to a golden hue than ck tea, and it made one wonder if his skin was so pale because of drinking such tea. Hair as blond as milk tea, and skin as smooth as milk. Lips with a subtle red hue, like the rose pattern engraved on the teacup. And rather than a deep scent, the count always wore a refreshing scent of high-quality perfume.


    Judging by his appearance and demeanor, he looked as if he preferred to be enveloped in an expensive fragrance, but he wore perfume like a weak flirtatious alpha. Alpha perfume was something you use when you want to cover up the scent of an omega you¡¯d slept with the night before.


    While someone was having nightmares, it seems that someone else had spent a truly fantastic night.


    Annoyance surged through him once again. As the cup clinked, his lush eyshes, which were elegantly facing downwards, soon rose upwards, and his blue eyes stared in this direction. And again, he smiled. Just why on earth does he keep smiling like that? Klopp ced the half-finished tea on the table and spoke in a slightly stiff voice.


    ¡°Ledgers. Investment contracts. Real estate-rted documents. All supporting documents regarding liquid assets.¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°Bring them immediately. We have work to do.¡±


    ¡°Already? We haven¡¯t even finished our tea.¡±


    Aelock, slightly taken aback, set the teacup down. Klopp had already stood up, and was approaching the desk where the documents were. He pulled out the chair, took off his jacket, and hung it over the back of the chair.


    ¡°I didn¡¯te here just to leisurely drink tea. I¡¯m busy. I had to carve out time for this.¡±


    ¡°Are you not going to spare the whole day for this? Viscount Derbyshire told me that you would have a full day of conversation with the other contractors¡­¡±


    ¡°I have an appointment in the afternoon. Don¡¯t forget that you came to find me unexpectedly.¡±


    When Klopp drew a firm line, Aelock silently epted it. Then he stood up and gracefully shook the bell that was ced nearby. The butler appeared right away into the study, carrying even more than the anticipated towering stacks of documents. It vividly showed the ancient lineage and immense wealth of the aristocratic family, along with their reckless management. Klopp was astounded as he looked at the disorganized pile of documents.


    ¡°Damn it. If it was this much, you should have organized this beforehand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that it¡¯s better to show it as it is, without any tampering.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s referring to organized ledgers! Where are the receipts for this?¡±


    Putting on a stern expression, the confused count¡¯s words made him feel absurd.


    ¡°Do I have to gather receipts too?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Klopp looked at him in silence, and the count nced elsewhere for a moment before their gazes met again, and he smiled. <i>Yes, go ahead and smile. At least if you smile, I won¡¯t swear at you. No, I might even want to swear at you more. I don¡¯t know anymore.</i> Klopp looked at the dusty ledgers, let out a deep sigh, and unbuttoned his sleeves, rolling up his shirt.


    ¡°I guess it would be hard for me to meet Rayfiel today.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    He looked through the pile of documents, picked up what appeared to be a book, and said it to himself, but the count suddenly looked at this side with a nervous and serious face.


    ¡°I apologize. I really failed to consider your circumstances at all. You cane next time. Or perhaps I¡¯ll organize these documents myself first and send them to you.¡±


    ¡°Nevermind it. I¡¯m already here. Besides, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve ever done it before, if you mess with it now, it¡¯ll only be more of a hindrance.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. To have interrupted your time with your loved one¡­¡±


    The count¡¯s words seemed a bit strange, Klopp frowned and stared at Aelock intently. He must really be sorry, even in his smile, Aelock had a slightly pained expression with his face down.


    ¡°If you have time to worry about other people¡¯s personal life, why don¡¯t you lift that file rack over there onto the desk?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Aelock quickly grabbed the documents Klopp was pointing at and lifted them up. Meanwhile, Klopp sat on the luxurious leather chair with a scowl on his face. He was slightly surprised at how perfectlyfortable it fit him as if he had been using it for twenty years. However, he showed no expression and opened the ledger, tightening the muscles on his face.


    As expected, it was taking him a very long time. The third cup of cold tea had already gone cold. Aelock, who had been sitting on the sofa, kept flipping through the books gathered around, observing Klopp. Suddenly, he got up from his seat and headed outside.


    <i>Did he get bored of waiting and leave to do something else? I¡¯m still left with his work.</i>


    Klopp had been thinking that he couldn¡¯t concentrate well because Aelock was in his mind. It was probably a good thing that he left since he was in the way. However, after a while, the study door opened again, and Aelock came in carrying something on a tray. He continued reviewing the ledger and making notes, but when he took a short nce, he saw that Aelock had brought a small silver tray with snacks. It seemed like he brought snacks, including sandwiches and cookies.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 3.2 - Cant escape

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 3.2 - Can''t escape</h4>


    ¡°Since you¡¯re here, I wanted to offer you a meal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll decline.¡±


    ¡°I thought you might, so I prepared some snacks.¡±


    ¡°Just leave them there.¡±


    Without even looking, Klopp gestured with his hand towards above the file rack. After cing the tray down, Aelock needlessly walked around. The scent of the perfume was quite unpleasant. Klopp frowned, ncing at the person, who was pacing beside him with hands on the back.


    ¡°Ah, I apologize if I¡¯m disturbing you.¡±


    ¡°Just sit over there. You can either read a book or leave.¡±


    ¡°I shall do that then.¡±


    In response to Aelock¡¯s obedient reply, Klopp couldn¡¯t hide his curiosity and nced at the person¡¯s back as he walked towards the seat. <i>Did that Count eat something wrong? Why was he suddenly being so obedient to his words? It couldn¡¯t be that he wants to act nice towards me, right? Is he in pain somewhere?</i> Then Klopp noticed the tray. There was a very appetizing-looking ham sandwich with ck dried fruits ced on them. It must be because he¡¯s hungry. After all, aristocrats wouldn¡¯t eat alone in front of others.


    ¡°If you¡¯re hungry, go ahead and eat first. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. Those are for you. I don¡¯t eat anything with raisins.¡±


    ¡°To be so picky about food at your age. That wouldn¡¯t happen in our house.¡±


    When Klopp yfully teased him like a child, the count suddenly shot him a sharp look, and as their eyes met, he quickly turned away with an unpleasant expression. Then, with a pretentious smile, he retorted, ¡°Do you have time to worry about other people¡¯s private life? Besides, I¡¯m not someone from your household.¡±


    Right, that¡¯s how the count would respond.


    ¡°I really appreciate your concern. If you keep your mouth shut so as not to disturb me, I¡¯ll finish the work faster.¡±


    In response to Klopp¡¯s audacious smile, the count shot another nce at me. They both red at each other for a moment before turning away.


    In the study, there were only the sounds of a pen nervously scratching and the fierce flipping of books.


    ¡°This is a mess.¡±


    Byte afternoon, Klopp was finally able to organize the main ledgers and big investment in order. The conclusion drawn by Klopp from a professional standpoint was just that one sentence. A perplexed Aelock, who was sipping his tea, asked with a puzzled look, ¡°How bad is it?¡±


    ¡°If you continue with this kind of mismanagement, you¡¯ll face a financial crisis within a few years. Assuming you don¡¯t end up drowning in debt.¡±


    ¡°Is it that serious?¡±


    Seeing his slightly annoyed expression and stiffenedplexion, it was evident that he was indeed an aristocrat. Not just Aelock, most of the customers who had suffered significant losses due to investment failures reacted in a simr manner. Some weak omega aristocrats even burst into tears. For aristocrats, getting employed somewhere to earn money was akin to selling their bodies from amoner¡¯s perspective. It was such a shocking revtion.


    Every time he saw that expression, Klopp felt offended, as they might look at him like he was a high-ss butler or a host to them. Even though they maintained an indifferent andposed demeanor. Among the countless reactions Klopp had encountered so far, Aelock¡¯s response was rtively calm and limited. He smiled with a slightly concerned expression.


    <i>Even in this kind of situation, he¡¯s still smiling. Should I be more forceful?</i>


    ¡°Since you have a lot of assets, you won¡¯t go bankrupt immediately. However, if you continue to fail in your investments and insist on maintaining such extravagant spending, like tea parties, you willpletely ruin yourself if someone deliberately tries to take advantage of you.¡±


    Wrinkles formed on the count¡¯s twitching brow, and the corners of his upturned lips subtly drooped.


    ¡°If this kind of reckless and haphazard investment continues, it wouldn¡¯t take arge organization. If just a few intelligent individual investors get together and try to scam you, Teiwind could be left as a mere relic in the history books.¡±


    Suddenly, the count stared directly at me. And in a slightly angry tone, he asked.


    ¡°Like you, for example?¡±


    Klopp snorted. He then pulled out something he¡¯d been meaning to ask from the file cab he had been sorting.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m currently the best in this industry. What on earth is this ¡®National Hunger Association¡¯? And you built a house for ¡®Angels Who Lost Their Mothers¡¯? You¡¯ve been making huge donations on a regr basis.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s clearly charity! As an aristocrat, it¡¯s my moral obligation to help those in need by giving what we naturally possess.¡±


    ¡°Of course, donating to charity is something the upper ss should and can do as a form of social contribution. But these two organizations, they don¡¯t have valid addresses or proper administrators. The donation receipts they provided are poorly written, and full of spelling and grammatical errors. Most importantly, I¡¯ve never heard of these organizations. And I¡¯m familiar with all municipal, royal, or internationally recognized ones. Where did you find out about them?¡±


    ¡°At a charity party.¡±


    When Klopp pressed him with an intense gaze, the count avoided the gaze he had just been shooting from earlier and replied. Klopp raised his eyebrows while waving the shoddy receipts written by scammers.


    ¡°Stop lying and tell me the truth. Where?¡±


    ¡°¡­On the streets.¡±


    What the hell? How can someone trust aplete stranger they meet on the streets and hand over arge sum of money? If he¡¯s treating his money like that, it would be better to give it to the poor top-ranking graduate. So he could move out already. Klopp was silent for a moment, at a loss for words, before he spoke again.


    ¡°Transferring funds to these two organizations is prohibited from now on. It¡¯s obvious that they are scammers.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a scammer yourself.¡±


    ¡°What did you say just now?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    <i>I heard everything. Who was a scammer? Let¡¯s move on for now; I need to scold him a bit more.</i>


    ncing at him briefly, who was still unaware of his true situation, Klopp pulled out the next argument.


    ¡°Who authorized such a foolish investment? A gem mine? Most people already know that the veins there have dried up for a long time. You have so many tea parties and social gatherings, but did you not have a single contact who could provide urate information?¡±


    At that, the count stared at Klopp intently, then smiled a little strangely.


    ¡°¡­Now I know. That it was a scam. It¡¯s just that¡­ my father¡¯s long-time friend rmended that I invest in it. I was just trusting him.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he wasn¡¯t really a friend.¡±


    The count¡¯s blue eyes seemed slightly shaken by the blunt retort. But soon, the movement ceased, making Klopp wonder if it was just his imagination.


    As Klopp continued to point out each mistake, the count, perhaps hurt in his pride, furrowed his brows and crossed his arms. For an aristocrat to fold his arms to the point of wrinkling his clothes, he must feel very uneasy. Instead of calling it anger, it was more appropriate to describe him as sulking. Klopp had to suppress a chuckle that almost burst out at the sight.


    After spending a long time there, Klopp realized that he should never entrust Aelock Teiwind with a checkbook. Originally, he had nned to put up a pretense since he was asked by Viscount Derbyshire, who he couldn¡¯t refuse because he was very indebted to him. He was going to avoid a contract if he could. He hade with the intention of introducing him to another wealth manager or investment agent, but now, looking at this aristocrat who seemed to have no concept of asset management and didn¡¯t even seem to know the value of the currency, Klopp had to hold back hisughter.


    He was a ssic example of someone who forgot how to walk while living above the clouds and was now ring at him with a face full of dissatisfaction. If anyone should be angry, it should be Klopp who realized the troubles of the person he didn¡¯t want to get involved with.


    ¡°So, after this, what are you nning to do about it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the question I should be asking you, Count Teiwind.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my investment agent, so you should exin it to me.¡±


    Klopp was taken aback.


    ¡°Who said I was your investment agent? I¡¯ve never signed any contract.¡±


    ¡°That¡­ well¡­¡±


    Under Klopp¡¯s cold criticism, Aelock acted as if he had been betrayed. His expression clearly showed that he couldn¡¯t believe it. His trembling lips parted, and he fidgeted with his fingers. The blond count, who was too dignified to even point fingers, eventually bit his lip tightly.


    It was a contract that didn¡¯t need to be done, but in fact, it was a contract that didn¡¯t need to be rejected either. It was true that Klopp was somewhat pressed for time, but considering Teiwind¡¯s reputation and vast wealth, if it had been someone else, he might not have been able to refuse the contract. The words of the persuasive Viscount Derbyshire were not entirely wrong, this could really be a good help to Klopp.


    But personally, Klopp found the count ufortable, so he tried to avoid him. However, seeing Aelock whimpering like a drenched puppy, not able to say a single unpleasant word, it bothered Klopp even more. Eventually, Klopp let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s draw up a contract, and then we can discuss our ns afterward.¡±


    ¡°¡­That means¡­¡±


    ¡°Listen to my conditions first. Of course, I have no intention of conceding, and if any of them are not honored, there will be no contract.¡±


    At those words, the count stood up from his seat with his best attempt at making a poker face. Then he examined the documents on the desk where Klopp was sitting. Aelock looked down at Klopp with a smile, like he wasn¡¯t being gloomy just now.


    ¡°Where do I sign?¡±


    ¡°Have you been listening to anything I said so far?¡±


    Once the contract was decided, all the remaining documents had to be thoroughly reviewed. It would be one thing if he had a good wealth manager, but his current one wasn¡¯t good enough, so he¡¯d be fired immediately and the position would be vacant. Other than tied-up assets like real estate and long-term investments, Klopp decided to invest a significant portion of his other liquid and cash assets in a trust fund.


    In other words, he took control of the count¡¯s finances.


    Typically, aristocrats wouldn¡¯t trust people to such an extent. Even if they followed the advice of a financial advisor like Viscount Derbyshire, they usually managed their own assets. However, Aelock Teiwind showed absolutely no interest in wealth.


    During the few days of reviewing his documents, Klopp could vaguely guess the reason behind it. Aelock seemed to believe that openly discussing money and expressing significant interest in it was an uncultured act. Klopp couldn¡¯t believe that a person with such cultured manners existed. Even the royal family wouldn¡¯t be like him.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 3.3 - Cant escape

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 3.3 - Can''t escape</h4>


    It was no wonder that the Count was so eager to sign the thick contract that Klopp had presented to him after only a few days of absence. Klopp quickly grasped the hand holding the luxurious handmade fountain pen. The count looked at Klopp in surprise.


    ¡°How the hell are you so sure of me that you would blindly sign without even reading it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you wrote it well. After all, you¡¯ve boasted several times that you¡¯re the best in the industry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just my words. But you should verify it yourself. Read it!¡±


    ¡°Alright then, so let go of my hand. It hurts.¡±


    Apparently, he was so agitated that he had put too much strength into his grip. The count¡¯s hand was slightly smaller and a lot smoother than Klopp¡¯s hand. When he released it, the count murmured in a low voice, ¡°Your brute force is unnecessarily strong.¡± Klopp red at him until his eyes hurt, but the count bowed his head and didn¡¯t see it as he was busy examining the contract. The delicate papers were quickly turned over. Is he really reading it properly?


    ¡°Read it aloud. So I can confirm that you really read it all.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m past the age of having a tutor.¡±


    ¡°So prove to me that you¡¯re really reading it.¡±


    Klopp was close to shouting at him, so Aelock began reading the contract out loud with annoyance. He wasn¡¯t reading in a loud voice, but in the study where there were only the two of them, it was clear and sound. Maybe it was because he had sung cultured songs before, Aelock elegantly recited the contract, filled with rigid vocabry, as if it were a romantic poem.


    While reciting the lengthy content, Klopp unknowingly got absorbed in it, as if he were listening to a beautiful aria. Even though he had written it himself, he couldn¡¯t grasp the content at all. His cup of tea was untouched, and he gazed intently at the count, who had his beautiful golden eyshes slightly lowered as he continued reading the contract.


    ¡°Is this fee sufficient? I think it¡¯s lower than the previous agent.¡±


    <i>Oh, damn it</i>. In the midst of experiencing a rare personal moment of being immersed in the world of artistic sensibility, with those words, Klopp was forcefully pulled back into reality, almost swearing. Half of it was directed at that pathetic Count and the other half at the previous agent who had been dismissed by the Count. As repeatedly mentioned, Klopp, who was recognized as the best in the industry, naturally demanded a fee that matched his reputation, which was three times higher than usual for this contract that required him to handle various troublesome tasks. And yet, it was lower than that of his previous agent.


    <i>That cunning little swindler. What was his name again? I think I wrote it down somewhere. If I see him again, I¡¯ll get rid of him and make sure he never scams anyone again.</i>


    Klopp imagined how he would deal with that rotten scoundrel. While he was having wicked thoughts, Aelock, with a faint smile that involuntarily appeared on his face, signed with his graceful handwriting. Before he closed his fountain pen, Klopp handed him another copy and pointed to the ces where he needed to sign again.


    ¡°There are two copies, so sign both.¡±


    ¡°Contracts can be quite bothersome.¡±


    Comining about how bothersome it was to sign just three times, the Countpleted his signature and without even considering taking the copy of the documents, he abruptly got up and made an excuse about having ¡®urgent matters¡¯ to attend before leaving.


    Not having enough energy to be surprised or angry anymore, Klopp personally took the copy and put it in the desk drawer in Aelock¡¯s study. He put the key on a silver tray carried by the waiting butler.


    ¡°Where is Aelock?¡±


    ¡°Count Teiwind is at the Music Hall. Shall I guide you there?¡±


    Klopp looked at the butler who put an exaggerated stato intonation when mentioning ¡®Count Teiwind¡¯.


    ¡°Nevermind.¡±


    That damned aristocrat with his leisure time.


    He had a strong premonition that this would be very troublesome in the future. In just a short time, the intuitive expertise he had as an investor had not proven to be off the mark.


    A week hadn¡¯t even passed, and Klopp was already cursing himself for entering into this day¡¯s contract.


    What Klopp asked of Aelock was not a difficult task. It was something that even a young child could do. It was simply a matter of consulting him whenever he wanted to spend exceeding a certain amount. He thought he had given generous guidelines. Yet, he was bothered by numerous calls from the office throughout the day.


    ¡°The Count wanted to inquire if he could purchase a series of paintings by a talented young artist.¡±


    ¡°The Count expressed his desire to make a donation at this charity party. The amount is approximately this much.¡±


    ¡°The Count wants to know if he can purchase a rare first edition that will be auctioned. He also asked if you could attend the auction instead.¡±


    ¡°The Count wishes to participate in this pottery exhibition¡­¡±


    ¡°The Count wants to celebrate the Duke¡¯s birthday¡­¡±


    ¡°The Count¡­¡±


    Just a week had passed, and the Count¡¯s footman had visited his office for the 53rd time. He was still processing the receipt for the substantial amount of money Aelock had used in his previous visit, now, even just hearing those footsteps alone, it made Klopp¡¯s temples throb. The moment that person entered, Klopp almost snapped his pen holder in half.


    ¡°What is it this time? What is the Count up to now?¡±


    ¡°Please read this.¡±


    The well-mannered Foothman handed Klopp a high-quality handmade envelope and performed a bow before quickly leaving. Klopp couldn¡¯t even react.


    Until now, there had been brief notes and messages, but it was the first time he received an official letter. The envelope, made of luxurious paper, had a handwriting as distinctive as the owner¡¯s face, and it read <To Sir Bandyke>. He wondered if there was something important written inside. As he nervously opened the letter, his pen holder almost slipped from his hand.


    <i>Dear Sir Bandyke,</i>


    <i>I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your tireless efforts in serving this Count, especially during this vibrant season of lush greenery. While I, who am enjoyingfort thanks to your sacrifices, feel profound sadness for not even being able to offer you a fragrant cup of tea. Yet, in seeking support from your esteemed presence, how can I raise my head? However, I hope you understand my position, as I cannot disregard the enduring tradition of our esteemed Count¡¯s lineage.</i>


    <i>With the approaching early summer, in the rose garden which the Count is proud of, I¡¯m organizing a soir¨¦e. This soir¨¦e presents a precious opportunity to carry on the artistic heritage inscribed in our aristocratic lineage and provide beautiful memories to countless individuals. Therefore, I firmly believe that you will consent.</i>


    <i>Imend your passion, which knows no bounds even on busy holidays. May you always be filled with harmony.</i>


    <i>Count Teiwind, Aelock</i>


    Putting aside the sentences that seemed to be written intentionally to provoke anger, the words that caught his attention in his burning, intense gaze were undoubtedly ¡°countless individuals.¡± What exactly does the Count mean by ¡°countless individuals¡± ording to his standards? He can¡¯t be nning to build opera seats in his house. Klopp¡¯s hands trembled with cold suspicion.


    Just then, a folded page slipped and fell beneath. It listed Aelock¡¯s rough estimate of the expenses of the event. ncing at it quickly, Klopp wordlessly stood up and put on his coat. Crumpling the letter and stuffing it into his pocket, he left the office with a look that left the secretary speechless.


    Inside the carriage racing toward the Count¡¯s estate, Klopp took out the crumpled paper once again. The immense cost was such that one might think the Count had invited a royal orchestra and a world-renowned maestro to y at once. Currently, the Count had dered austerity measures and strictly prohibited any overspending until his investment returns entered a stable phase. He had definitely reminded him of that several times. However, this wasn¡¯t just excessive spending; it was lunatic consumption.


    Klopp urged the rushing carriage to go even faster, even if the wheels were already about toe off. He pressed for more speed than usual. As the carriage arrived at the Count¡¯s driveway sooner than expected, Klopp leaped out as soon as it entered the drive. And upon seeing the butler rushing out in response to the sound of the carriage, Klopp immediately shouted.


    ¡°Where is he?!¡±


    ¡°What is the matter, sir?¡±


    The butler raised his one-eyes sses and asked in a stern tone. After a pause, Klopp dangled a piece of paper with the estimated expenses in front of him.


    ¡°So it¡¯s rted to the expenses for the soir¨¦e. Hmm, it¡¯s rtively more modest than usual.¡±


    ¡°Were these expenses reduced? That¡¯s impressive. Anyway, it exceeds the amount that Iid out by more than five times. I need to meet the Count immediately. Otherwise, your sry will be reduced starting from next month.¡±


    ¡°My sry is determined by the Count, hence it doesn¡¯t concern Sir Bandyke. However, allow me to guide you. The Count has given those instructions.¡±


    Facing a rampageous alpha who seemed about to explode at any moment, the butler calmly presented hisposed response without batting an eye. He turned his head and led the guest with an upright posture. Klopp felt suspicious of the ce that they were heading as it was in a different direction from the study or the meeting room.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°To the music hall. The Maestro and renowned musicians are selecting the repertoire for the soir¨¦e. With all due respect, please be mindful that the Maestro and renowned musicians are there.¡±


    Klopp understood the meaning the butler emphasized, but he merely furrowed his brow at the mention of the ¡®Maestro¡¯.


    As they approached the doors, loud dissonant sounds resonated from the Count estate¡¯s music hall which was the size of a small theater, as if many people were ying instruments and trying to synchronize their performances. Without paying attention, one wouldn¡¯t even be able to tell if there were people entering or leaving the ce. The butler only guided Klopp to the music hall, he didn¡¯t announce Klopp¡¯s presence to the people in the room. It seemed like retaliation for disregarding his previous question. That rude oldie.


    No one paid attention to Klopp in the music hall full of musicians and instruments. No, to put it more precisely, there were two r yers, who looked like Omegas, glimpsed this way but soon ignored him. It seemed because there was no instrument in his hand.


    Amidst the chaotic music hall adorned with murals from indeterminable time periods, Aelock stood in the center. Unaware of Klopp¡¯s presence, he was in conversation with a middle-aged alpha holding a violin.


    Usually, when Klopp saw him, he would only put on a smile full of pretense, but now, Aelock wasughing so brightly and making sounds as if he was truly enjoying his time with the other person. The view made Klopp¡¯s insides churn. A person couldn¡¯t even meet his lover on holidays and came here running while at work.


    ¡°Aelock, you¡¯re truly a genius. This musical soir¨¦e will be incredibly beautiful.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the Maestro¡¯s participation.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve invited me, so of course I should participate.¡±


    The alpha even lightly tapped Aelock¡¯s shoulder with his hand.


    Aelock, who usually would meticulously brush away even a fallen leaf from the sky.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 3.4 - Cant escape

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 3.4 - Can''t escape</h4>


    Klopp grumbled inwardly, but strangely, he couldn¡¯t approach Aelock. The Count, who was smiling so brightly, felt unfamiliar. And, at the same, Klopp felt that he shouldn¡¯t get close to him. As someone who only knew that symphony meant simultaneous ying of instruments, he would undoubtedly be on their way. He hesitated for a moment and decided to wait outside the music hall. However, the r yer who had noticed him earlier unnecessarily butted in.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The omega¡¯s voice was loud enough for Aelock, who had been chatting over there, to turn around. Since the attention of the music hall suddenly shifted in this direction, Klopp had no choice but to turn around and give his greeting with his eyes.


    Theughter disappeared from the Count¡¯s face, which had just beenughing moments ago, and a polite yet fake smile appeared. It didn¡¯t feel good to be treated like an unwee guest when he didn¡¯t particrly want to disturb them. On top of that, he was already irritated by the expense issue, so his expression became even more rigid. The middle-aged alpha who was also looking at this side took a step back, startled.


    With a faint smile, Aelock excused himself to the other person and walked over this way. Perhaps he was a little annoyed by the interruption, as his smile seemed deeper than usual.


    The gazes of the people inside the quiet music hall moved lightly, like clouds, following the blond alpha. When Klopp noticed that many people were looking in this direction, his skin felt tingling for no reason. However, Aelock, who stood at the center of the hall, seemedpletely unfazed.


    Since they couldn¡¯t argue here, Klopp left the music hall without saying a word, and Aelock followed behind him. As soon as they reached a small terrace not far from the music hall, the Count¡¯s stern voice came from behind.


    ¡°Did you see what I sent you?¡±


    ¡°I am here because I saw that.¡±


    A snarky response came out of his mouth, a little too much even to himself. When Klopp turned around, the blue eyes, which had gotten deeper, stared at him. It was a gaze that always felt piercing, but today it was particrly more intense. His summer-sky eyes shimmered as if they were soaked in water. With the breeze, Klopp could smell a stronger perfume than usual.


    His already unpleasant mood plummeted in an instant. It wouldn¡¯t be strange for Aelock to have a lover, but that fact kept bothering Klopp. The image of the omega woman in the green dress from the previous time came to his mind, and his grip tightened for no reason. Trying to hide it, he clenched his hand behind his back and red down at Aelock.


    ¡°Do you remember what it says at the end of the contract?¡±


    ¡°Any breach of the above will result in immediate termination of the contract.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a genuine question about whether he remembered or not; he was just testing his luck. but the immediate answer left him speechless for a moment, but he quickly recovered.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you remember that.¡±


    ¡°Most people would memorize such a short document like that after reading it once. I hope you don¡¯t treat people as fools just because you were a top graduate at the capital university.¡±


    A short document, he said. It was an absurd statement to im that he had memorized the seven densely packed pages of the contract, printed in standard font on standard paper, after reading it just once.


    ¡°What¡¯s the first sentence of page two?¡±


    ¡°Investment Agent¡¯s Duties. use one, the contractor¡¯s. Wait. Are you testing me right now?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Watching the Count make a rare show of displeasure, Klopp nodded his head like a private tutor inspecting homework. In honesty, he couldn¡¯t precisely remember what the first sentence of the second page was. However, the other party wouldn¡¯t know that fact. Klopp was actually quite surprised to see Aelock so angry at him for doubting himself.


    <i>He can¡¯t be a genius. He seemed like he was just watching the texts in the book before. There was no way he could read that fast¡­</i>


    Even when he was in doubt, Klopp btedly realized that Aelock had indeed read the book back then. He hadn¡¯t been pretending to be knowledgeable because he was self-conscious of Klopp, but he read fast because he was really smart. Just what on earth is this man?


    By now, since he had already invited the maestro and the musicians, canceling the soir¨¦e now wouldn¡¯t prevent financial losses. He was usually aid-back guy, but when situations like this arose, he was a quick thinker.


    ¡°You do realize you exceeded the amount that Iid out, right?¡±


    ¡°I contacted you. I politely sent a formal letter.¡±


    ¡°I told you to discuss with me, not notify me!¡±


    The frustration that had been bubbling up earlier had finally boiled over. It was irritating to act this way all week, and on top of that, he didn¡¯t like how Aelock would throw bombs like this and not even care when he came all the way here. Klopp really hated how he was delightfully interacting with another alpha male. And if he was so intelligent, why hadn¡¯t he realized that the letter would make him jump up and down with rage. Growling, he approached closer, and Aelock took two steps back in panic. Aelock ended up trapped between the closed ss door of the terrace and Klopp. As Klopp got closer, he could smell something slightly sweet within the refreshing perfume scent.


    ¡°Alright, I understand, so back off a bit.¡±


    Aelock put on his trademark thin smile and tried to move to the side, and seeing that, without realizing it, Klopp grabbed his arm. His blue eyes widened unlike ever before. Confusion, embarrassment, and fear seeped into them. The corners of Aelock¡¯s lips, forced into a smile, trembled slightly. At that moment, Klopp felt a sting in his chest. He was well aware that he could be quite intimidating when he was angry. However, he hadn¡¯t thought that this domineering count would be afraid of him. The arm held in his hand was trembling ever so slightly.


    ¡°Let go.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Hearing the trembling voice, Klopp snapped out of his daze and released his grip, stepping back. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to discuss in advance next time,¡± Aelock said softly as he enveloped the arm that was held by Klopp, then took a few steps to the side. Klopp could see Aelock¡¯s intention to avoid him. Somehow, it made his heart sink even more. Klopp didn¡¯t like the way Aelock was acting like he¡¯d been assaulted when all he¡¯d done was grab his arm. However, the other party seemed too serious to bring it up here and retort back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m going to have to ask you to leave for today. I¡¯m not feeling well.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Aelock didn¡¯t seem to have any signs of illness, but he looked a little pale and was avoiding him, so Klopp reluctantly agreed. As he tried to open the ss door to the terrace and go inside, Aelock softly muttered, as if wanting him to hear it, ¡°You¡¯re an ignorant fool with no musical taste. You just use violence.¡±


    Klop felt unjust after hearing such words and was about to say something back, but Aelock slipped through the door before he could stop him. He walked hastily, resembling a herbivorous animal desperately fleeing from a predator. Seeing that, Klopp couldn¡¯t grab him.


    After returning from the Count¡¯s estate, Klopp felt like crap throughout the afternoon. He kept getting irritated and felt something weighing heavily on him, making it hard to concentrate. He made several unusual grammatical errors and absentmindedly tapped the nin of the pen on the paper until the ink spread, ruining several important documents. Only then did Klopp inform his secretary that he would be leaving the office early.


    Although it was quite far to walk to his house in the suburbs, he decided to take a stroll for a change of pace. When taking the carriage, he would follow the main road, passing throughmon residential andmercial areas along the river. However, on foot, he couldn¡¯t afford to take such a detour. He had to go through a dimly lit slum area through an alley between the shops. Anyone who learned that he frequented that path advised against it, furrowing their brows and advising him to take a carriage. But he didn¡¯t mind it.


    Having grown up in the quiet and secluded forested area of the rugged northern mountains, he often took long walks on any path when city life sometimes became too suffocating. The narrow back alley he entered now was just the right distance for walking. The problem was that asionally some people would unnecessarily instigate fights, but on a day like today, he actually wished someone would start a dispute.


    Holding the sturdy cane that he often used when walking home, he soon vanished into the darkness of the descending alley.


    By the time he reached his home, he was physically fatigued, but at least some of his mental exhaustion had been alleviated. The moment he opened the door, he was greeted by his recently hired maid, Martha, who looked a little surprised.


    ¡°You¡¯re back early.¡±


    She received the coat, hat, and cane that Klopp handed over.


    ¡°Did you encounter another rabid dog? Why is there blood on the cane?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°We should report it to the town hall.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already reported it. I¡¯ll go to bed early today, so Martha, you can get some rest. I don¡¯t need dinner either.¡±


    Klopp said that to the worrying middle-aged Omega woman and went up to the second floor. At the top of the stairs, he pulled off his tie and removed his vest. Once in his room, he undid a few buttons on the neck of his shirt, kicked off his shoes, and then copsed onto his bed.


    He had a rough idea of why he wasn¡¯t feeling well. Firstly, he was physically dissatisfied, and secondly, he felt guilty for not being able to give his lover his mental loyalty. He couldn¡¯t fathom why on earth that Alpha guy was causing him so much distress. When they hadn¡¯t been meeting, and he had forgotten about him, everything was peaceful. But as soon as he intervened again, everything went into chaos.


    <i>It¡¯s all unfulfilled desires. That perfume, it must be because the scent was simr to what yboys wear. His looks were simr to Rayfiel, yet he looked more mature than him, so I must be confusing them. It¡¯s all because their marriage is a bitte. Yeah. So let¡¯s stop overthinking it and just propose to Rayfiel.</i>


    Klopp suddenly got up from the bed and rummaged through the jacket pocket that he threw to the other side, taking out a ring box. Lying back on the bed, he looked at the tinum and sapphire ring, eventually falling asleep without even undressing properly.


    ***


    In his dream, he held a very fragile Omega with blonde hair and blue eyes. He had a slightly swollen belly, as if pregnant. Every time the angry Alpha¡¯s penis thrust against his inner walls, the Omega cried out in a thin, high-pitched voice, further encouraging the act. When he reached climax, thrusting fiercely from behind, he poured his seed into the already impregnated body, and that omega copsed, gasping for breath. For some reason, his own very angry self grabbed those skinny arms roughly, as if they would break with the slightest effort, and forced him to lie down properly. He probably thought the child was being crushed.


    As if watching that scene in third person, Klopp was curious about Omega¡¯s face, so he shifted his gaze in that direction. The Omega, with his body turned over, was severely bruised, making it difficult to recognize his face. The bruises covering his body, visible through the open clothes, were evidence of violence, not evidence of a passionate love.


    Between the tousled blonde hair, a pair of striking blue eyes looked at his direction.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 4,1 - I should

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 4,1 - I should</h4>


    ¡°You look very tired today. Aren¡¯t you overexerting yourself?¡±


    ¡°I just had a restless night¡¯s sleep yesterday, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Klopp replied nonchntly to his lover¡¯s concern. It wasn¡¯t a lie. It¡¯s not a big deal to lose a night¡¯s sleep during this busy period. However, the sensitive Omega didn¡¯t seem to feel that way.


    Rayfiel continued to observe hisplexion, so Klopp emphasized once again, ¡°I¡¯m really okay.¡± Then Rayfiel turned his gaze forward. Without saying a word, he lightly grasped the cuff of Klopp¡¯s sleeve with his hand. Finding the gesture adorable, Klopp smirked and pretended to look elsewhere, turning his wrist backward and firmly sping Rayfiel¡¯s soft hand.


    ¡°Um, if other people see us¡­¡±


    His startled voice came from behind, but he acted as if he didn¡¯t hear it.


    ¡°That way.¡±


    They headed towards a high-end restaurant across the street. It wasn¡¯t crowded with people, but there were still quite a few nces mixed with smiles directed at the passionate lovers walking hand in hand in broad daylight.


    Times were slowly changing, but publicly holding hands in ces like this was frowned upon by many adults, especially among the aristocracy. However, increasingly rebellious young people were delighted in disying public affection. Today, Klopp was putting that into practice. Without even looking, he knew Rayfiel¡¯s face must be flushed. He was definitely feeling unsure about the prying eyes around them, but Klopp didn¡¯t let go of his hand.


    ¡°We¡¯re walking too fast. Let¡¯s slow down a bit.¡±


    ¡°I have something to talk about once we get there.¡±


    As they walked a little faster, Klopp tightened his grip on that warm hand. He wasn¡¯t just feeling excited or thrilled. Lately, he had been gued by guilt for not being faithful to Rayfiel, and he didn¡¯t like that he let his mind wander when he had such a wonderful person by his side. After the nightmare he hadst night, Klopp came to the conclusion that marrying Rayfiel quickly and satisfying his desires was the best path to take. The steps of the Alpha holding the hand of a beautiful Omega and rushing into a high-end restaurant were determined and resolute.


    They entered the restaurant, gave his name to the manager, and reached their reserved table. As requested, the table was slightly secluded, positioned in a corner. Adorned with partitions and indoor nts, it exuded a cozy atmosphere, separated from the surroundings. It was perfect for carrying out his ns.


    ¡°It¡¯s a quiet and beautiful ce.¡±


    ¡°The food is good too.¡±


    Soon, the appetizers and wine were served. As they leisurely enjoyed their course, they asked about each other¡¯s well-being during the time they had been apart. Rayfiel, who couldn¡¯t handle alcohol well, had a flushed peach-colored face after a single ss of wine and continued to smile until his eyes. The adorableness of it all was alleviating Klopp¡¯s fatigue.


    The rxed Omega also emitted a sweet scent. It seemed like he was nearing his heat. Unlike the cold but burning resistance of someone¡¯s rebellious wall, Rayfiel¡¯s slightly trembling, azure eyes appeared incredibly affectionate.


    Warm breath escaped through lips that had turned red from the matured fruit juice, stimting the instincts of the Alpha in him. Klopp wanted to taste those lips right away, but unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have the courage to publicly engage in a kiss. Not because his Alpha instincts weren¡¯t enough, but because he didn¡¯t want to be scorned by Rayfiel¡¯s father. He could still hold himself back for now. Klopp crossed his legs and covered his thigh with a napkin. Then he gently touched Rayfiel¡¯s hand, resting on the table. The blond Omega¡¯s eyes smiled once again.


    At this rate, he might die here.


    Klopp crossed his other leg and began diverting the topic.


    ¡°Has anything special happenedtely?¡±


    ¡°As you know, I¡¯ve been practicing cooking. And recently, while ironing, I identally burned and ruined some clothes. I¡¯m still having a bit of trouble with controlling its temperature.¡±


    Rayfiel started speaking in a somewhat fussing manner, and Klopp listened to his story. Soon the main course arrived and they debated about its reputation and value for the price. Being with Rayfiel put his mind at ease. There wasn¡¯t much excitement as he was at ease, but after all, marriage was surely about stability.


    After taking a bite of the tender meat, rich with sulent juices, Rayfiel spoke.


    ¡°Did I talk too much about myself? How about you, Sir Klopp?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always the same for me. I meet clients, dismantle their nonsensical delusions one by one, kick them in the butt, and guide them onto the right path. Plus, I have to deal with endless paperwork.¡±


    ¡°That sounds very interesting. So, is that why you haven¡¯t been sleeping?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯spletely unrted to work.¡±


    Honestly, he could only remember the dream right after waking up, so he didn¡¯t feel like bringing up a dream that he couldn¡¯t remember properly afterward. Even if he was going to be his future wife, there were things that didn¡¯t need to be disclosed, no matter how honest one had to be. Dreams will end as dreams, and he had no intention to let them interfere with reality.


    Honestly, he didn¡¯t even remember the dream he had earlier this morning. The only things he could recall were blonde hair, blue eyes, and the fact that the other person was an extremely stubborn Omega.


    It was probably Rayfiel. Compared to his appearance in the dream, Rayfiel seemed slightly less mature in reality, but he was still growing and would undoubtedly be a mature beauty within a year. It was proven enough with how his center had been causing him problems from earlier. Klopp casually smiled and sipped his wine.


    ¡°I want to know about Sir Klopp¡¯s daily life too. We¡¯ll have many things to discuss in the future, and while I diligently exin my work, Sir Klopp doesn¡¯t exin anything. It¡¯s not fair.¡±


    It seemed like Rayfiel noticed Klopp¡¯s attempt to change the topic and made a disappointed murmuring sound, which was incredibly cute. Eventually, Klopp surrendered.


    ¡°It would be boring to you.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s about Sir Klopp¡¯s work, anything would be interesting to me.¡±


    ¡°If you insist.¡±


    Looking into those sparkling, gem-like blue eyes, Klopp began to recount his experiences with his clients, dealing with nobles, and anything else he thought might be interesting. Rayfiel was enthralled. Nodding his head, asionally looking surprised, and even apuding, Klopp started to share more and more. Histest headache, the Count, inevitably became the topic of conversation.


    With the Count¡¯s brilliant mind in boundless artistic and humanities knowledge, despite beingpletely clueless when it came to financial sense, he made foolish choices and crossed the line. Kloppined that the Count was tormenting him to death. At this, Rayfiel widened his eyes in disbelief.


    ¡°The Count Teiwind did that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that Count. He really gives me a headache. There¡¯s not a single thing that goes smoothly. As his financial manager, I try to give him polite advice, but he doesn¡¯t listen and just arrogantly argues about every little thing.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, I thought he was very polite and considerate.¡±


    ¡°If he¡¯s polite and considerate, then I¡¯m the epitome of etiquette.¡±


    When Klopp grumbled irritably, Rayfielughed and said, ¡°You sounded like a young child picking your friend¡¯s faults.¡± Rayfiel chucked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about that annoying guy.¡±


    ¡°Annoying guy? I¡¯ve never seen anyone refer to the Count in such a way.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be hearing it often from now on.¡±


    Klopp said it with a grimace, and Rayfiel responded with a biggerugh. He seemed to think that it was a joke. If Klopp took that seriously, it would have made him look narrow-minded, and he didn¡¯t want that.


    ¡°Well, if he¡¯s such an annoying person, there¡¯s nothing I can do. I received an invitation from the Count, so I¡¯ll either go alone or go with my younger sibling.¡±


    ¡°An invitation? Could it be a soir¨¦e?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I suppose you know about it. Yes, he¡¯s having a concert in the Rose Garden this time. I heard that a maestro I admire ising, so I really want to go. I was originally nning to ask Sir Klopp to go with me, but¡­¡±


    Even without hearing where he cut off, Klopp could tell. But that wasn¡¯t the issue. Klopp was curious about how Rayfiel received an invitation from the Count. After Klopp went to warn Aelock, the guest list had been cut in half. In response to Klopp¡¯s question, Rayfiel gave an unexpected answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m his rtive. You could say we¡¯re distant cousins. We¡¯re not that close, so we didn¡¯t interact much, but recently the Count has been sending me invitations regrly.¡±


    ¡°A rtive?¡±


    Klopp asked in disbelief, and the blonde Omega nodded with a selfless smile.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t you think I resemble the Count?¡±


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 4.2 - I should

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 4.2 - I should</h4>


    Klopp couldn¡¯t believe it. No, he didn¡¯t want to believe it. Sometimes they might look simr, but he thought it was only natural since they have the same hair color and eye color. In fact, no matter how you looked at Rayfiel, he seemed like an omega, while the Count didn¡¯t look like an omega at all. Aelock wasn¡¯t overflowing with alpha traits, but he could never confuse him as not being an Alpha. It was only after hearing those words that he mentally pictured that irritating face and carefully examined Rayfiel, finding some resemnce.


    But Aelock Teiwind and Rayfiel Westport werepletely different people. Putting aside the difference between alpha and omega, there was nothing alike in their way of speaking, attitude, and even their scent. Klopp twisted his lips in a grimace and rested his back against the backrest.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look alike at all.¡±


    ¡°Sir Klopp, you¡¯re really strange today. Many people think that the Count and I look very simr. In fact, there have been many cases where people who don¡¯t know us well confuse and mistake us. They either call me the Count or follow me, thinking that the Count is an omega.¡±


    ¡°People must be blind. You arepletely different in my eyes. Even if you bring hundreds of simr people, I can tell them apart.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Rayfiel blinked his eyes, then smiled shyly and took a sip of water. Klopp looked at him, still leaning back against the backrest, his posture a little off.


    <i>Right. I can distinguish them no matter where they are. Rayfiel and Aelock are truly worlds apart. And who the hell was that asshole who mistakenly thought the Count was an omega? Was it that guy from before? It seems like he¡¯s been flirting with Aelock for more than just a day or two. Does he think he¡¯s doing good when the other person is making a serious face? How ridiculous.</i>


    Klopp suddenly felt thirsty and quickly downed the remaining wine.


    ¡± Earlier, you said you had something to say.¡±


    Rayfiel, who had been ncing at this side intently with his head raised, cautiously spoke, a little nervously. Klopp, who was just setting down the empty wine ss, instantly regained his senses.


    <i>Ah, I had a n for today. That unhelpful Count, huh. Whether he¡¯s present or not, he always interferes.</i>


    He rummaged inside his jacket and took out what he had carefully kept since leaving the office. It was an invitation made of high-quality handmade white paper. As Rayfiel, who had been gazing at the fingertips of the other person with sparkling eyes, seemed somewhat disappointed, he let out an ¡°Ah¡± and muttered in admiration. Klopp quickly straightened his posture and handed the invitation to Rayfiel.


    ¡°Actually, I also received this invitation. I was nning to ask you to go together, but since you also received it, it takes away some of the excitement.¡±


    ¡°Ah, no. The evening soir¨¦e at the Rose Garden is a very romantic event. Since I wanted us to go together, it¡¯s nice that our hearts connected. I¡¯m d.¡±


    The voice of Rayfiel saying that was a little weak. His smile wasn¡¯t as bright as he expected. Klopp knew well that he had expected something else. A tinum ring adorned with a magnificent sapphire, or an alpha to his knees holding the ring out to him.


    However, Klopp had a different idea. He wasn¡¯t in a desperate enough situation to stage such a fancy scenario in thisplicated restaurant. A once-in-a-lifetime proposal needed to be romantic. Although it was a Count¡¯s event, he had yed a significant role in it, so he had enough qualifications to use it privately.


    ¡°I may not know much about aristocratic events. But I heard that the soir¨¦e held in Teiwind¡¯s Rose Garden has a special meaning.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    With that, Rayfiel¡¯s gloomy face turned into one filled with surprise and anticipation. Seeing thepletely different expression from a moment ago, Klopp couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    ¡°Do you know about it?¡±


    ¡°Traditionally, it was the center of social gatherings, so it has many legends. One tradition that has been revived through the efforts of a previous countess is the evening soir¨¦e. There is a fairytale-like story that the love sworn in the mansion¡¯s Rose Garden on the night of the full moonsts forever. So, many people, especially on that day¡­¡±


    Rayfiel¡¯s ears were alreadypletely red as he spoke. Klopp had to force himself to hold back hisughter. If heughed now, Rayfiel¡¯s face would turnpletely red, and he might even faint.


    ¡°The soir¨¦e is happening this full moon. Would you like to go together with me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Rayfiel nodded with a soft, crawling voice in response. He looked incredibly cute and lovely. Considering the expenses demanded by the Count, the concert that day would be incredibly luxurious and undoubtedly memorable. It would also be the perfect day to propose to his future wife who he would spend the rest of his life with.


    The meal at the restaurant went smoothly. They finished a bottle of wine before dessert arrived. While Klopp mostly drank it, Rayfiel also drank more than usual. Today, Rayfiel seemed exceptionally happy, which made Klopp happy as well, so they both drank a little too much. So when they left the evening restaurant, instead of immediately taking a carriage, they decided to walk to sober up.


    It was actually time to send Rayfiel home, but if he sent Rayfiel home at this moment, his potential father-inw would grab him by the neck andbel him as a ¡®heinous criminal who touched an Omega before marriage¡¯. Klopp didn¡¯t want that to happen.


    Some might wonder what was the connection between overdrinking and speeding, but those who have met Viscount Westport, who yed a significant role in shaping Rayfiel¡¯s pure and delicate nature, wouldn¡¯t think so. He thought that it was better to clear one¡¯s mind before an important event. After walking a bit and letting the smell of wine dissipate, Klopp nned to send Rayfiel off in the racing carriage he favored. The experienced coachman would deliver Rayfiel to Westport Estate precisely at the time given by Klopp.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve walked around sote at night. My father is very strict, so¡­¡±


    ¡°I know very well. You¡¯ll fall if you walk backwards like that.¡±


    Worried, Klopp reached out his hand, and Rayfiel, feeling extremely embarrassed, held onto it. He wasn¡¯t reaching out to hold him, but rather gesturing for him to keep walking, but it didn¡¯t matter. Klopp firmly held his hand and walked. Rayfiel leaned his head on Klopp¡¯s arm, feeling a little dizzy. It seemed like he had drunk too much.


    The streets were quite crowded with people takingte-night walks. There were couples like Klopp and Rayfiel, as well as couples with children. There were a few Alphas who seemed to be friends and a few Omegas with their chaperones. Klopp enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere as they walked. Yes, this was what a stable life felt like.


    It was then. Rayfiel, who was half-hanging on Klopp with his head tilted, suddenly straightened his body and pointed in a certain direction.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that person over there Count Teiwind?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    <i>Why did that namee up again all of a sudden?</i> Klopp looked puzzled and gazed in the direction Rayfiel pointed. The person wearing dark-colored clothes, unlike his usual light suits, and with a hooded cloak, was walking quickly towards somewhere alone. He kept turning his head around and covered the edge of the hood slightly, as if trying to hide himself. As Rayfiel had mentioned, he had a physique that seemed like Aelock.


    But there was no reason for the distinguished Count to enter a dirty, dark alley at thiste hour, unapanied and dressed in such a suspicious manner. Moreover, Aelock always carried himself with confidence, holding his head high, and not walking around in a crouched and guarded manner like someone who hadmitted a crime.


    ¡°Where could he be going?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Was he really the Count? He¡¯s not the sort of man to be wandering about alone at thiste hour, without a carriage or servants.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Maybe I was mistaken.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That road leads to a very bad ce, and there¡¯s no reason for the Count to go there.¡±


    The ce Klopp mentioned was a path leading to the notorious slums in the capital,monly known as the ¡®bottom ce¡¯. Klopp was familiar with it as he sometimes used it as a shortcut on his way home, and he had dealt with a few rabid dogs there. Hearing his words, Rayfiel tilted his head in confusion.


    ¡°I suppose so. The Count would usually be ying a musical instrument or reading at this time, if he doesn¡¯t have a partner.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Or maybe he¡¯s thinking of ways to spend his money.¡±


    Klopp nodded lightly in agreement.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t feeling well that day, so I went to bed early. Why?¡±


    ¡°No, I was just curious.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know I had to tell you every detail of my private life. Or are you also suggesting some sort of limit when ites to sleep?¡±


    When he visited to discuss the arrangements for the soir¨¦e expenses a few dayster, Aelock responded very irritably to his casual question. Klopp was offended that Aelock responded annoyedly over the casual question, so he didn¡¯t say anything more. That day, Aelock¡¯s strong perfume scent gave him a headache, so Klopp only said the bare minimum and left. Aelock didn¡¯t even bid him a formal farewell.


    Thank you to everyone for the unconditional support in thements in every chapter! We¡¯re now halfway through Volume 2~


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.1 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.1 - The fate flows again</h4>


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    On the evening of the full moon, Klopp was forced to wear the ck full attire he rarely wore at Martha¡¯s nagging.


    ¡°Do I really need to dress up like this?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? If you don¡¯t wear these nice clothes on a day like today, when will you wear them? Turn around.¡±


    Klopp turned around, and Martha inspected the vest for wrinkles, grabbed the hem and pulled it down. Then she brought a suit that was in perfect condition, not a single wrinkle to be found. After buttoning all the cuffs, Martha adjusted the suit¡¯s shoulder pads with a brush she had brought with her.


    ¡°Keep your hair neat, and let¡¯s see. Your shirt¡¯s too tucked in. Roll up your sleeves.¡±


    While redoing the cuffs, Martha slightly pulled the shirt sleeves and let them peek out of the ck suit sleeves. Finally, she meticulously adjusted the tie to ensure it wasn¡¯t crooked, then put her hands on her hips and looked at her work with great satisfaction.


    ¡°And the shoes are shiny. It¡¯s brilliant. The omegas will be dazzled.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to impress everyone, just that one person¡¯s eyes are enough.¡±


    ¡°Did you remember to bring the ring?¡±


    Klopp smiled at Martha while looking at his reflection in the full-length mirror.


    He heard the sound of a carriage arriving. As he descended the stairs, Martha extended the same level of care to the perfectly maintained hat and cane.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯ll be epted. It¡¯s boring for me to be alone at home.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, next year I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re too busy babysitting to be bored.¡±


    Klopp smiled broadly and bid farewell to Martha before boarding the carriage. Martha stood at the entrance and waved his hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think abouting home if you fail. I won¡¯t open the door!¡±


    ¡°That will never happen.¡±


    The carriage, carrying a young alpha who felt slightly nervous before an important event, raced toward its destination. The road, which was usually annoyingly close, seemed unusually long today. Looking at the grand mansion in the distance, Klopp took out a small box from his jacket pocket. The ring sparkled more than usual.


    Normally, he was supposed to go to Westport Estate to pick up Rayfiel. However, he couldn¡¯t do that today. Last time, he had arrived a bitte and caused amotion, so the Westport estate arranged a carriage to bring their precious omega son to the Count¡¯s estate. Klopp was slightly disappointed because he wanted to meet Rayfiel quickly, but at the same time, he was more excited. Heughed to himself while imagining how cute and lovely Rayfiel would look.


    The driveway of the estate was crowded with carriages of other guests who had already arrived. Waiting for his turn, a footman approached and opened his carriage door. Neatly buttoning his jacket to keep it from wrinkling, Klopp got off the carriage and walked straight into the entrance.


    The gray-haired butler, dressed more formally than usual, with impable posture, was politely greeting the distinguished guests arriving one after another.


    ¡°Good evening, Marquis Wolke.¡±


    ¡°Hm, Hugo. How have you been?¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, I¡¯ve been well. You, lead Marquis Wolke to his seat.¡±


    The tall, ck-haired alpha followed the footman¡¯s guidance and headed inside. The butler who received him showed no signs of unease. As Klopp followed behind, he extended an invitation. At first, the butler nodded politely, but when he saw the recipient¡¯s name written on the invitation¡¯s cover, he narrowed his eyebrows and raised his head. Then, his eyes, which had always appeared cold and indifferent, widened.


    ¡°Klopp¡­ Sir Bandyke?!¡±


    ¡°Why? Is there something on my face?¡±


    The butler looked at Klopp as if he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes, quickly scanning him up and down. Klopp knows very well how much the butler resents his nagging and angry behavior toward Aelock. They had always maintained a certain distance between them, and there had been no explicit disy of his feelings, but his behavior now was so inappropriate that Klopp didn¡¯t feel good about it.


    ¡°How rude.¡±


    ¡°I apologize. I was just very, no, quite surprisedpared to how you usually are.¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a country bumpkin who only cares about money yet I am dressed extravagantly, which makes me unbefitting of the Count¡¯s prestigious soir¨¦e?¡±


    Tilting his head, Klopp nced downward and looked at the footman. When the corners of his mouth slightly lifted, the butler seemed slightly taken aback and shook his head. Quicklyposing himself, the butler smiled his usual cold smile.


    ¡°No, not at all. Today, you are a splendid guest who adds glory to the soir¨¦e. I was honestly amazed. I didn¡¯t expect to see you in such fine form. I suppose I have to pay the price for losing today¡¯s wager. You, lead Lord Bendyke to the table.¡±


    ¡°A wager?¡±


    Although Klopp asked repeatedly, the butler pretended not to hear and called for the footman who had been waiting, guiding Klopp to the rose garden where the soir¨¦e was taking ce. Before following the footman, Klopp looked intently at the butler and he replied, ¡°It¡¯s a private conversation between me and my master,¡± as he approached the entrance. Since the butler was already receiving other guests, Klopp couldn¡¯t pry any further and followed the footman.


    ¡°To think they¡¯re now also betting on people. I must definitely ask and find outter.¡±


    The moment he entered the rose garden with a frowned expression, his spiteful resolve vanished.


    In the center of the magnificent rose garden, where dozens, no, hundreds ofnterns seemed like sprinkling stars, there stood a grand stage where musicians would perform. Tables for dozens of guests were arranged in a stable arrangement, with almost as many footmen and maids moving between them as there were guests. But that wasn¡¯t what left Klopp speechless.


    On the silk sheets covering the tables, scented candles exuding a faint fragrance were sparkling on silver candlesticks. Next to them, thereid rare flowers that were obviously not grown in the garden, blooming and flourishing. The chairs, covered with silk covers that matched the table, had small flower wreaths hanging on them. Even therge number of roses hung with white silk ribbons around the surrounding flower beds and the colorful roses scattered on the floor¡ªwhat on earth was all this?


    <i>How much did this cost? You damned count!</i>


    He wanted to immediately find Aelock and question how much he had exceeded his limits. But he couldn¡¯t find him. When he asked the servants, they had no idea of his whereabouts. ¡°We also don¡¯t know where the Count is at the moment,¡± ¡°Until just now, he was talking to the conductor in the music hall, but he¡¯s not there now,¡± were the only responses he received.


    He wanted to go to the butler and demanded the Count¡¯s presence right away, but it would likely cause a bigmotion since he was receiving important guests, so he suppressed the urge. He¡¯d still show up eventually. Klopp tapped his fingers on the table and gritted his teeth.


    He was sitting in one of the best seats right in the front and center. It made sense since he had worked hard to quickly restore the Count¡¯s reputation, which had been wobbling in the hands of his dumb son. But deep down, he was surprised. This shouldn¡¯t be necessary.


    Looking at the other tables in the same row, everyone was a marquis, count, viscount, and so on, it felt as if it was a royal New Year¡¯s party or some kind of grand ceremony. Among them, Klopp was the only one without a title. While he didn¡¯t feel intimidated, it wasn¡¯tfortable either. He couldn¡¯t understand why he was given such a seat. Just as he was beginning to suspect that Aelock was ying him for a wager, Rayfiel appeared from the other side of the room.


    Klopp¡¯s mouth dropped open as soon as he saw him, and he jumped to his feet.


    Dressed in a light blue suit, he was stunningly beautiful and lovely, drawing the attention of everyone around him. Feeling slightly ufortable with the attention, Rayfiel nervously looked around with a tense gaze and noticed his lover standing up from his seat. A smile bloomed on Rayfiel¡¯s fair face as he saw him.


    ¡°He¡¯s the eldest son of Westport, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°His wife is such a beauty, and their son is equally remarkable.¡±


    ¡°Do you know who that man is?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re soon to be engaged. Although hees from a poor family, he is talented and highly anticipated as an alpha heir. It seems that Westport, who doesn¡¯t have an alpha sessor, ns to make him their son-inw.¡±


    ¡°Oh, they make such a well-matched and cute couple.¡±


    The words were spoken so loudly, but they were barely audible to Klopp. He walked over to Rayfiel and took his hand, kissing the back of it lightly, then his cheek.


    In the meantime, as Klopp returned to his seat, he felt a chilling gaze on the back of his neck. Instinctively, he nced aside with a mix of anger and vignce, and there he saw Marquis Wolke, the man he had seen earlier, staring at them with eyes that shone ominously like a wolf. It felt as if he was challenging Klopp, and despite the impoliteness, Klopp didn¡¯t avert his gaze but stared back intently. Then, Wolke turned his gaze away first.


    <i>¡®What a strange man.¡¯</i>


    I¡¯ll be updating 2 parts at a time for Chapter 5.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.2 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.2 - The fate flows again</h4>


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    That thought didn¡¯tst long. Rayfiel, who was sitting next to him, said, ¡°I¡¯m very nervous today, so I ended up a littlete. Do I look strange today? People are staring at me¡­¡± He went on and on, saying incredibly cute things, and Klopp gotpletely absorbed in them.


    ¡°Did you have any trouble on your way here?¡±


    ¡°I came in my own carriage, and it was fine. But wow, a table right in the center like this. Sir Klopp, what have you done?¡±


    Rayfiel¡¯s voice was full ofughter as he spoke. Klopp shrugged exaggeratedly and said, ¡°Maybe he has finally realized all the effort I¡¯ve put in so far¡± But in truth, he had one lingering question.


    For one thing, there were only two people at this table, whereas the other tables in the row usually had three or four seats. There were no extra chairs. It seemed as if it had been nned that way from the beginning, just for the two of them.


    It was a bit odd. Although he could just be seated anywhere, it was strange to deliberately have the two of them sit together amongst the guest list. It was as if he knew what Klopp was going to do today. There¡¯s no way he did. Of course, it wasn¡¯t that he disliked this. It just caught him off guard. But that feeling didn¡¯tst long either.


    The attendants started serving various fruits, pastries, and champagne thatplemented the soir¨¦e. Klopp quickly received his champagne as well, as he was seated at the best table. As the young footman in a suit and a white napkin under one arm held a bottle in front of him to check thebel before opening it, Klopp was stunned.


    Unable to believe his eyes, Klopp rubbed them with his fingers and then looked again. It wasn¡¯t a mistake. Behind the young footman standing by the table, following the butler¡¯s instructions, several attendants were walking with bottles bearing the samebel, distributing them to each table. Soon, a cheerful sound of popping corks filled the air.


    ¡°Sir Klopp?¡±


    Rayfiel, seeing Klopp frozen in his tracks, softly called his name, and only then did Klopp regain his senses and nodded to the footman. The footman skillfully uncorked the bottle and poured the sparkling yellow liquid, which bubbled like crystal, into the sparkling crystal ss before disappearing. Rayfiel sniffed the aroma of the champagne and said, ¡°It smells wonderful.¡±


    ¡°Of course it is, it¡¯s a special order, only used for national events, like an inauguration ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Is it rare?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s drink it. We won¡¯t see this again.¡±


    Klopp smiled. He clinked his ss against Rayfiel¡¯s bewildered one and took a sip. It had an incredibly rich aroma and taste, to the point where it made his head dizzy.


    <i>Yes, this is the taste of gold. And Count, you¡¯re dead today. I shall generously sprinkle this divine beverage over your grave.</i>


    The conductor appeared and greeted the audience as the host of the soir¨¦e failed to show up. Soon, the music began to y, captivating the people with its beautiful harmony that rose higher into the sky. In such an atmosphere, the usual chatter that would normally persist at such gatherings was hardly audible.


    Klopp and Rayfiel, sitting close together at their small table, were also immersed in the music. Rayfiel, who had been learning the piano separately, had a great fondness for music and had even gone to see a few music performances with Klopp before.


    ¡°The repertoire today is very romantic. It¡¯s amazing to hear ¡®Full Moon¡¯ under the full moon itself. Do you know that theposer wrote it for his beloved lover?¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    In truth, all Klopp could hear were sentimental melodies. Considering the vocal tone and wless performance, he believed it was only natural given the musicians¡¯ worth. However, he knew better than to show such thoughts.


    Rayfiel, who possessed a sensitive and rich sensibility, took the opportunity to hold Klopp¡¯s hand resting on the armrest and leaned his head slightly on his shoulder. The weight felt pleasant, causing Klopp to almost kiss Rayfiel¡¯s forehead, covered with golden silky hair. However, he suddenly tensed up as he felt a gaze from Wolke, who was ring in their direction again.


    <i>What¡¯s with him? Is he looking for a fight?</i>


    This time, Klopp returned the gaze with a determined look. Wolke casually tilted his half-empty champagne ss before cing it on the table, twisting his thin lips. It was clear that he was showing hostility.


    <i>Ah, I would rather avoid a fight today if possible. There¡¯s just no one helping me today, from the Count to the Marquis. What have I done to deserve such unjustified persecution and enmity? What¡¯s left now, Viscount, Baron, Duke? I already have Viscount Derbyshire or Westport against me, if he just met a baron and a duke, I would have collected all five enemies. This was absurd. Hahaha. Let¡¯s ignore it. Ignore it. Today is an important day. It¡¯s not a good time for bloodshed.</i>


    Klopp forcibly directed his gaze forward and firmly gripped Rayfiel¡¯s soft hand with his own. Rayfiel came even closer and leaned in. At that moment, it felt as if a real knife was jabbed into the back of his head. Hm, this is not going to work. I have to give that greasy face a good punch so¡­


    It was then. The performance that had just reached its climax ended with a lingering note. The audience started apuding. Klopp also joined in the apuse and looked to his side, where Marquis Wolke, as if he hadn¡¯t done anything, pped his hands while facing forward. Klopp, who had been growing increasingly irritated, red at the Marquis, but suddenly he noticed that the apuse grew louder. Without thinking, he also started pping vigorously and turned his head to the front. And then, he was frozen in temporary shock.


    As the conductor introduced, a soloist stepped onto the stage. He was dressed in a suit much finer than those worn by the musicians and holding a gleaming violin in his hands. The guy was always well-groomed, but on this particr day, he had brushed back his unusually shiny blond hair, revealing a white, clean-shaven face that seemed to reflect his personality. Under the flickering lights, his slightly reddened lips were firmly closed as he positioned the violin on his shoulder and exchanged signals with the conductor.


    ¡°They say Count Teiwind has an exceptional talent for music, and now we get to hear it firsthand. I really can¡¯t wait.¡±


    ncing at Rafiel, who gave a small p of excitement, Klopp looked forward again. In the few days they hadn¡¯t seen each other, Aelock seemed a bit thinner, standing under the spotlight with a slightly mncholic expression. As he gripped the violin string and brought the bow closer, a shadow formed beneath his long and thick eyshes. Through it, his vibrant blue eyes shone like jewels.


    His performance began right away. Klopp didn¡¯t know the title of the piece, but he knew the famous melody well, and it was widely known that it wasposed for lovers. As the beautiful violin and the symphony orchestra started their harmony, sighs could be heard from various directions. Even Rayfiel¡¯s hand trembled in his hand, and Klopp also felt as if he was drawn into the music. But what captivated him wasn¡¯t just the heart-stirring music.


    The Count¡¯s blue eyes, which sometimes zed with arrogance, sometimes with coldness, sometimes with anger, were a little wet that day. It wasn¡¯t the violin¡¯s melody that brought it out, it was there from the beginning. Opening his eyes a little, closing them again, the Count strummed his violin with very controlled movements. asionally, their eyes would meet and Aelock would make a slight smile.


    A gentle breeze ruffled the hem of his jacket a little. And his neatlybed hair too. Leaning his head on the violin as if seeking sce from a lover, Aelock expressed desperation infused with beauty in the form of a beautiful love song.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful and yet so sad.¡±


    Rayfiel said, dabbing at the corners of his eyes with his handkerchief. Klopp nodded silently. He couldn¡¯t speak at that moment. And he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Aelock either. The Count looked incredibly holy and beautiful. Standing there so confidently, it felt like he could vanish like foam in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a profound sense of pathos. Until the performance ended, Klopp had to press his chest with his hand, battling indescribable grief and anguish. It was the best he could do.


    Following that, two more pieces were performed consecutively. Standing amidst the shimmering golden lights, surrounded by the melodies, Aelock seemed like the embodiment of the angel of music, Israfel. It was an emotional melody in minor, and nothing could have been more fitting at that moment. The music, the ambiance, and Aelock¡¯s enchanting presence brought tears to the eyes of the omegas around. Klopp, who was suddenly brought back to his senses by a sniffle, gave a small cough and looked around.


    As the final piece concluded, enthusiastic apuse erupted. Some people even stood up from their seats, including Rayfiel. He immediately rose to his feet, pping until his palms turned red. And tears were still lingering in his eyes, he asionally wiped them with the back of his hand.


    Aelock, who had just finished his performance, shook hands with the conductor. Then both of them gracefully bowed to the cheering audience. The apuse grew louder. Amidst the unending apuse, Aelock smiled brightly. He barely managed to step down from the stage after bowing several times. As he descended, the enthusiastic crowd settled back into their seats and resumed the conversations that had been interrupted during the concert. Rayfiel, who had apuded enough times now, shyly lowered his still slightly wet eyes.


    The performance was undeniably beautiful, but it left something heavy in his heart, making his throat dry. He took a sip of the champagne from his half-filled ss. Looking beside him, Rayfiel¡¯s nose seemed slightly reddened at some point. Tear stains were clearly visible on his napkin.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.3 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.3 - The fate flows again</h4>


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    ¡°Do you think that the Count had a heartbreak or something?¡±


    Klopp almost blurted out the champagne he was drinking.


    ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, how could he y such a performance?¡±


    ¡°No way. There¡¯s no way the Count would experience something like that. He¡¯s so arrogant that I don¡¯t think he could love someone enough to feel that way.¡±


    At that, Rayfiel¡¯s eyes narrowed at Klopp, as if he had been opposed to.


    ¡°Everyone is capable of love. I¡¯m sure the Count has someone he loves. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be able to y such a melody. I know you¡¯re not into music, Sir Klopp, but still, you shouldn¡¯t talk about someone like that.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    He was surprised to see Rayfiel, who always obediently listened to others, was expressing anger and defending someone. In astonishment, he easily agreed to him. As he did so, Rayfiel, who had been lecturing while wagging his finger, suddenly felt embarrassed and lowered his finger, saying, ¡°I got a bit carried away.¡± and apologized.


    ¡°No need to apologize. It was true that I was in the wrong.¡±


    ¡°If you say that again¡­¡±


    The blond omega raised his head and was about to say something while looking at Klopp, but he immediately shut his mouth. Following his gaze, Klopp turned his head and understood the reason. The sorrowful expression that had captivated people¡¯s attention just a moment ago had disappeared, reced by the usual artificial smile as Aelock approached them.


    ¡°Hello, Rayfiel.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Count.¡±


    Klopp thought Aelock would at least look his way, but he only greeted Rayfiel. Rayfiel was at a loss for words and sped his hands together, like an overjoyed girl meeting her idol.


    ¡°How was my performance? Did you like it?¡±


    ¡°It was incredibly beautiful. It felt like a heavenly melody.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re ttering me. I¡¯m not that skilled.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, even though I don¡¯t have much experience, your performance was truly moving. Thank you for inviting me here today.¡±


    Rayfiel showered him with praise. It was genuine admiration, not ttery, but as Klopp listened, finding him cute, somewhat amusing, and a little embarrassing, he let out a fake cough. Then Aelock, as if he hadn¡¯t noticed Klopp¡¯s presence until now, looked at him with a slightly surprised expression, like he was seeing him for the first time. His fair face was adorned with a deeper smile than before.


    ¡°And how did you feel hearing my y? Do you agree with your lover¡¯s words?¡±


    ¡°I may not have a deep understanding of music to be qualified to judge, but even to my untrained ears, it was an excellent performance. It would be enough to sell yourself as a performer. At an expensive price thatpensates for today¡¯s loss.¡±


    Upon hearing those words, both Rayfiel and Aelock furrowed their brows and stared at Klopp intently. Looking at them up close, although they were clearly different in size and atmosphere, but they were both blond and blue-eyed, which made it somewhat overwhelming.


    ¡°A penny-pincher who only cares about money.¡±


    ¡°I would normally take your side, but you went too far just now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He was at a loss for words.


    After a brief greeting, Aelock soon went to greet the other guests as the host of the concert. The people who had been waiting eagerly weed him with bright expressions. Watching him, Klopp pondered how he could sell him at an exorbitant price topensate for the excess expenses. Perhaps it would be good to focus on theater orchestras notorious for severe exploitation and poor finances, which would teach him the importance ofbor and the need to save money. He would understand more about expenses after he has eaten some soggy bread there. Meanwhile, Rayfiel grabbed his sleeve.


    ¡°There don¡¯t seem to be many people around.¡±


    Now that he looked, there were quite a few empty seats scattered around the tables. The concert had just begun, so it was unlikely that they had already left. It was probably because it was an emotionally overwhelming concert, and alpha-omega pairs, who had paired up early, had slipped away into the quiet darkness around them. Klopp had a hunch why Rayfiel said that. He slipped a hand around Rayfiel¡¯s waist and escorted him out of the crowded garden.


    ¡°You two seem to hit off well.¡±


    With a hint ofughter in Rayfiel¡¯s words, Klopp responded with a displeased expression, ¡°At which part?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been talking sofortably with the Count. I¡¯ve never seen anyone talk to him so casually.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you two have great conversations together too?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the case. Recently, I¡¯ve been receiving frequent invitations, but the Count is a man of many secrets.¡±


    ¡°Hm, really?¡±


    Earlier, Aelock referred to Klopp as Rayfiel¡¯s lover. He acted as if he knew everything, even with the seating arrangement. Gossip among the aristocrats spread quickly, and there had been indirect mentions of their rtionship, so it¡¯s possible that people knew about them. However, it was strange for Aelock to be so considerate. Considering their usual bickerings, it would have been more normal for Aelock to y a mischievous prank or make a snide remark. But today, Aelock didn¡¯t say anything at all. The seating arrangement for only Klopp and Rayfiel, the terribly sad music, and the mournful expression on his face were all unexpected.


    <i>-Do you think that the Count had a heartbreak or something?</i>


    Rayfiel¡¯s words from earlier suddenly came to mind. Then, Klopp looked down at the pretty Omega walking beside him. A chill ran down his spine. It can¡¯t be true, right, Aelock?


    For some reason, he felt extremely anxious, to the point of being deeply restless. He had a strong sense that something troublesome would happen if he didn¡¯t propose to Rayfiel immediately.


    Feeling desperate, Klopp tried his best to find a suitable ce. Near the estate house, where numerous servants were busy attending to dozens of guests, was not an ideal location. Moreover, Rayfiel wanted to be in the rose garden.


    There might have been a suitable spot in a dimly lit area where themplight didn¡¯t reach, but for some reason, every nook and cranny was upied by people unnoticeably. asionally, even embarrassing sounds could be heard in the dark shadows due to the wind. Klopp quickly moved away, blocking Rayfiel¡¯s ears with both hands and avoiding those spots. <i>Damn them all. Why are they causing amotion and mating in someone else¡¯s house?</i>


    ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be anyone over there.¡±


    Klopp followed where Rayfiel pointed. And there, two shimmering silver eyes were gleaming in the darkness, lurking like a wolf in search of prey.


    ¡°This ce is just like a wolf den. Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Klopp grabbed Rayfiel and led him away. After a while, when he was starting to get irritated, he finally found a small empty space. It had a dimly litmp that cast an indirect glow, and next to it, a beautiful arch of climbing roses adorned the area. It was a very lovely spot, with a faint scent of roses adding to its perfection. After setting Rayfiel, who looked like he belonged there, under the arch of roses, then, with a slightly trembling chest, Klopp let go of Rayfiel¡¯s hand that he had been holding, while brushing away the nervousness.


    ¡°Rayfiel Westport.¡±


    Calling his full name in a soft and muffled voice, Klopp saw Rayfiel raise his hands together to his chest in a visibly tense manner, then he dropped them and answered shyly.


    ¡°Yes, Klopp Bandyke.¡±


    His blonde hair shimmered in the full moon. Rayfiel couldn¡¯t even raise his head and kept his gaze slightly lowered, his fingertips trembling slightly, and the sight of them made Klopp¡¯s already pounding heart race even harder. Perhaps, the heart in that small chest was feeling the same way too.


    He should kneel down and propose immediately, but when it came down to it, it wasn¡¯t an easy task. Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of self-doubt and inexplicable guilt engulfed him. He even felt terrified. He felt burdened by the responsibility of turning someone else¡¯s precious child into his own. But he couldn¡¯t back down here. He would only make himself look ridiculous and, above all, he would hurt Rayfiel.


    The shimmering blue eyes looking in this direction were not solely due to the faint lighting. Klopp smiled at the person looking at him and took out a box from his pocket. Upon seeing the velvet box, Rayfiel let out a small gasp of surprise. At the same time, Klopp took a deep breath and knelt down on one knee in front of the person he would spend his lifetime with. And then, when he opened the ring box.


    Suddenly, there was a rustling sound from the corner, followed by two people hastily locking lips and stumbling toward them. They werepletely absorbed in each other and paid no attention to this side. Klopp, who had just knelt down, couldn¡¯t avoid the oing individuals. The intruders ended up tripping over him in a grand fashion. Klopp found himself underneath the two of them. As a result, the ring box he was holding flew somewhere in themotion.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.4 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.4 - The fate flows again</h4>


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    ¡°Oops! What the!¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, Sir Klopp!¡±


    ¡°There are people here!¡±


    The two people lying on top of Klopp wriggled around without any intention of getting up quickly. Not only did they collide heavily when they fell, but while those wretched bastards crumpled him up like a cheap mattress, Klopp pondered to himself.


    <i>Why? Why is no one helping him? That wolf bastard had to stay in that perfect ce and made us end up here, yet why did these pigs stille here and do this! And why did these pigs, who can¡¯t even get their own offspring, choose today, of all days, to engage in such a mating act! Why here! Why did they have to interfere with this valuable time? And why? Why did I have this stupid idea toe to the concert organized by that damn count and propose here? This is all a curse. It¡¯s a curse.</i>


    Finally, the two men rose up. Immediately, Klopp also got up from his spot. Rayfiel, with a worried gaze, asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡± but Klopp silently moved away from him.


    ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate that they¡¯re having a date here.¡±


    ¡°Ah, darn it. We were having such a nice time. Let¡¯s go somewhere else.¡±


    They tried to leave without even apologizing, and Klopp grabbed one of their shoulders. The person pped his hand away as if annoyed and turned around to look at him.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Should I call it a wild dog hunt?¡±


    Klopp smirked and grabbed the person¡¯s cor with one hand, forming a fist. And then, he swung his fist, pouring out all the irritation he had to endure today.


    ¡°Get up. You should take more punches.¡±


    ¡°Ugh. Stop.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Stop it! You crazy son of a bitch!¡±


    ¡°Sir Klopp! Please!¡±


    Klopp, without listening to the fed-up Rayfiel who was trying to stop him, continued to twist the swollen neck of his opponent so much that his face became unrecognizable, and he swung his fist further. One of them was already half-dead, writhing on the ground.


    ¡°If you alphas really wanted to mate each other, you should have done it where I couldn¡¯t see. You shouldn¡¯t have ruined an important proposal.¡±


    The umted frustration since entering the estate, anger towards an inexplicable hostility, and the restlessness that had been bothering him all merged together,pletely overwhelming Klopp¡¯s rationality.


    He knew he didn¡¯t need to be this angry and trampling. But strangely enough,tely, he¡¯d found it hard to contain his anger. When an indescribable emotion surged to the top of his head, he felt like he¡¯d die if he didn¡¯t vent it in some way, and most of the time, it ended with someone¡¯s sacrifice. Usually, he swung his cane at the ¡®bottom¡¯, but today, his opponents were just two unlucky alpha guys.


    As his fist struck forcefully, the opponent¡¯s nose broke, and blood gushed out. Klopp¡¯s fist wasn¡¯t unscathed either, and it would probably be difficult for him to grip a pen properly tomorrow. That¡¯s why he usually used his cane, but now he didn¡¯t have it, so there was nothing he could do. His fist was already covered in blood.


    Later, when the limp opponent let out exhaled ragged breath, blood spurted onto the enraged alpha¡¯s face. Right next to him, dangling on the strong arm that held his opponent¡¯s throat, Rayfiel¡¯s face was also sshed with red blood, and in his tender heart, he rushed to Klopp¡¯s aid in a panic. However, Klopp didn¡¯t spare any attention to him. Rayfiel cried and asked ¡®what was wrong with him¡¯, and Klopp red at the opponent who was whining and begging, pouring his anger into his words.


    ¡°Shut your filthy mouth, you dirty alphas who fuck with each other. Otherwise, you¡¯ll spend your whole life eating soup.¡±


    The opponent trembled in fear and shut his mouth. After giving him a few more punches, Klopp pushed the unconsciouspanion, who had been groaning, aside. Unable to escape, the two were pinned down and passed out. It started with personal anger and annoyance, but now it had escted into intense disgust for the sexual acts between alphas.


    It was the worst manifestation of debauchery. Klopp couldn¡¯t understand how alphas or omegas could engage in such disgusting behavior. It had be a casual affair among the decadent aristocracy to avoid creating children they couldn¡¯t be responsible for, or because they¡¯d fallen in love with a heroine from a vulgar novel they could barely call literature, or because they¡¯d been seduced by the myth that it was awesome. Even when they had spouses, they would enjoy it as a one-time thing, sometimes also having an affair.


    But the disgust Klopp felt now wasn¡¯t because he was particrly prudish from a social or moral standpoint. As he punched until his fist hurt, Klopp realized where his recent restlessness and impatience had originated from. At the same time, he also realized the cause of his current anger. It was his self-hatred.


    The person who was dominating his rationality at the moment was the one who yed the violin with a paleplexion as if he could copse at any moment. Why did that guy keeping to his mind?


    Everything was annoying and unnerving to him, but as soon as the thought that Aelock might have feelings for Rayfiel crossed his mind, what he felt wasn¡¯t jealousy of Aelock, but it was jealousy towards Rayfiel. There was no point in denying it. He wanted to quickly propose and firmly establish the rtionship between them, to cut off any feelings that shouldn¡¯t or couldn¡¯t exist. But Klopp¡¯s ns had been disrupted by an unexpected intrusion.


    He dusted his swelling fist and cursed. His jacket was already wrinkled, and there were probably bloodstains here and there, Martha would probably scold him. He loosened his tie a little as he tilted his neck and wiped away the strands of hair that fell during his one-sided beating. He sighed deeply while looking at the sky. Even with the light of thenterns, it wasn¡¯t enough to find the small ring. He shrugged and scanned his surroundings. Rayfiel was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Rayfiel?¡±


    <i>Where did he go? I need to find him. I have to find the ring right away too. He must have been surprised. I¡¯ve been careful on purpose.</i> Klopp kicked the unconscious alphas and patted his surroundings in the dark shadows. He needed the ring. It was a mess, but he had to finish the proposal somehow.


    In the meantime, he heard several people approaching. Klopp half stood up and turned around to see the astonished host, the butler, and his tear-stained lover, along with the wolf bastard whose presence and reason foring were unknown. The startled Count, with wide eyes, eximed in an unusually loud voice.


    ¡°What have you done?!¡±


    ¡°I was teaching some manners to those rude bastards.¡±


    A pale-faced Aelock ran up and grabbed Klopp¡¯s hand, who shrugged nonchntly. Then, with a stern expression, Aelock said, ¡°You¡¯re hurt.¡± He was almost on the verge of tears.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Nothing? Look at your face covered in blood!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my blood.¡±


    Aelock red at Klopp and was about to retort, but Marquis Wolke, who came here for unknown reasons, spoke up.


    ¡°He looks fine. But those two over there don¡¯t look fine at all. Can we just leave them like that? It could potentially lead to a major violence scandal.¡±


    The butler was the one who responded. He instructed another maid who had just arrived, ¡°Get a doctor. Bring the first aid kit, bandages, clean towels, and water. Move quietly.¡± Then he approached the two victims. The butler first wiped the blood from one¡¯s nose with a handkerchief and checked his pulse.


    ¡°Just how much did you hit them? Tsk tsk.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not dead.¡±


    ¡°Did you intend to kill them?¡±


    As the butler threw a sharp remark at Klopp, footmen appeared and carried the unconscious men into the inner room. The butler followed them along with the maid. A maid, holding another first aid kit, approached Klopp and said, ¡°Your hand needs to be treated.¡± Aelock took the bandage and began wrapping Klopp¡¯s hand tightly. When Klopp groaned in pain at how hard he was wrapping it, Aelock¡¯s shoulders shook.


    ¡°You can¡¯t wrap it like that.¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth.¡±


    The maid looked slightly concerned, alternating her gaze between Klopp and Aelock. But who could break Aelock¡¯s stubbornness? Klopp, the only one who could possibly restrain him, was too exhausted, so he sighed and let it be. Instead, he looked at Rayfiel, who was standing there with tears in his eyes. He was clutching his small chest tightly and sobbing. He felt sorry.


    ¡°Rayfiel.¡±


    Even though he called him softly, Rayfiel was startled as if thunder had struck. He quickly closed his trembling lips and wiped away his tears with the back of his hand. Aelock, equally startled, approached him.


    ¡°Count, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, right. Of course, Rayfiel should do it. Oh, yes. Here.¡±


    As Aelock handed over the bundle of bandages, his hand trembled, and the round piece of cloth rolled on the floor. Rayfiel picked it up, and with an anxious look, he nced briefly at Klopp before turning away. Rayfiel swiftly unraveled the haphazardly wrapped bandage. Then, he turned to the maid standing beside him and asked, ¡°Do you have a cold towel? It seems like we need topress his hand.¡±


    ¡°Pleasee to the inner estate. Cold water will be prepared.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Guided by the maid, Klopp and Rayfiel left their seats. As they passed through the entrance of the garden, the silent Marquis and the slightly agitated Count behind them had their gaze fixed on their backs. Aside from the emotional Count today, Klopp wanted to know what the hell was going on with the Marquis.


    Although he had vented enough, Klopp still had some fire in him. He clenched his fist tightly, his teeth gritting down. Rayfiel, who was walking beside him with his arm wrapped around Klopp¡¯s waist for support, sensed it and looked up at him with surprise in his eyes. Feeling guilty for continuously scaring him, Klopp forced a smile as he swallowed his anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just ruined the whole n.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, as long as you¡¯re okay, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Rayfiel didn¡¯t look okay at all, but Klopp didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he pulled Rayfiel closer, his hand throbbing with pain.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.5 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.5 - The fate flows again</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    Considering the guest list for today, it was obvious that whoever the two alphas he had knocked down were, they would cause some headaches for him in the future. But Klopp couldn¡¯t think of anything right now. Despite having vented as much as he could, there was still lingering inexplicable anxiety, restlessness, and anger. He only wanted to make sure that the small and beautiful omega wouldn¡¯t get startled anymore, so he made an effort to smile.


    There wasn¡¯t muchmotion among the Count¡¯s guests. However, those who knew exchanged serious nces. The two beaten alphas were influential figures in their respective families, and would undoubtedly cause a big stir if their parents found out the truth that they were engaging in the trend between alphas. The butler quickly arranged for a doctor toe and treat the two alphas before sending them home. Meanwhile, Klopp tried to see Rayfiel off, but Rayfiel declined, saying he was alright.


    ¡°You¡¯re injured, you should rest.¡±


    ¡°But I have something to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Do it at another time.¡±


    With some hesitation, Rayfiel left a kiss on Klopp¡¯s cheek and boarded the carriage that came to pick him up. As the carriage door closed, Klopp kissed Rayfiel¡¯s hand that was resting on the window sill, filled with remorse.


    ¡°Yes, next time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±


    Rayfiel smiled, lowering his gaze.


    After the carriage departed, Klopp felt extremely depressed, filled with disappointment in himself and regret for disappointing his lover. His chest felt heavy, and he had no energy left. He was about to ask one of the footmen to call a carriage when Aelock appeared out of nowhere and intervened.


    ¡°It¡¯ste, go rest. I¡¯ll prepare a room for you.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡±


    ¡°You caused an ident in my house. Just in case the victims¡¯ family contacts us, stay here tonight.¡±


    ¡°Regardless, it was them who initiated the violence.¡±


    He made it clear to the Count, who could be a key witness in future conflicts, to firmly take his side¡¯s justification.


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s true for you. But you can¡¯t deny that it was a one-sided assault. And those were influential members of a family that cannot be disregarded in society.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean that it¡¯s wrong for someone powerless and rankless to provoke noble individuals?¡±


    Aelock sneered and raised his voice with a contorted expression.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant! They will seek revenge against you no matter what.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m not the type to just sit back and take it.¡±


    The Count who was frozen in ce still red at him with his pale face. His shoulders trembled slightly.


    ¡°I know that about you better than anyone in this world. But for tonight, stay at this estate. You must be tired.¡±


    ¡°Very well, then.¡±


    In truth, Klopp was indeed tired, and as a legal expert, he knew there were various problems at hand. But, above that, seeing Aelock¡¯s exhausted and sad expression, he couldn¡¯t help but give in without putting up a fight. If he went back right now, Martha probably wouldn¡¯t open the door for him, and staying a night in this spacious estate wouldn¡¯t cause a big issue for the owner. Moreover, since the incident urred in this estate, the Count would end up getting involved. It was better to do as he wanted for the trivial matters.


    Soon, a maid appeared and guided Klopp to a guest room. Despite Klopp thanking him, Aelock didn¡¯t respond and went somewhere else without a word.


    The room the maid showed him was the one he had stayed in when he had first been invited to the estate. Left alone, Klopp felt frustrated and threw off his jacket, loosening his tie and unbuttoning a few buttons on his cor. Then he opened the window and stepped out onto the terrace. The cool night air cooled his heated head. Leaning against the terrace railing, Klopp gazed at the distant sky before lowering his gaze down.


    From the window of this room on the second floor, he had a clear view of the rose garden. Now that the soir¨¦e ended, the area had been tidied up, left with only tables and chairs. As the servants passed by, extinguishing thenterns, the lights gradually went out one by one. It was as if the light of the flowers was fading. The blowing breeze felt cool. Klopp closed his eyes and deeply breathed in the air, then exhaled. A faint scent of roses lingered.


    Today had been aplete mess. He wouldn¡¯t havee to the estate in the first ce if he knew it would turn out like this. Pursuing an ipatible romance had only ruined everything. Thest look of his disappointed lover haunted him. He would have to do something extraordinary to make up for this mistake. However, no matter how much he thought, nothing came to mind. He should have kept it simple, just like his personality. Wait, but what happened to the ring?


    He opened his eyes wide, stood up, and searched his pockets. He looked at the jacket he¡¯d thrown on the bed and remembered. He¡¯d been looking for it after it fell, but he hadpletely forgotten about it because those other people showed up. Cursing under his breath, Klopp left the room.


    In the rose garden, where everyone, including the guests, musicians, and servants, had left, only a chilly breeze blew. Klopp hurriedly rushed out without even putting on his jacket and borrowed amp from a passing maid, almost snatching it from her, and headed to where he had beaten those guys from before.


    The ring was incredibly important. It wasn¡¯t about its value, but because it was a special order from a high-end shop where Viscount Derbyshire had written a special rmendation himself. If he lost the ring on top of ruining the proposal, it wouldn¡¯t just be a simple incident; it would be a significant problem for Klopp¡¯s reputation. Although that seemed to already happen.


    He scanned the area illuminated by themp, feeling around with his hand, but all he found were rose petals and silk ribbons that hadn¡¯t been cleared away. Some might think this act was very romantic, but it only annoyed Klopp. He searched for a while but couldn¡¯t find it. He couldn¡¯t even see the box. Even if finding the ring was difficult, he had thought he would quickly find the box. But no matter how much he searched, the box was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Damn it. Where is that goddamn ring.¡±


    He bent down and searched until his back ached and the muscles in his back pulled. He didn¡¯t even notice someone approaching from behind. So when he heard a calm voice saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to look for it,¡± he was startled. Turning around, he saw the Count with a faint smile on his face.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you looking for this?¡±


    ring at him, Klopp straightened his back and stood up as the Count approached, extending a small box in his hand. It was the ring box, and the ring was still inside. Klopp looked slightly impressed as he looked at him. And Aelock smiled again. It seemed that Klopp could now sense a slight difference in his smile. It didn¡¯t appear to be a teasing or joyful smile but rather a somewhat awkward and sad one.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°The butler found it earlier.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a bad excuse, except that he knew the butler had been busier than Klopp or Aelock in treating and sending those two alphas back. Before Klopp could ask how Aelock knew it was his ring, Aelock broke the awkward atmosphere first.


    ¡°It seems that your proposal didn¡¯t go well.¡±


    As he smiled again on his pretty face, something stirred in Klopp. It wasn¡¯t because the proposal had gone wrong or because the Count was mocking him. It was a kind of poignant sadness that seeped through. Even now, he could still hear the violin in his ears. It wasn¡¯t just a performance, maybe it was a plea.


    Why was the Count so entangled like this? Klopp had an impulse to see the Count¡¯s pale face getting contorted with a genuine appearance, just as he was, not with a mask-like smile.


    Even when his beloved lover had just left him with tears on his face, he only wondered how Aelock Teiwind would look on the bed. His lower body felt a surge of heat. This was the worst. He was still holding the engagement ring in his hand. Unable to deal with his torn feelings, he could only express himself with a grim expression and curt words.


    ¡°Thank you for finding it. I apologize for causing trouble today, but there¡¯s no need for you to meddle in other people¡¯s personal lives.¡±


    The corners of Aelock¡¯s mouth curled up at the cold response. His eyes weren¡¯t smiling at all. Instead, they held a depth of indescribable sorrow. Aelock¡¯s expression didn¡¯t match his gaze, just like Klopp¡¯s actions were different from his feelings.


    ¡°Right. You can handle it on your own. I apologize for meddling. I just¡­¡±


    Aelock, who was turning away while answering in a stiff tone, paused for a moment. He stared at Klopp who was deliberately ignoring him, only looking at his direction.


    ¡°It¡¯s just unfortunate that your preparations didn¡¯t lead to a good oue. That¡¯s all, really.¡±


    Leaving behind these words, he disappeared into the other side of the garden, as if carried away by the wind.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.6 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.6 - The fate flows again</h4>


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    Finding the ring was a relief, but Klopp didn¡¯t expect to meet someone who would cause him to feel such inner turmoil and conflict. He had barely managed to suppress the turmoil he felt earlier, but now it had intensified. It had been an exhausting and challenging day, and he didn¡¯t feel like he could fall asleep in this chaotic state of mind. Since he was already out, he thought it would be better to take a walk. He ced themp on the nearby stone steps and put the ring back in his pocket. Then, he walked along the pale moonlit gravel path.


    The burning fire within his ribcage and the freezing ice coiled together, causing him great distress. It would have been better if one of them devoured the other, either burning everything or freezing it all. His swollen hands hurt, and his mind wasplicated. With the proposal going awry, he had to think about how to please Rayfiel, but for some reason, all he could think about was the person he had just met.


    An intense thirst arose, one that was deeply unsatisfying and unpleasant. Whether he was present or not, irritability and anger surged within him. What made it even more unbearable was that just the thought of his disheveled blond hair and blue eyes was enough to ignite an uncontroble desire. He acknowledged that the reason for him beating those guys earlier wasn¡¯t just because he was interrupted and angry. The burning fire and freezing ice within him intensified. Klopp took a cold breath in and exhaled a hot one, taking step after step. It seemed like this walk was going to be a long one.


    The serene night garden, reflected in the blue moonlight, seemed like a world standing on the vague boundary. As the night wore on, the wind blew considerably chillier, but it actually cooled his head. Unlike the burning back of his hands, his fingertips quickly turned cold. Klopp walked through the garden, slowly embracing the coldness that had been building up.


    Lost in his thoughts, he found himself in a secluded corner where cedar trees stood in a row, the same ones when he first came to this estate and lost his way to the rose garden.


    The path shimmered gracefully,pletely different from his memory. Back then, the breaking sunlight sparkled intensely, as if curtains made of light were fluttering. But now, it waspletely different. The pale moonlight did not drive away the shadows but rather dyed the edges it touched with darkness. The great, soundless pirs did little more than split the light that seeped in like mist, obscuring the pitiful celestial bodies that could not shine themselves. Only the pebbles hidden in the deep shadows cried out with small screams under the weight of someone¡¯s heavy steps.


    <i>How do I get back from here? Maybe I should turn right, toward the estate in the distance.</i>


    Guessing the directions, Klopp walked along the path, illuminated by the barely-there moonlight. The cobblestones glinted in the reflection, resembling stars in the deep night sky.


    As he passed through the shadows of the towering trees, something caught his eye up ahead. Between the repeating silhouette of the cedar trees, like a broken kaleidoscope, there was someone standing in the shadows. Unconsciously, he quickened his strides and approached. Standing there absentmindedly, without a singlemp, was Aelock. It seemed he hadn¡¯t returned to the estate earlier. The moment Klopp saw him, the fragile bnce maintained inside him was instantly shattered, reced by a rampage of something he couldn¡¯t quite name yet.


    <i>Why is he wandering around at night without amp?</i> Of course, Klopp himself was guilty of the same, but he was a person having troubling events on his te. He couldn¡¯t understand what had happened to that guy to make him act so pitifully as if he had borne all the sorrow and suffering of the world since the concert.


    It was getting on his nerves to see Aelock standing beneath the moonlight, staring vacantly at the moon. At the same time, Klopp had no desire to approach him, strike up a conversation, or pretend to notice him. Since their first encounter, every meeting with Aelock managed to unsettle him, turning him into a poem, constructed with artistic devices in a space-time realm, merely listing facts without rhetorical ploys. It was better to pass by quietly.


    He took a few more steps, then stopped and reconsidered. It would be better to turn back than to continue forward. As he swiftly turned his body, a chilly wind blew, carrying a strangely provocative scent. It was an odd smell, smelling neither like alpha nor omega.


    <i>No, it smells quite like an omega.</i> He wondered if there was a newlywed couple nearby, but it was a silly idea. Apart from himself, there was only Aelock in this vast garden.


    As usual, just like how his body had often reacted to it before, Klopp couldn¡¯t help but grow increasingly turned on by the scent. It was extremely embarrassing, but since there was no one to see him here except for Aelock, the only alpha present on this dark night, he didn¡¯t consider it a problem. Aelock wasn¡¯t a person who would tantly stare at that spot so intently to notice his small problem on this dark night. More than that, just when had Aelock been involved with an omega to the point where their scents became a jumbled mess.


    Lewd bastard. It seemed like he hadn¡¯t even had the time to get a room for himself. It was a waste of the moon, the garden, the wind, and the shadows. To waste such beautiful scenery by indulging in the afterglow of a love affair. What an utter idiot¡­ or not.


    He quickly felt unpleasant again. He was so disgusted by his arousal in response to Aelock¡¯s lingering scent of his affair that he decided to turn back immediately. However, he stopped once again on the way. In this current state of irritation, he might as well say what he had nned to say since early evening.


    This guy paid enough expense to buy a whole house just for a soir¨¦e, and if he was going to sleep with someone like that until his body scent was filthy, there was a good chance he was going to cause a serious financial crisis with all his presents. He needed to give him a warning right away. This guy could lose a house overnight, so there was no time to lose.


    His turned-on body and anger at Aelock¡¯s unknown partner were irrelevant. He was merely giving professional advice as an investment agent and asset manager. The matter was so urgent that Klopp briskly walked and stood behind Aelock in a single stride.


    Aelock was so engrossed in himself, that he was unaware of Klopp approaching him until Klopp rested his hands on his shoulders.


    ¡°Hey, you.¡±


    Calling out with a slightly angry voice, Aelock was startled. He jumped and swiftly turned around, forcefully pping Klopp¡¯s arm away as he did. Due to turning too quickly, he lost his bnce and stumbled backward. It seemed like he was about to fall.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Oh, my.¡±


    Klopp reflexively reached out an arm to support Aelock¡¯s slightly skinny back. Although Aelock wasn¡¯t particrlyrge, but he was a fit alpha, so Klopp wobbled as he tried to support him. After a struggle, they both regained their bnce. Unintentionally, Klopp naturally wrapped his arm around Aelock¡¯s waist and pulled him closer. Aelock grabbed the vest of the person who had held onto him with both hands and let out a deep sigh, lifting his head. Their gazes intertwined, and for a moment, the awkwardness of their close proximity gave Klopp a great shock.


    In the moonlight, clear tears streamed down Aelock¡¯s wet blue eyes.


    ¡°Aelock?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    At the sound of his name, Aelock, who had unwittinglye to his senses, grimaced in embarrassment and quickly pulled away from Klopp. Then, he roughly wiped the corners of his eyes with the palm of his hand. Aelock¡¯s faint mask was shattered, he looked incredibly sad and pained. The emptiness in his arms, which had felt so satisfying just a brief moment ago, made him be angry once again, and at the same time¡­ right, he felt extremely sorry. It was enough to realize that it hurt his heart. <i>Why was he crying? Who made him cry? The omega who he had an affair with? That was most likely it.</i>


    ¡°Did you have a heartbreak?¡±


    The words that came out of nowhere sounded sarcastic even to his own ears. While Klopp was inwardly flustered, Aelock lowered the hand that was rubbing his eyes and raised the corner of his mouth, smiling. Turning his head slightly, he nced in this direction with trembling lips.


    ¡°I can get hurt too.¡±


    Klopp couldn¡¯t make sense of that absurd response.


    <i>What¡¯s with him? Did he really have a heartbreak, or is there something else going on with him?</i>


    Klopp remained silent and stared into his wet blue eyes. He couldn¡¯t look away from him. The shock was too much. No matter how much Aelock wiped away his tears, they continued to fall, soon smearing his face and dampening the back of his hand. For him to cry this much, he must have loved someone so deeply and had a falling out with them. He didn¡¯t expect the arrogant aristocrat could cry that pitifully.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 5.7 - The fate flows again

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 5.7 - The fate flows again</h4>


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    Come to think of it, until just a while ago, there was nothing unusual about his scent, but it was weird that it suddenly changed. It wasn¡¯t something that could happen in just a few hours. Or perhaps he had been meeting an omega for a while, and until now, he had been careful to hide their scent.


    If that¡¯s the case, that means he only gave his body for them and couldn¡¯t win their heart. But he¡¯s the Count? He¡¯s the Aelock Teiwind. How dare someone do that? Which omega took the Count and yed him like a puppet? Klopp was getting multiple shocks. But why did he suddenly feel so furious, wanting to strangle that stupid and pathetic bastard who takes advantage of a perfectly fine alpha?


    Being swayed by iprehensible emotions was a very unpleasant thing. He wanted to give up on tormenting the unknown person who wasn¡¯t even in front of him and couldn¡¯t even confirm their existence. He sarcastically sneered, his voice twisted by jealousy he couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°If you were heartbroken, it might be better for you to not wander around at night drenched with a scent that would make you pass as an omega. You might end up in a situation with more than a little embarrassment if an alpha passed by and mistook you as one.¡±


    Aelock, whose tears hadn¡¯t dried, smiled again and retorted, ¡°As long as it¡¯s not you.¡±


    Although it wasn¡¯t a particrly malicious statement, Klopp felt as if sanity was slipping away. Even without that, he was constantly getting turned on, and now that he could even smell Aelock¡¯s intoxicating scent which was enough to make his head hurt, he almost lost control of his self-restraint. He clenched his fists tightly. His hand, pressed against the bandage, throbbed with pain, but it seemed to bring him back to his senses.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s not my concern, you can act however you want with your body, whether as an alpha or omega. But I hope you¡¯ll choose someone who doesn¡¯t spend money excessively.¡±


    He finally managed to utter the words he had intended to say for a while now. It was bing agonizing to keep looking at him. Why did Aelock have to be an alpha? Klopp bit down on it and red at Aelock. His tears that had dried started to fall again.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? Did you really have a heartbreak?¡±


    Klopp said sarcastically with a furrowed brow, and Aelock wiped away his tears with his already damp hand. Then, without retorting, he turned away from Klopp, intending to leave. That response seemed toe from his sarcasm, as Aelock deliberately nudged his shoulder while passing by. The remaining shred of Klopp¡¯s shallow self-restraint waspletely shattered.


    Klopp reached out and grabbed the wrist of the figure that had moved a few steps away.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    It came out as a loud shout fueled by his rising anger. Despite Klopp gripping it tightly, Aelock swung his arm vigorously to push Klopp away. At that moment, his tear-dampened hand grazed Klopp¡¯s lips. Like a p, it was quite painful. In an instant, anger surged to his head, he grabbed Aelock¡¯s wrist again as if he were about to break it.


    ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°It hurts, let me go.¡±


    With eyes burning with simmering rage, Klopp red at Aelock, who was now shedding tears while averting his gaze. Something damp trickled down his lips. When Klopp touched his lips with his other hand, there was clear moisture. It seemed to be the tears that dampened Aelock¡¯s hand when it collided with his lips a moment ago. On instinct, Klopp licked the cold substance on his lips. It tasted sweet. Wait, sweet? For a moment, Klopp forgot that he was still in anger. Aelock¡¯s tears tasted sweet.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    As he wiped away the tears that touched his lips with his other finger, Aelock looked extremely bewildered.


    ¡°¡­I apologize.¡±


    Apologizing in a wet voice, his tears continued to fall. The air felt incredibly awkward. What was he doing, holding onto a person he didn¡¯t want to run into on this moonlit night? After letting go of Aelock¡¯s wrist, which Klopp had tightly grasped, Aelock rubbed his wrist with his other hand and turned his gaze in other directions.


    ¡°I hope you forget what you saw today, if you feel even the slightest remorse for the violent incidents you caused today.¡±


    A little quick and sarcastic in tone, Aelock soon turned and walked away to the mansion. Klopp stared nkly at his retreating figure. After Aelock disappeared into the darkness, Klopp licked the moisture still clinging to his index and middle fingers. It was undeniably sweet.


    <i>This can¡¯t be right. He¡¯s an alpha. What is with that guy? Is his body made of sugar or something?</i>


    The walk he¡¯d begun to take to clear his foggy head and ease his heavy heart had only reaffirmed his unsatisfied lust and added to his unanswered questions. Really, every meeting with the Count had only resulted in troubles.


    He knew it wasn¡¯t a particrly favorable situation, but the anger of Viscount Westport regarding his violence turned out to be more intense than he had imagined. The Viscount would usually invite Klopp to his home when he wanted to nag him, but this time, he unusually came to his office in the center of town and asked for some time away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. It was because they were very rude to me then¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of that. But you did that just because of a minor thing. It¡¯s not advisable to go into a frenzy over something like that, and besides, your name is now all over social circles. You can¡¯t have an engagement like this. At least until the rumors die down.¡±


    After the Viscount¡¯s unteral deration, Klopp found it increasingly difficult to meet with Rayfiel. Whenever he tried to send letters through various routes, there was no response from Rayfiel. Viscount Westport, who was meticulous when it came to matters concerning his children, pushed Klopp away with various excuses. Later on, they managed to meet by coincidence at a tea party hosted by a certain aristocrat, but Rayfiel told him with a very sad expression.


    ¡°My father is very angry. It¡¯s not about you fighting, but about how I tried to stop you, and you didn¡¯t listen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Rayfiel lowered his gaze to the ground, shaking his head. Lately, hisplexion hadn¡¯t been good. It didn¡¯t seem like a health issue, but perhaps the shes of opinions with his father were bothering him. But Klopp had nothing much he could say. He could only hope that the Viscount Westport would quickly calm his anger.


    The scandal that was expected to die down over time didn¡¯t seem to fade away. Not only the victims were the children of prominent families, but someone was constantly spreading hostile rumors about Klopp. Later, during their business discussion, Klopp heard about it from the Viscount Derbyshire.


    ¡°You got into a fight, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Did you hear about it?¡±


    ¡°I hear things even when I don¡¯t want to. So, how bad was it? There are rumors flying around about blood sttering everywhere and bone fragments flying.¡±


    The voice of Viscount Derbyshire, sipping his tea, somehow sounded cheerful, and Klopp frowned for a moment. He told it as it was, without hiding anything about what had happened, and Viscount Derbyshire became even more enthusiastic, interjecting while holding his cup.


    ¡°Oh, really? So? Ohoho! That¡¯s what happened, haha!¡±


    When the story was over, he put down his cooled tea and patted Klopp¡¯s shoulder. It felt like his shoulder was about to break from the strong force.


    ¡°Of course, alphas can also throw punches. You don¡¯t need to avoid those idiots whoe at you. And I don¡¯t like those guys either. You did well. Hopefully, they¡¯ll learn some self-restraint and stop their lowly behavior in the future.¡±


    Klopp had thought that Viscount Derbyshire wouldn¡¯t scold him, but he didn¡¯t expect to receive praise from him too. He smirked and drank his tea.


    ¡°But, by the way, do you know Marquis Wolke?¡±


    ¡°I just know his name and face. We don¡¯t have any particr connection.¡±


    Klopp stiffened slightly at the sudden mention of a name he didn¡¯t like. Viscount Derbyshire ced both hands on his ample belly andfortably leaned back in his armchair.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know him? That¡¯s strange. A few days ago, I met with Viscount Westport, and he was there too. He seemed to have a strong grudge against you. He said you guys were together in Teiwind?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It might have been just a coincidence, but he witnessed the incident that day. I also remember feeling bothered because he had been weirdly staring at me before that.¡±


    ¡°Really? Hm. Well, this is troublesome.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire clicked his tongue and lowered his head. Then he looked at Klopp, who didn¡¯t understand his words, and gave a bitter smile.


    ¡°You should give up on this marriage. The Viscount Westport is a strange man who clings to his sons like a patient with obsessivepulsive disorder. He seemed to have made up his mind.¡±


    He could tell from Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s expression without even asking what was on his mind. Despite believing in his capabilities, Viscount Westport didn¡¯t think that Klopp¡¯s abilities would make him a good husband. He was also urging them to break up before they got engaged. The reason behind their potential breakup seemed insignificant, but it seemed that Klopp¡¯s anger and his behavior in front of Rayfiel yed a significant role.


    Honestly speaking, he was venting out his anger. Klopp had to admit that. It wasn¡¯t surprising that the victim didn¡¯t press charges, considering their ongoing secretive affair. Moreover, the two alphas must be embarrassed by the fact they got beaten by an alpha, so they chose to keep it hidden. Of course, Klopp had givenpensation, which resulted in a setback for his hard-earned wedding funds.


    In retrospect, that was the final straw. Viscount Westport¡¯s concern was about how Klopp could support Rayfiel and their future children if Klopp ever lost money again through such violence. The reason Viscount Westport and his family held Klopp in high regard was that he was a self-controlled, honest, and hard-working man. It wasn¡¯t because he was an exceptional son from a great household or had significant wealth. This meant that if Klopp had any ws of his own, they wouldn¡¯t need to give their precious omega son to him. It was the rationality of a cold-hearted aristocrat.


    Fortunately, before this incident, Klopp had a good reputation, and Viscount Derbyshire, who cherished him, held considerable influence in social circles. When rumors started to spread, Viscount Derbyshire quickly quelled them, saying, ¡°Alphas have their temperaments; that¡¯s how they are,¡± and put an end to them. Thanks to this, even after their breakup, his business was unaffected.


    Rayfiel was deeply saddened, but he didn¡¯t love Klopp enough to defy his parents and escape with him. Simrly, Klopp didn¡¯t love Rayfiel to the extent of demanding such a sacrifice. Although they had been in a rtionship for a considerable time, it was difficult for them to develop a deep rtionship considering the times they couldn¡¯t meet due to Klopp¡¯s busy schedule. They had never even spent a heat together. It was not that their hearts didn¡¯t ache, but it wasn¡¯t to the point where they couldn¡¯t live without each other. They felt sad, but what they had was a rtionship where, if it turned out they were not fated, they could let each other go, just that much.


    After the breakup was decided, Rayfiel secretly left his estate to meet Klopp without his father¡¯s knowledge. At that time, Klopp, who was burdened with heavy thoughts and focused only on work, smiled softly upon seeing him in the office. The two walked together on a secluded path, while a carriage belonging to the Viscount followed behind.


    ¡°So, it ended up like this.¡±


    ¡°This is because my father is very stubborn.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    ¡°Sir Klopp.¡±


    Klopp nced at the coachman who was looking in their direction and led Rayfiel to a shady alley. The coachman stopped the carriage and turned his head in another direction. Klopp held Rayfiel¡¯s hands and kissed the back of his hands. Even though he understood their circumstances, parting was still upsetting. Tears welled up in Rayfiel¡¯s eyes once again. They closed their eyes and exchanged a brief kiss as a farewell. The first andst kiss in the slightly smelly alley wasn¡¯t exactly poetic.


    Klopp wiped the tears from Rayfiel¡¯s wet cheeks with his thumb, then kissed his forehead and hugged him tightly. Rayfiel also hugged him back tightly, but he soon let go. They didn¡¯t bid farewell from afar. In the few steps it took for them to reach the carriage, none of them said a word. Rayfiel didn¡¯t look back at Klopp as he boarded the carriage.


    Watching the carriage going far away, Klopp soon turned around. On his way back to the office, he saw the tear stains on his fingertips and unconsciously licked them. It tasted bitter and salty. Tears were normally indeed bitter and salty. That guy was the abnormal one. Did he take any drugs?


    He threw the engagement ring on the desk. And then, he forgot about it.


    This marks the end of Volume 2 Chapter 5.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 6.1 - The right one runs away

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 6.1 - The right one runs away</h4>


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    His warning to Aelock that he would terminate their contract if he held another soir¨¦e seemed to have worked, Aelock had been quiet so far. As his rtionship with Rayfiel was over and his troublesome client calmed down, Klopp became more dedicated to his work than ever before. He lost track of time and dates. Even though Viscount Derbyshire felt very bad for Klopp and brought new marriage prospects for him, but Klopp pretended to still be struggling with his breakup and made a distant face, so Viscount Derbyshire went easy with him. That nagging aristocrat quickly gave up, thinking that Klopp was still romanticising.


    As Klopp only focused on his work, his wealth increased rapidly. Before the year ended, he was able to purchase a better house, silencing Martha¡¯s naggings. Although she felt very sorry about the breakup, she was too absorbed in renovating the new home to care about Klopp.


    Klopp¡¯s wealth was steadily umting thanks to the efficient and thrifty housekeeper. It seemed like soon he could afford to buy a grand estate. Moreover, this was also due to the Count who had no sense of currency, who had just barged through the office door as if he was about to break it down. He demanded, ¡°Is it true that you called off your engagement?!¡± as if Klopp had made a terribly huge mistake.


    ¡°Why do you always barge inte at night without any appointments?¡±


    Aelock was more agitated than ever, almost ready to jump over the desk, not hearing Klopp¡¯sint as he sat at the desk, reviewing documents. Aelock was leaning so close to the desk, causing some file documents to shake. Worried that the inkwell might spill, Klopp quickly closed and locked the lid, while Aelock seemed ready to grab his cor and interrogate him.


    ¡°Is it true that you called off your engagement?


    ¡°It¡¯s true that our engagement got called off, but why are you the one making such a fuss?¡±


    Klopp retorted coldly, displeased with such an intrusive question when he wanted to keep things quiet. And he hates it more because it¡¯sing from Aelock Teiwind. Yet, Aelock, seemingly unaware of Klopp¡¯s dismissive tone, screamed with a pale and tired face as if the world was about to crumble.


    ¡°But you loved Rayfiel! Enough to devote your whole life to him!¡±


    Now Klopp was taken aback. Even the person who had gone through the breakup didn¡¯t have such intense emotions, so he couldn¡¯t understand why Aelock was acting this way. He couldn¡¯t find the right words to say and simply stared nkly at Aelock.


    Awkward silence continued, and Aelock, realizing that he had be overly agitated, suddenly closed his mouth and took a hurried step back from the desk. However, his pale and tired expression didn¡¯t change. Looking at Klopp with anxious eyes, like a lost child in an unfamiliar ce, there was no trace of a smile on his face. Worried that the silence would only deepen and be irreparable, Klopp deliberately asked in a light tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t recall any memories of loving him so much. Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s obvious!¡±


    Aelock couldn¡¯t find the words to argue. He blinked a few times, opened and closed his mouth, then eventually dropped his head. His shoulders shook slightly, and he clenched his fist tightly as if trying to control something internally. Klopp really had no idea what he was trying to aplish. Even if his workaholic days were boring, it was still a peaceful daily routine. Klopp knew that Aelock would mess up this routine again. If it was like before, he would have gotten angry and kicked Aelock out. But now he had half given up. He also felt a desire to see to what extent Aelock would go.


    Perhaps Aelock noticed that Klopp was observing him, he lifted his gaze from the ground, straightened his posture, raised his head high with his shoulders back, and even formed his faint smile again. It was as if he never shouted, he was pretending to be nonchnt. It had be something he could do without any trouble. However, the way Aelock tried to wrap up his agitation that had not yet calmed down was almost cute to Klopp. Klopp wondered how urgently Aelock had rushed here that he didn¡¯t even have time to put on gloves, and as he brushed his fallen hair with his bare hands, Aelock apologized in a calm voice.


    ¡°I apologize for my sudden rudeness.¡±


    Then he lightly nodded his head. It was so absurd that it made Klopp chuckle.


    Now Klopp couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. When Klopp¡¯s tall figure stood up from the desk, Aelock was surprised and tried to leave as quickly as he had entered here. But Klopp couldn¡¯t let him go that easily. There were consequences in disturbing someone who was quietly minding their own business.


    With quick steps, past the office, when Aelock had just tugged at the doorknob, Klopp fully disyed the advantage of his long legs and mmed the half-open door shut with a bang using his hand. Trapped between the door and Klopp, Aelock continued to turn the doorknob without turning back. Klopp whispered with a hint of sarcasm.


    ¡°Why are you leaving in such a hurry? Let¡¯s have a talk while you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that next time,e to my estate.¡±


    ¡°Now.¡±


    Klopp noticed the trembling voice of the man who replied in a nervous manner, and his attention was drawn to the fair nape of his neck. His neatly arranged hair looked incredibly soft. Using his other hand that wasn¡¯t gripping the door, Klopp grabbed Aelock¡¯s waist and made him turn toward himself. As Aelock¡¯s stiff body was half-forcibly turned, he looked up at Klopp with a frightened expression. At that moment, his blue eyes trembled, and his scent wafted through the air. It was a mixed scent of the sharpness of an alpha and the sweetness of an omega, it smelled vulgar unlike an elegant aristocrat¡¯s¡­ yet it was also very arousing.


    At that moment, Klopp made a really big, emphasizing again, tremendous effort, to avoid sumbing to his secretive and persistent lust towards this man; wanting to mess him up right then and there. Setting aside that he was lusting for an alpha, he knew it was really necessary to talk to him first.


    Klopp had always found this noble count¡¯s behavior perplexing to the point of being iprehensible. From suddenly inviting Rayfiel despite having almost no contact with the Westport family, to unreasonably organizing an extravagant soir¨¦e that he enjoyed. Aelock seemed to know too much about Klopp and his rtionship. He had cried during his marriage proposal as if he had gone through a heartbreak, and he was more concerned about the broken engagement than the parties involved.


    Perhaps Aelock engaging in a physical rtionship with someone to the extent of having omega pheromones was a way to vent his jealousy. It was understandable given he¡¯s an alpha at his prime age. The fact that he even picked up someone else¡¯s engagement ring shows that he was trying to be polite. But if he intended to be polite, he shouldn¡¯t provoke an alpha who was not feeling well with a broken engagement, right?


    Aelock stiffened slightly and nced at Klopp, but quickly averted his gaze. His head was held high, and he stood confidently without a trace of tremor. However, his hand gripping the doorknob trembled futilely. Klopp chuckled and asked.


    ¡°Did you have feelings for Rayfiel?¡±


    The person trapped within the boundaries of intimacy met his gaze and let out a short breath as if dismissing it. Narrowing his eyes and staring fiercely, he seemed to look at him like he was a pathetic person. So maybe that wasn¡¯t¡­ the correct conclusion?


    ¡°No.¡±


    As expected, Aelock responded coldly.


    ¡°Then how would you exin all your iprehensible actions up until this point?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my actions?¡±


    Now that his trembling had subsided, Aelock was radiating with a small amount of anger, so Klopp was pushing against him slowly. He had to keep his voice as calm as possible to avoid showing that he was worked up. Being in such close proximity, his words would likely be heard loud enough. He could hear the sound of their hurried breaths. Aelock¡¯splexion grew paler as Klopp spoke with a slightly scratchy voice.


    ¡°Rushing over to confirm the news of someone else¡¯s broken engagement is unlike an ordinary person¡¯s reaction.¡±


    Hearing his sarcastic remark, Aelock red sharply at Klopp again. But, somewhere in his expression, he looked as if he was about to cry. Just like when he ranted at him under the cedar tree before.


    ¡°Is it a problem to be unordinary?¡±


    ¡°I expect my customers to have the mostmon sense.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember the words ¡®ordinary¡¯ or mon sense¡¯ were in the contract, but if you don¡¯t like it, we can terminate it.¡±


    Klopp couldn¡¯t understand why Aelock suddenly veered in that direction. The Count¡¯s already limited patience was quickly running out. As Aelock kept answering nonsensically, Klopp grabbed Aelock¡¯s arm and growled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t change the topic. Just what are you hiding?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything. And even if I were¡­ It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Now he was on the verge of getting angry, but Aelock pushed away Klopp¡¯s arm that was grabbing his wrist.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 6.2 - The right one runs away

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 6.2 - The right one runs away</h4>


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    ¡°Can an investment agent treat their employer so recklessly? You¡¯re going over the line.¡±


    A cold usation poured out of Aelock¡¯s mouth. Then he bit his lip and added with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Back off. What are you doing with a fellow alpha? As an aristocrat, you should maintain your dignity.¡±


    He showed signs of difort, but Klopp, who had no intention of stepping back and only wanting to get closer, defiantly leaned in even closer.


    ¡°What¡­ are you doing?¡±


    The trembling voice barely reached his ears. Klopp chuckled and lowered his head to Aelock¡¯s ear.


    ¡°It¡®s something I just learned recently. There¡¯s not much distinction between Alpha and Omega these days. As a distinguished aristocrat, you must be aware of social trends, right?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Aelock stared at Klopp in contemtion. His blue eyes widened and his trembling lips couldn¡¯t close. He looked frozen, like an anxious omega on the verge of heat.


    He had already broken up and shown violence, yet the guy who was making him feel worked up was acting like an omega. He was already having unfulfilled desires, this was really stressing his mind. That damned trend. Other people would be disgusting to him, but if it were Aelock, it seemed entirely possible. His scent was refreshing, yet sweet, it was strangely familiar. Even his arms fit perfectly around Aelock¡¯s waist, which was quite slender for an alpha. His waist felt like it was made for Klopp¡¯s arms. It wasn¡¯t overly full or insufficiently thin. Klopp pulled him closer.


    As he pressed their bodies closer, his turn-on touched the side of Aelock¡¯s hip, and Aelock pushed him away in surprise. However, his resistance was so weak that Klopp doubted whether he was genuinely pushing him away.


    Without hesitation, Klopp lowered his head and buried his nose in the fair nape that had been cluttering his vision since earlier. The scent was so enticing that it made his head spin. At this rate, no matter how many times he relieved himself, his excitement wouldn¡¯t subside. He moved his lips and lightly bit the nape of the stic neck, and Aelock, who had been trying to push him away, stiffened. Aelock became tense and shuddered slightly. Klopp moved his hand, caressing under his lower back, then moving downward.


    He could feel Aelock¡¯s toned, smooth hips and thighs nervously contracting beneath his thin pants. When therge hand reached an intolerable spot, Aelock slightly held his breath, tensed his hips, and twisted his body to escape from his grasp. But it only drew him closer to Klopp. Touching the sensitively turned-on body, Klopp could tell that Aelock was also aroused.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? It seems like you don¡¯t dislike it.¡±


    Surprisingly, when heughed and teased him, the pale-faced Count blushed instantly. He seemed embarrassed and slightly angry, but surprisingly, there was no sign of disgust. The stiffness of his body also seemed to be caused by his excitement.


    Thinking in his head, the sweet Omega scent was very unappealing and made him want to tear the faceless bastard to shreds right now, and then messily vite Aelock next to his corpse.


    However, his body, which had abandoned his reasoning from long ago, disagreed. The sweet scent, which felt as natural as Aelock¡¯s own scent, made Klopp want to knock him down right away. Regardless, the conclusion was the same. Klopp chuckled and slid his lips behind Aelock¡¯s burning ear. The man in his arms drew in a breath and protested in an unsteady voice.


    ¡°You were the one who beat the alphas, calling them disgusting.¡±


    ¡°They are not you.¡±


    The shallow, trembling breath came to a halt. The strength in the hand that was pushing him away diminished. The Count turned his gaze away and bit his lip. He seemed to have given up. Satisfied that Aelock had no more intention of fleeing, Klopp, who had been holding onto the door, lowered his hand and wrapped his arms around the white nape of Aelock¡¯s neck. He gently caressed the slightly stiff side of his neck and then ran his fingers down his back.


    ¡°Are you really sure that you don¡¯t have feelings for Rayfiel?¡±


    ¡°I absolutely don¡¯t.¡±


    He tightened his grip on the back of Aelock¡¯s neck, making his head tilt a little. He put his own forehead on the spotlessly clean forehead. They leaned in at an angle, and their eyshes lightly brushed against each other, ticklish. A momentter, Aelock¡¯s relieved breath reached his ear. Klopp couldn¡¯t believe himself. He didn¡¯t think he waspletely oblivious, but he hadn¡¯t noticed it at all. No, perhaps he was in denial and didn¡¯t want to see it.


    ¡°You expect me to believe you when you acted so much like an asshole.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, but you were the one who started acting like an asshole.¡±


    ¡°You have truly peculiar tastes.¡±


    Teasingly pressing his lips against the reddened ear, Aelock must have felt ticklish, he exhaled a few short breaths and then said.


    ¡°Just think of me as being sensitive towards trends.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s amusing. Considering what you were saying just a moment ago.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mock your customer, I¡¯ll fi¡­¡±


    He probably wanted to say he would fire him, but Klopp couldn¡¯t let that happen. There had been cases where Klopp resigned beforehand, but there had been no instances of him getting fired. So he prevented that from happening. With one arm tightly pulling his wais close, he firmly grabbed the back of Aelock¡¯s neck with his other hand, making sure he couldn¡¯t turn his head and avoid him. Then Klopp swallowed those seemingly soft lips. As their breaths became slower, they began making wet sounds.


    Just as he imagined, no, even beyond his imagination. Aelock¡¯s lips were incredibly soft and supple. After lightly pressing his lips against the slightly cool lips, he parted them and then pressed again, extending his tongue inside. He explored the warm and smooth interior of the lips, going deeper.


    As the kiss deepened, Aelock showed a daring move and thrust his tongue forward. He naturally ced his other hand on Klopp¡¯s arm and drew him closer. Contrary to the teasing and mocking from before, their kiss made him feel like he knew everything about him.


    Klopp¡¯s arms strengthened around the body that fit so perfectly in his arms. While at it, he slid his knee forward and slipped between Aelock¡¯s slender and firm legs. As he grazed the hardened center with his thigh, Aelock, who had been engrossed in the kiss, suddenly gasped and pulled away. His blue eyes, which were melting in the kiss a moment ago, suddenly shed with fear.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Klopp, who was earnestly exploring his graceful body, was taken aback when Aelock suddenly broke the kiss and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. He felt a bit offended, but he ignored it and tried to wrap his arms around his waist again, only to be forcefully pushed away by Aelock with all his might this time.


    As Klopp lost his bnce due to the sudden attack, Aelock quickly opened the door and fled. Klopp just watched, dumbfounded, until the sound of the distant footsteps brought him back to his sense. He chased after Aelock, but it was toote.


    ¡°Aelock!¡±


    Ignoring his call, Aelock quickly got on the Count¡¯s waiting carriage. The carriage departed immediately before Klopp could catch up. It disappeared into the distance, slicing through the cold and heavy night air. This was unbelievable. The sensation of their lips touching hadn¡¯t even faded.


    ¡°Damn it. What the hell was that? After how he drove me crazy.¡±


    Klopp wanted to chase after him immediately, but he couldn¡¯t leave the office, which was littered with important documents everywhere. While cursing, Klopp returned with heavy footsteps, forcefully shut the office door, and locked it from the inside. Then he sat down at his desk, but he couldn¡¯t even see the documents in front of him.


    ¡°Why did he suddenly run away like that?¡±


    Seeing his frightened look at thest moment, it seemed to be a bted rejection from his body memory. It would clearly be pathetic of him to run back to his estate now. Moreover, until now, he had never been rejected in such a way by anyone, so it even hurt his pride.


    Despite having broken up with Rayfiel not too long ago, his thoughts were consumed entirely by Aelock. He tried to focus on work, but he failed. He had to masturbate himself to the lingering scent left by the mean guy who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, yed with him, and then disappeared.


    <i>Damn it. Now it hase to this.</i>


    After he finished, while sitting back and staring nkly at the ceiling, Klopp had thought. Since it hade to this, he decided to ept it, be true to his instincts, and resolve not to give up regardless of how the other person will respond.


    ***


    Uploading this part several hours earlier than usual because I will be busy tonight, thank you for your understanding uwu


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 6.3 - The right one runs away

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 6.3 - The right one runs away</h4>


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    It was a dark and chilly room. The bed was extremely hard and covered with slightly rough sheets. However, that didn¡¯t matter at all. On the hard bed, a person with an overwhelmingly fragrant scent was lying down, gasping for breath. He struggled on the bed, clutching the sheets with his skinny hands and clinging to a worn-out pillow. Every now and then he made a small sound. Part cry, part moan, the voice was thin and dry, but just hearing it stirred him.


    His loose pajamas had ridden up, exposing half of his chest. It was clearly evident that he was a man, but his chest had slightly swelled. He reached out his hand to touch the rounded nipple with his palm while looking at the man¡¯s chest. The man¡¯s moans grew louder. He tightly closed his eyes and bit his lip. asionally, he iled as if in agony. Blue bruises adorned his protruding skinny shoulder through the loose pajamas, and bite marks were clearly visible on his withered neck.


    The man was so pitiful that he feltpassion for him, but instead offorting him, his hand lifted one of his skinny legs and plunged deeper and harder. His neck, rattling helplessly, seemed like it would break at any moment.


    He despised him greatly. he couldn¡¯t quite remember the reason. As it was a dream. Clearly, it was just a dream. He simply acted violently and roughly because he wanted him to suffer. The leg hanging over his shoulder was so blue and ck with bruises that it was barely visible. There were old bruises discoloring his tightly closed eyes. He felt the impulse to leave another red mark there. The man, noticing my intention, looked at him with fearful eyes.


    Blue eyes. I know those eyes. The pale blond hair, the blotched face, the bloodied lips. Iughed cruelly as he was trembling in fear. And I whispered sweetly like a demon.


    ¡®I hope you suffer as much as I do. I hope you face such a miserable death just like he did.¡¯


    The man¡¯s blue eyes trembled. He thought those blue eyes would burst outward, but they imploded inside like a jade crystal. His pupils gaped like cavities in the ocean, sucking all the moisture out of her eyeballs. As the moisture of the watery cornea drained, it became hazy like that of a dying fish.


    His spine tingled. His breath became shallow and rough as if his diaphragm had been torn apart. He couldn¡¯t understand why he was the one to suffer from the cruel words he had thrown at the person he hated. Something was wrong. The iprehensible pain only fueled his sadistic urges.


    He vited him even more. The man went down without a single struggle. It was as if he had to be that way. As if he had no worth to be respected. He waspletely different from the man he knew.


    Darkness filled the surroundings, and the only thing that filled the room inside was the climax full of hatred and pain. Embracing the man¡¯s frail body, he filled him with his marks. Breathing heavily, he copsed onto the man. The man then spoke, his unfocused gaze cast into the air, having endured the violence the entire time.


    ¡®You¡¯re pressing the child.¡¯


    Upon hearing those words, he shifted slightly, not surprised to learn that the Alpha was pregnant. He touched the man¡¯s exposed belly with his hand. The man¡¯s body was so skinny that the joints were visible, but his belly, differently, was swelling. He smiled with satisfaction.


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re fine.¡¯


    His lifeless, ss-like eyes still stared into the empty space.


    ¡®Look at me, see how I¡¯m turning into a demon because of you. Are you happy now that you¡¯re having my child?¡¯


    ¡®Huh? Aelock.¡¯


    ***


    His eyes shed open and he jumped to his feet. Taking a deep breath, he felt around with his hand. It wasn¡¯t a hard bed or rough sheets. And he was alone on the bed. Looking around, he realized it was his room in the new house he¡¯d just moved into.


    ¡°What the hell, another dream? This is really driving me crazy.¡±


    Klopp rubbed his face with both hands. It took a while for his startled heart to calm down. He had gotten up so abruptly that his neck muscles were stiff and knotted. He massaged his neck and shoulders with his hands and stood up from the bed. Looking out the window, he saw that it was still early in the morning, far from sunrise. Klopp poured himself a ss of water from the table and sat back down on the bed.


    ¡°Why do I keep having these crazy dreams?¡±


    The dream was truly killing him. Dreams were said to be the result of the unconscious mind, but to hate Aelock so much, to trample him until he was broken, and then to fantasize about impregnating him? He was definitely going insane. However, it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t understand those feelings either. His hatred for Aelock was growing in reality, and in proportion to that, his desire for him was steadily growing too.


    The problem was that the dream went far beyond his psychological welfare and unconscious desires. They were brutal and horrifying enough to be called nightmares. It felt like he had developed a mental disorder. The parts that he couldn¡¯t bear the most were the curses that he spoke as if his heart had frozen up and Aelock¡¯s swollen belly.


    He hadn¡¯t had an easy life so far, but it hadn¡¯t been such a hard life that he could dream of such brutal violence. Although he asionally vented his frustrations through trivial outbursts, there was no reason to hate Aelock so much, who hadn¡¯t caused him any harm.


    Moreover, wasn¡¯t Aelock an alpha? To dream of impregnating an alpha, Klopp was worried that he might truly go crazy at this rate. As he thought so, Klopp pondered deeply. It would be a big problem if he turned back halfway and did something foolish. One incident was enough.


    As soon as the sun rose, let¡¯s go to the estate. Let¡¯s get this settled.


    With that determination, hey back on the bed, but the bed that had beenfortable just a moment ago felt ufortable. It was the same no matter what position he took. He started memorizing legitionws silently in his mind while cursing internally. It was because he felt ashamed to think about Aelock and masturbate again thiste at night. After a while, his mind started to drift away, and Klopp was finally able to fall asleep in afortable position.


    Contrary to his determination, due to his restless sleep, he woke up muchter than usual. He had an appointment with another client in the morning, so he had no choice but to head there. By the time he returned to the office and hastily finished the paperwork, it was alreadyte afternoon. Klopp ticked off the things that needed to be taken care of and then went through the filing cab for Teiwind.


    Lately, Aelock¡¯s overspending had decreased, which resulted in a significant decrease in his work. However, he still received substantial financial agent fees regrly, which made him feel a bit guilty. In fact, regr visits and discussions were mandatory, even if they weren¡¯t personal. Before, he had tried to avoid visiting the estate by all means, but today he voluntarily left his office.


    When he arrived at the estate, the butler, who always treated him with his usual snarky demeanor, opened the door for him.


    ¡°Where is Aelock?¡±


    ¡°Count Teiwind is currently busy.¡±


    ¡°We need to discuss the financial issues. Even if he¡¯s busy, tell him to make time.¡±


    The butler frowned slightly at the curt response, but he soon bowed and turned away. Klopp was guided to the study. He ced the documents on the desk and stared intently at Early Summer, a part of the painting series that he had seen before.


    Since their first kiss, Klopp had made numerous efforts to meet Aelock. However, every time he came, Aelock was absent. He even imed to have traveled somewhere outside the city. At first, Klopp thought it was just a coincidence, butter he became convinced. Aelock was clearly avoiding him.


    When he first realized that, he thought, ¡®He could be doing that.¡¯ He had agonized over it for a long time before admitting it to himself. He denied it dozens of times. It¡¯s never easy to give in to a persistent desire, therefore Klopp could understand Aelock¡¯s reluctance as an alpha. However, understanding was one thing, and avoiding him like this was a separate issue.


    Their rtionship had already past that of an employer and an employee. Being fearful about it and pretending that nothing had happened wasn¡¯t going to change anything. Avoiding it wouldn¡¯t solve anything. Eventually, no matter which way things went, the two of them needed to have a conversation. Only then could Klopp have at least a chance.


    Regardless of what Aelock was thinking, there was a need to appeal to him and let him know how much Klopp was attracted to him. In other words, he wanted a chance to pursue him. Klopp had already let him burst into his office, and Aelock had given him an opportunity. They even kissed, so at the very least, it would be only fair to let Klopp have a chance.


    After waiting for a long time, Klopp no longer had a painting to look at, so he took out a book. By the time he turned over a few pages, Aelock btedly appeared. Now, no longer in the mood to be angry, Klopp stared at him intently. Aelock nced briefly in his direction and then sat in an armchair far away from the sofa where Klopp was sitting.


    ¡°¡­What are you doing there?¡±


    ¡°I said I was busy. Why did youe?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t bite you, soe sit closer.¡±


    ¡°I can hear you loud and clear even from there. And why would I be avoiding you? I just really like this chair.¡±


    Aelock stubbornly persisted while ring at Klopp. It was unbelievable, what was wrong with him.¡¯ Klopp closed the book, ced it on the table, and stood up from his seat. If the other person was avoiding him, then he should be the one to approach the other person. As he did so, Aelock was startled and quickly moved to a different spot.


    ¡°So, you are avoiding me.¡±


    ¡°W-Well, I just suddenly remembered a book I have to read.¡±


    Aelock nervously rummaged through the nearby bookshelf. Klopp smiled as he saw Aelock pretending to act naturally while continuing to keep his attention on Klopp. Knowing that Aelock was paying attention to him like that gave him confidence. Before Aelock¡¯s hand could randomly pick up any book, Klopp got behind the golden-haired Count¡¯s back. And his hand ovepped the lithe hand reaching towards a book.


    ¡°Hmm, ¡®A Guide to Childcare.¡¯ Let me know if you have a secret child. Because they need to be included in the inheritance.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s not that book. It¡¯s the one next to it!¡±


    ¡°¡®Prenatal Education for Aristocrats.¡¯? Are you pregnant?¡±


    As Klopp nced downward, Aelock¡¯s expression froze, and he mumbled in disbelief.


    ¡°D-don¡¯t joke around! It was just out of curiosity because a rtive of mine is pregnant! And back off! You perverted jerk!¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Klopp¡¯s provocation intensified when he was directly confronted with the issue he had been contemting himself. So he strongly pulled Aelock closer, seizing his wrists as Aelock defiantly resisted. Using his advantageous position, Klopp confined Aelock between himself and the bookshelf. His sapphire-like eyes were avoiding him. Aelock¡¯s golden eyshes trembled slightly.


    At that moment, the dream fromst night came to his mind. Klopp didn¡¯t want his unconsciousness to seep in like this. In fact, he wanted to leave it as a dream forever. He didn¡¯t like the fact that the man, who usually gave him a straight gaze, was unable to meet his eyes out of fear. He didn¡¯t want to force anything towards him. He desired a partner who had free will, not someone who sumbed to his power or fears. It was enough to see the other person being deprived of freedom, constrained, and withering away in his dreams.


    Aelock furrowed his brow and bit his lip but couldn¡¯t ask Klopp to let him go. All the teasing and somewhat yful feelings that had been there vanishedpletely. Klopp released his grip on Aelock¡¯s wrists and took a few steps back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You ignorant tyrant.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit that.¡±


    Since he had never shown such a gentle side before, so Klopp had to ept that criticism. Aelock, who seemed a little surprised at his admittance, once again directed his gaze at Klopp. The blue eyes stared at him in distrust, so Klopp tried his best to disy a genuine smile to show his pure intentions that held no ulterior motives. However, the skepticism in the other¡¯s eyes only deepened. With a short sigh, Klopp spoke.


    ¡°I wish you would at least tell me the reason you¡¯re avoiding me.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to tell you for you to know? A top graduate isn¡¯t that smart after all.¡±


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t major in dating at university.¡±


    At the mention of the word ¡°dating¡±, Aelock widened his eyes again in disbelief. Klopp didn¡¯t realize Aelock was so easy to get surprised and teased. Klopp found it puzzling why Aelock always concealed himself behind the same mask-like smile when his expressive face was so much more natural and charming.


    ¡°What do you mean by dating?! You just broke off your engagement not too long ago. And your eyes must be blind! I¡¯m an Alpha!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s important is that my engagement was called off, it¡¯s not relevant how long ago it was. And my eyes are perfectly fine. You are undoubtedly an Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you doing this to me?¡±


    Honestly, it was Klopp himself who wanted to know the answer to that. He had lived as a perfectly healthy alpha for over 20 years with outstanding abilities, but he had never considered himself to deviate significantly from average in terms of other physical conditions. It wasn¡¯t umon for Alphas to be this tall and well-built.


    Until now, Klopp had never felt any attraction towards other alphas, and all the people he had dated were omegas, regardless of their height, appearance, or gender. That¡¯s why he was rather taken aback and confused by the sexual urge he felt towards Aelock now. This urger of wanting to be all-naked and intimate with him. However, answering this way to that question wouldn¡¯t help much in this situation.


    ¡°My vision is fine, but my sense of smell is a bit off. And also, my brain is a little affected. Strangely, I keep perceiving you as an Omega.¡±


    Although it was a self-deprecating remark, Aelock frozepletely, as if he had seen a ghost. He stumbled a little, leaning against the bookshelf for support.


    ¡°Aelock?¡±


    As Klopp furrowed his brows and called out to him, Aelock¡¯s face grimaced as if he were about to cry. Then, with a suppressed voice that barely came out, he spoke.


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t do this for a second time, I¡­ don¡¯t want to go through¡­ that again.¡±


    As per requested by the site owner, I will be moving explicit scenes to Wattpad from now on. ??


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 6.4 - The right one runs away

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 6.4 - The right one runs away</h4>


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    Klopp never figured out what happened that was so horrible that Aelock never want to go through it again. Aelock¡¯s condition looked very unwell, and in the end, he refused Klopp, retreating to a corner as if he were having a seizure.


    Klopp tried to approach him, crouching down and trying to embrace him to providefort, but Aelock panicked and evaded him, fleeing to a different corner. Thus, Klopp couldn¡¯t say anything more. The intense rejection caused excruciating pain that felt like a knife twisting in his gut, but he didn¡¯t show it outward. Seeing Aelock so terribly afraid of him gave him a painful and strange urge to cut himself, instead of sumbing to anger and violence out of frustration. He truly seemed to have lost his mind.


    ¡°¡­The investment n and rted documents for this month are on the desk. Look them over, sign them, and bring them to me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Aelock continued to turn away. The air in the study, which had been perfectly fine until a moment ago, felt as if it wereced with poison, corroding his lungs with each breath. His exhaled breath carried a pungent smell of burning flesh. Klopp couldn¡¯t stay in such a suffocating space any longer. Klopp, with his head throbbing and his vision blurred, took as fast steps as he could, half running, to escape from that hellish ce.


    Passing by the bewildered servants who were looking at him strangely, he leaped out of the entrance of the estate into the cooler air, and only then did he loosen the tie around his neck and draw in a ragged breath. Even though he hadn¡¯t taken more than a few breaths of the contaminated air, he felt a surge of nausea twisting inside him.


    He hurriedly walked, clutching onto the trunk of a nearby tree in the darkness, crouching down, and finally vomited out. Although he hadn¡¯t eaten anything, after gagging out some strange, lump-like substance, he felt slightly relieved, but immediately his esophagus burned as if it were on fire. Since the corners of his mouth were wet, he took out a handkerchief and wiped his lips before returning to the entrance. One of the footmen, who had seen him rushing out, quickly prepared a carriage.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­ Bandyke? There¡¯s blood on your lips¡­¡±


    The footman, startled, pointed at Klopp with his finger, forgetting his rudeness. Only then did Klopp look down at the handkerchief and was surprised. The white handkerchief was covered in blood. Although he was horrified, he naturally folded the handkerchief inside out and wiped his lips, saying, ¡°I think I have a small cut on my lips.¡± Then he turned his body toward the carriage.


    Just as he was getting on the carriage, he suddenly felt a gaze on him and raised his head to look at the lit window nearby. Aelock was standing there, watching him. With one hand against the window, he looked as if he were crying. The denial from earlier had already disappeared. He was just staring at Klopp with eyes full of pain and sadness.


    <i>I guess he would need some time.</i>


    Klopp held his blood-soaked handkerchief and got on the carriage. The carriage quickly left the estate.


    It was the first time he had vomited blood. Although he was an aristocrat, he didn¡¯t have much support. He knew very well that his greatest asset since he came to study in the city was his healthy body, so he always moved within reasonable limits without pushing himself too hard. But now, all of a sudden, he was vomiting blood. Perhaps it was a serious illness. His sense of smell had be strange, and his brain was running wild. Maybe this was something more than just being drawn to Aelock, maybe it was a sign of some illness. He really needed to see a doctor.


    The doctor¡¯s diagnosis was nothing special. There was no specific illness, and it was simply that the psychological pressure was affecting my body and causing gastric bleeding. The prescription he gave was to reduce work and rest well. A vacation would even be better.


    But that doctor was wrong. This wasn¡¯t caused by work or even rest. It was true that it was due to psychological pressure, but it wasn¡¯t caused by overwork. There was only one thing pressuring him, and that was Aelock Teiwind.


    It was somewhat surprising even for Klopp to think about it. To put it more bluntly, he could onlyugh at the absurdity of it all. He hadn¡¯t realized how much he¡¯d fallen for Aelock. Just as Aelock said, he hadn¡¯t even broken off his engagement not too long ago, but Klopp was craving him so much, to the point of vomiting blood. He should have realized it when he started having those strange dreams every night and thinking about every move and word from Aelock. This was an abyss with no answer.


    If Klopp gets rejected by Aelock again, he would surely dry up and die. So Klopp tried his best to be cautious. More than that, the fever in his body was rising because Aelock was avoiding him like he was a bug.


    Aelock was being desperate. Klopp was certain that Aelock had some feelings for himself, but now he was more confused. They talked without confirming that fact, the conversation was full of just exchanging nonsense, so he began to doubt if it was not another misunderstanding on his part. At that, his stomach dropped to the floor.


    There was only one time Klopp had felt good since meeting Aelock. It was that one time when they kissed. If it wasn¡¯t for that kiss, Klopp might have had a seizure by now. Even though it was also because of that kiss that he was vomiting blood now.


    In order to discuss financial matters, Klopp tried to visit the estate, but Aelock made excuses not to meet him. The one to greet Klopp was the cold butler. He wrote a note among the documents that would reach Aelock, saying, ¡®Are you not going to see my face anymore?¡¯ but he received no response.


    He undoubtedly got his heart broken. Probably, it was during the soir¨¦e, and whoever it was must have deeply wounded Aelock. He wanted to find out who it was and burn them alive. It had to be an omega, but he couldn¡¯t guess who it was.


    <i>Is it that woman in the green dress? Should I get information on her?</i>


    Klopp clicked his tongue when he realized he¡¯d been absentmindedly dotting the paperwork he was filling out.


    He didn¡¯t want to provoke Aelock if possible, but sometimes he felt like he was going to die after swallowing a gulp of blood, so he used the documents as an excuse to visit the estate. Inside the rushing carriage, half-losing his mind, Klopp resented Aelock.


    <i>Aelock is so skillful in kissing and had so much sex with that omega to the point their scents mingled, but he doesn¡¯t want to do any of it now? I¡¯m not interested in a body that has been sleeping around everywhere with everyone too!</i>


    He gritted his teeth for nothing. Klopp felt like a dog that had a delicious treat snatched away right in front of its nose, but he denied that he was delirious with the desire to fuck Aelock. It was more of he firmly believed that he wasn¡¯t, but soon his patience would reach its limit.


    <i>Alright, I¡¯ll admit it.</i> If he couldn¡¯t fuck Aelock, he felt like he would go insane. He wanted to pound into Aelock mercilessly until those sweet tears streamed down from his eyes. He would fuck him while licking his tears that tasted like sugar water.


    He was fantasizing endlessly in his half-crazy mind, yet Aelock was nowhere to be seen. His patience, which had now beenid bare and dried up, couldn¡¯t hold him back from his rampage. Thinking that Aelock would be inside the estate, if he managed to catch him there, he would make sure his legs wouldn¡¯t be able to move for the whole day right then and there. He pushed aside the servants who tried to stop him and thoroughly searched the estate, but there was no sign of Aelock. Klopp turned to the butler with a murderous fury in his eyes.


    ¡°Where is that bastard?¡±


    The butler seemed slightly startled by his threatening tone, but he calmly replied.


    ¡°The Count has gone on a holiday.¡±


    ¡°A holiday?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The Count asionally takes a week off to rest at his countryside vi.¡±


    ¡°Where is that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that either.¡±


    Klopp grabbed the butler by the cor and shook him, but the butler held on, saying he didn¡¯t know. It didn¡¯t seem like he would open his mouth even if Klopp pressed further, and his demeanour suggested that he really didn¡¯t know, so Klopp let him off the hook. However, swallowing blood inside his throat, Klopp didn¡¯t forget to warn the butler, making a face enough to be called a demon. The butler spoke with a cold re.


    ¡°The Count will not return here for a while. Please refrain from entering the estate in the future.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Just wait until I find Aelock.¡±


    Ignoring whatever the butler said, Klopp left the estate. The newly hired coachman opened the door for him. As he got on the carriage, Klopp raised his hand and gave his farewell to the butler through the window. If he actually knew and was hiding Aelock, there might be two dead bodies today. One from fatal assault and the other from rape.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 7.1 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 7.1 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    Once again, Klopp was busy with work. Now there was nothing but work. He needed to save money so he could capture Aelock and build a cage to lock him up.


    <i>Ah, I feel like I¡¯m going crazy.</i>


    Klopp, who had just written ¡®Aelock Teiwind¡¯ on an important document, sighed as he threw his pen. It had already been two months since hest saw Aelock. If this continued, he might really go crazy because of his unfulfilled desires or burst out in anger and vomit blood to his death.


    asionally, he spent some nights with omegas, but it didn¡¯t help at all. It only made him thirstier, as if he had drunk saltwater. Now, unable to endure any longer, he put on his jacket and left the office. Picking up the cane by the door, he descended the stairs with determined steps.


    It waste in the evening, and he walked home without taking a carriage. It was a long way home, but not impossible to walk, and it was a pleasant change of pace when his feelings wereplicated. The streets changed little by little as he walked. The office was in the downtown area, while his house was in the suburbs, and in between, aside from storefronts and residential streets, there are dark back alleys and brothels. Most people would take a detour, but Klopp didn¡¯t have enough stamina to go back, so he kept going straight. His gloved hand tightened around the cane.


    Not long after entering the shady, smelly alleyway, a group of drugged Omega whores and prostitutes appeared out of nowhere, some with their legs up, some with their breasts out. However, it was a very unpleasant sight for Klopp. Looking into their lifeless eyes, a strange frustration arose as if something woulde to mind, but it never did.


    Throughout the walk, he tried to figure out what was bothering him, but it was like digging deeper into a seal that had been tightly put on, the more he delved, the more it hid its traces, and he ended up forgetting what he was trying to recall. As his mind was wandering off, his legs kept moving on their own, taking him to unknown paths. But he was used to this.


    ¡°Where is this again?¡±


    Klopp frowned. He was in a deep alley in the slums called the ¡°bottom ce,¡± and there were no streetlights. He spotted a run-down bakery at the far end, and the dying light emanating from it was all that was visible.


    As he approached that ce to ask for directions, two men who looked like alphas appeared from the opposite alley where Klopp was. They nced at the well-dressed stranger walking down the dark street, then turned their heads quickly when they saw the cane in his hand. Then they entered the bakery. When Klopp reached the bakery with neither a slow nor fast pace, the bakery owner was just about to close the shutters. When Klopp stopped him from closing the door with his cane, the rather fierce-looking owner threw a gruff remark.


    ¡°What? The bakery is closed.¡±


    ¡°I want to ask for directions. Which way should I go to get to the riverside from here?¡±


    While putting a few coins on the counter and asking in informal speech, the bakery owner quickly snatched them and gestured, saying, ¡°That way.¡±


    Klopp, who saw the direction the owner pointed to, nced towards the bakery¡¯s owner to give a nod of thanks. But then he saw the two men he had seen earlier sitting at a table inside the bakery. It was a small shop, and the neighborhood was quiet as if there were no rats around, so he could clearly hear their loud voices.


    ¡°That Omega guy appeared again?¡±


    ¡°He came to get some drugs. I gave him some for now.¡±


    ¡°How did that rich guy, who looks like he has never been here in his life, know that you sell drugs?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Maybe he sent his servants to find out.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that dangerous? It could be a crackdown.¡±


    ¡°No, but there¡¯s a lot of people who¡¯ve been turned into half-idiots by an unknown demontely. Maybe he¡¯s connected to it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    At that point, the bakery owner looked at him and asked, ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± The men on the opposite side saw him and turned their heads to look in the other direction.


    ¡°No. Goodbye, then.¡±


    He exchanged nods and turned away. The bakery owner, who had been watching Klopp move away, quickly closed the shutters and shouted to his two friends.


    ¡°Where¡¯s that Omega? You should keep an eye on him to make sure there won¡¯t be any trouble.¡±


    Klopp was feeling a little tired, so he wanted to just leave. To this unknown demon, these guys were not the only targets. However, considering that an omega, who didn¡¯t seem to fit into this world at all, could suffer from their actions, Klopp couldn¡¯t simply ignore it.


    When Klopp first started walking across the streets of the bottom ce, he easily dealt with those who provoked him. It didn¡¯t take long for word to get around that the burly, upper-ss alpha who asionally showed up with a cane had tremendous skills. At first, some troublemakers tried to confront him with their strength, but when once he unleashed the full force of his boiling anger, they no longer challenged him in the streets. It was a bit regrettable.


    The men, realizing that Klopp would just walk past them as long as they didn¡¯t intentionally provoke him, didn¡¯t pay any attention to Klopp anymore. They soon resumed their dirty and despicable acts as usual. And Klopp didn¡¯t care what they did among themselves.


    However, things were different when he saw two alphas, who seemed to have spent their lives in the slums, sexually assaulting an omega woman on the street. The crime he abhorred the most was a bunch of low-lives mad dogs assaulting an Omega.


    He couldn¡¯t remember anything, from the moment he locked eyes with the terrified woman who was too scared to cry, until the next moment when two alphas, their heads cracked open, ran away half-crawling. When he came to his senses, there was blood sttered on his cane, and the pitiful woman with torn clothes was shaking in fear as if she had seen a demon. At that moment, Klopp was also slightly taken aback and quickly left the scene.


    He then had gone to bed, putting aside Martha¡¯s worried nagging when she saw the bloody cane that day. He seemed to have recalled the Count. It was highly irrational of him to recall Aelock Teiwind, a person of high position who was usually enjoying luxurious feasts and having numerous servants, when he saw the miserable female prostitute being sexually assaulted by multiple people in the alley.


    From then on, something must have gone wrong in his brain.


    sping his cane to his armpit, Klopp pulled on his gloves to make sure his long and thick fingers were able to move freely. He observed the bakery from the darkness. A whileter, the two men and the bakery owner came out. They looked around and began to scurry about, looking everywhere, and Klopp quietly followed them.


    They were very cautious and turned around several times in the confusing alleys. It was impossible to not get found out and lose track of the bottom ce dwellers who moved quickly in this maze-like ce. They probably realized that someone was following them, they soon split into three directions and Klopp eventually lost track of them. He was overwhelmed by great anger and unbearable anxiety. He had to find them. If not¡­


    Feeling like he was already exposed, Klopp searched the alleys without caring to lower down the sound of his footsteps. Sometimes he even ran lightly. However, he couldn¡¯t find them anywhere.


    At the height of his impatience, Klopp managed to reach the center of the bottom ce. It was a shabby, dirty ce, nothing like the city center where his office was located, but at least it had wide streets and streetmps. He saw groups of people sitting together around the outdoor tables, drinking cheap alcohol. He was about to go over to them and ask if they had seen an unfamiliar Omega or the bakery owner when he spotted a face he recognized.


    It was quite a surprise to find him here. While Klopp himself was an unwee presence in the bottom ce, that person was alien here in every sense of the word. Sitting confidently at the outdoor table, listening to the person in front of him, his silver eyes widened like a wolf when he spotted Klopp.


    A momentter, Klopp followed the brusque man who was guiding him. The man was a servant of that guy from earlier, and without saying a word, the man carried a torch and briskly walked through the alley, turning here and there.


    ¡°Is this the right way?¡±


    To the questioning words, he only nodded his head. His appearance was rough, but for some reason, he seemed trustworthy. Still, Klopp had no idea how men like him and the Marquis knew each other. Above all, what surprised him was that the man was willing to help him.


    <i>¨C I¡¯m not fond of those guys either.</i>


    Although the Marquis only said those words, he seemed too cooperative considering his previous weird hostility towards Klopp. He even arranged for someone to guide him. It seemed like he knew the bottom ce well, like a man with many hidden secrets. But that wasn¡¯t important to Klopp at the moment. Right now, it was more important to him to hunt down the mad dogs. That wolf woulde after the dogs were caught.


    ¡°There, that¡¯s the person you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    The man pointed to a narrow alley with his stoic words. As they approached closer, he could hear a lot of chatter in the usually dreary alley. Gigglingughter and the sound of hurried footsteps. Klopp grasped his cane and looked at the man, then the man ced the torch on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and keep watch. It would be troublesome if they ran away. You can keep going.¡±


    This is the final chapter of Volume 2! There will be 4 parts ??


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 7.2 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 7.2 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine</h4>


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    The alley was very dark, but the outlines were still barely distinguishable. Someone dashed towards a dead-end wall in the distance. The men were too focused on pestering the fleeing guy from behind, unaware of the figure appearing behind them. The hooded person in a cloak reached the dead end and looked back.


    ¡°Hey, you omega. Let me fuck you once for three silver coins, huh? This body will be your lover.¡±


    The three men exchanged vulgar remarks andughed. The person they referred to as an omega stood silently, unmoving.


    ¡°You¡¯re emitting such a sweet scent, you must be on your heat. Don¡¯t consume those drugs and just spend a good time with me. Me fucking you once will be enough to end your heat.¡±


    ¡°They say aristocratic omegas are a delicacy because they¡¯re soft. Why don¡¯t you show some kindness to these poor bottom ce dwellers?¡±


    As the alphas closed in, the omega suddenly rushed forward. It seemed like an attempt to push them away and escape, but to Klopp¡¯s eyes, it was futile. The omega, now caught in the clutches of the alphas, couldn¡¯t even scream. The alphas covered the omega¡¯s mouth and tried to force that person down to the ground.


    ¡°Let go of that person.¡±


    At the chilling warning from behind, the startled alphas jumped up from their positions. Meanwhile, the omega managed to stand up and attempted to flee. Startled and unable to see this side properly, the omega pulled down their hood tighter and nced back at the alphas standing behind. Running with increasing speed, the omega collided with Klopp in the end. The omega was staggering backward, so Klopp reflexively supported that person by the waist. A sweet scent permeated through the fluttering cloak.


    The feeling of the omega¡¯s waist against his arm was surprisingly familiar. Moreover, this scent.


    This couldn¡¯t be possible. He had clearly stated that he was at his countryside vi. There was no reason for him to be chased by those kinds of people in such a dangerous ce. But his instinct told him otherwise. The person who was captured and stiffened in his grip was none other than that guy.


    Klopp quickly removed the hood. And he met those blue eyes, as shocked as his eyes.


    ¡°Aelock?¡±


    Klopp was too shocked toprehend the situation. Even though Aelock was standing right in front of him, Klopp couldn¡¯t believe it. He couldn¡¯t speak. And Aelock seemed so terrified looking at Klopp. He looked at the dazed person who was holding him and then regained his senses. He tried to push away the arms wrapped around his waist. In the midst of Aelock struggling to escape, Klopp also quickly regained his senses. He held onto Aelock¡¯s waist firmly so he couldn¡¯t escape.


    ¡°Let go of me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll die if you run away.¡±


    The warning was so cold that even his own lips froze as he spoke it. His hands clenched at his waist, and Aelock shuddered, then fell silent. He rxed his body and leaned slightly against Klopp. The sweet scent became even stronger. He felt a surge of anger that Aelock had such a sweet scent that he was mistaken for an Omega, and he wanted to rip his throat out right now.


    Meanwhile, the thugs approached them.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? That omega is my wife. Give me 5 silver coins since you touched him.¡±


    They sneered, drawing their daggers. Without a word, Klopp took out the pouch of silver coins he always carried and threw it on the ground. With a thud, the pouch burst open and the silver coins spilled over. There were at least 30 of them.


    With greedy eyes, they licked their lips and said, ¡°Have fun with him.¡± and turned to leave. One of them, with a peculiar expression, whispered something to the bakery owner as if he knew Klopp. They exchanged meaningful nces and were just about to pass by.


    ¡°Wait. I need to ask you something.¡±


    Moving the foolish count who was wandering alone in the streets to his back, Klopp fixed his cane and held it tightly. The men who were about to pass by after picking up the pouch, turned around with fierce expressions and asked, ¡°What?¡± Klopp smiled politely and asked.


    ¡°Did you say this person is your wife?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my wife, but I haven¡¯t fucked him many times, so his hole is still tight. You¡¯ll have some fun with him. Kek¨C¡±


    Before he could finish his sentence, he looked wide-eyed at the de that was embedded in his abdomen. Then he looked at the cane handle connected to the bloodied de, and the gloved hand that was twisting it little by little, and finally raised his head slowly to see Klopp smiling at him.


    ¡°Say it again. Who is whose wife?¡±


    ¡°Urgh¡­¡±


    Silver coins fell from his trembling hand.


    One of the men fell to the ground and writhed, causing the other two to panic.


    ¡°It¡¯s murder!¡±


    They pulled out their daggers and swung them wildly. Pushing Aelock back into the alley, Klopp raised his sword. No matter how thick their bones were from living in the bottom ce, they were no match for the formally-trained swordsmanship. One of them swung his dagger but ended up getting stabbed in the arm. Losing his bnce, he stumbled backward and fell over the corpse of his deadrade. Before he could even scream, his throat was pierced.


    Seeing this, the bakery owner turned white and fled toward the entrance of the alley. Just as Klopp was about to chase after him, the bakery owner was struck in the back of the head by a heavy weapon that appeared out of nowhere. The servant of the Marquis revealed himself and expressionlessly gestured toward the other corpses.


    Klopp walked over to Aelock, who was standing on the other side of the alley. Shocked and unable to take his eyes off the dead bodies the Marquis¡¯ servant was dragging, he took two steps back as Klopp stepped within arm¡¯s reach. His blue eyes were filled with terror.


    At that moment, Klopp felt as if his stomach, which had been calm for the past few days, was being turned upside down again. The taste of iron seeped into his throat. He tried to smile, barely swallowing the lump in his throat, but it didn¡¯t work. Hot blood continued to drip from the cane de in his hand. It was only natural for Aelock to be afraid of him. However, he couldn¡¯t stay like this here forever.


    Klopp reached out his hand. His suppressed, chilling voice and rigid tone had long gone beyond his control. But if he didn¡¯t force himself to do so, he felt like Aelock would copse right there.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    White as a sheet, Aelock looked at the outstretched hand, then stared back up at Klopp. His expression was extremelyplex. Fear, pain, sadness. The arrogance and sneering attitude he had seen before had disappeared, reced by an overwhelming sorrow that was too deep to even look into. Each moment of facing Aelock was a pain that burned Klopp alive.


    <i>Why¡­ Why¡­ do I have to feel these emotions for him? Why do I reach out to him, knowing that I will be rejected yet again?</i> Just like his previous lover, he was certain that Aelock would turn away from his violent and cruel nature. He hadn¡¯t even tried to reflect on himself before coincidentally meeting Aelock today. The blood that had trickled down his spine pooled in his gut. His head was spinning and his body was weak, unable to support his outstretched arm.


    As his arm slowly began to slide down, Aelock took a step forward. While still staring at Klopp, he took another step, reaching out his hand and grabbing the dangling arm. Then he came closer and stood beside Klopp.


    Klopp didn¡¯t make a single move, afraid that if he did, Aelock would escape. In the darkness, the sapphire eyes, shining like jewels, came right up to his face and soon disappeared behind his eyelids. Instead, soft blond hair touched his chin. Taking in the scent that he had missed so much, Klopp embraced the person who had willingly fallen into his arms.


    Having been shocked in various ways, Aelock¡¯s steps were entangled. And Klopp himself was having a hard time walking, as he was in an aroused state because of the murder, the relief of finally having Aelock, and the scent of Aelock¡¯s body that gave him a hard-on. Before they could exit the bottom ce and make it to the main street below, the Marquis¡¯s servant ushered them ¡®outside¡¯.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the aftermath. We¡¯ll take care of it from this side.¡±


    Despite his blunt words, he was kind enough to hold the carriage for them. When Klopp thanked him, his reply was, ¡°Please thank the Lord, not me.¡± It was clear that the Lord he referred to was Marquis Wolke.


    Klopp never imagined he would find himself in debt to him, relying on someone he once thought of as a strange guy who ignited enmity for no reason. But he also hadn¡¯t expected to find Aelock, who was impossible to find, to be wandering the bottom ce, nor had he expected to stumble upon him and save him from the brink of rape. Another unexpected thing was how Aelock was now sitting next to him, leaning wearily on his shoulder.


    As the word ¡°rape¡± crossed his mind, Klopp felt a chill down his spine. His hands and feet trembled, and he didn¡¯t quite feel satisfied with killing those three bastards easily. He should have torn their flesh one by one and poured acid onto their exposed organs, melting them away. If it weren¡¯t for Aelock being there, he might have actually done that.


    Klopp closed his eyes in exhaustion and embraced the person leaning on his shoulder, burying his nose in the soft blond hair.


    The carriage soon arrived in front of his house. Careful not to wake the person in his arms, Klopp gently pulled the cloak he was wearing over him and cautiously carried him out of the carriage. He moved as gently as possible, but before he knew it, he heard a sleepy voice.


    ¡°Where are we? This isn¡¯t my estate.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my house.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Suddenly, Aelock started to panic. Klopp set him down before he could fall down, and Aelock ran his hand through his hair in a dejected manner.


    ¡°Call me a carriage. I need to go home.¡±


    Klopp had no intention of letting him do so. He firmly grabbed Aelock¡¯s wrist, who tried to escape, as he knocked on the front door and called for Martha.


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 7.3 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 7.3 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine</h4>


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    Martha was about to scold her master foring homete, but when she saw Aelock being dragged inside, the maid closed her mouth. She nced at him and silently made way for Klopp to go upstairs.


    ¡°You¡¯ll rest tomorrow, right?¡±


    She asked him as they climbed the stairs, and Klopp nodded.


    ¡°Call the office and either reschedule or cancel all appointments for the next two days. And don¡¯te upstairs. If I need anything, I¡¯lle down.¡±


    Martha nodded while covering her mouth. Being dragged by Klopp, Aelock shouted, ¡°W-what are you trying to do!¡± and tried to pull his hand away, but Klopp wasn¡¯t willing to let go.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want us to do it in the hallway like this, shut up ande with me.¡±


    Dragging Aelock like livestock being led to the ughterhouse, Klopp led him to the bedroom in the center of the second floor. Since he had already been called a crude savage, he decided to be a truly crude savage to the noble aristocrat. Klopp only took off Aelock¡¯s cloak and threw him onto therge bed.


    ¡°Ngh, what the hell are you doing!¡±


    No matter how Aelock resisted, Klopp didn¡¯t respond and simply locked the door. Without a key, the door couldn¡¯t be opened from the inside. Then he closed the window and drew the curtains. He put the key in his jacket pocket, took it off, and hung it on the chair. Then he walked over to the bed.


    Seeing that, Aelock tried to escape away from the bed. He tried to run, but Klopp caught him and pushed him back onto the bed. Aelock fell backward and looked at Klopp with a terrified expression. There was nothing Klopp wanted to say. He sighed shortly and took off Aelock¡¯s jacket. He grabbed his iling legs and pulled off his shoes, tossing them out of the bed.


    ¡°Klopp, Wait¡­ just a moment.¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Before I kill you.¡±


    He really meant it. If Aelock stopped him here, he felt like he would kill Aelock and then kill himself. Aelock, overwhelmed by a brutal force, turned pale. He tightly closed his mouth. He covered his face with his arms and bit his lip in a feeble act of defiance. Looking at his trembling body, Klopp felt like a cold wind was blowing through his chest, but he ignored it. If he didn¡¯t make Aelock his own right away, he might just die.


    After taking off his vest and unbuttoning his shirt, a distinct scent filled the air. It was a mixture of alpha scent with a strong omega scent, a very lewd smell. It was a scent Klopp had smelled before, but this time, the concentration was different. It smelled more intense as if he had engaged in a messy affair. Klopp¡¯s hand trembled while gripping his white shirt. No matter how hard he tried to hold it back, he couldn¡¯t help the anger that burst out.


    ¡°Who were you fucking? Those guys from earlier?¡±


    With a hoarse, snarling voice, Klopp questioned. Aelock, who had been covering his face with his arms and looking away desperately, jerked his head up to look at him.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then did you get yourself a prostitute?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never done that.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you go there?! And what¡¯s with this ragged whore scent?¡±


    Aelock visibly flinched at Klopp¡¯s shout. Fear crept into his eyes, and he couldn¡¯t close his open mouth. He tried several times to say something, but in the end, he kept his mouth shut. Watching Aelock turn away from him, Klopp felt like he was going crazy. No, maybe he had already gone crazy.


    ¡°Fine. I don¡¯t care who you were with or what you did. I¡¯ll just make sure you never ever do that again.¡±


    With those words, hepletely stripped Aelock naked. He didn¡¯t care if his clothes tore or the buttons flew off. He was so rough and brutal that Aelock was too scared to protest.


    Aelock¡¯s naked body was strikingly different from what Klopp¡¯s subconscious had created. That was expected. Aelock was a well-fed and well-dressed aristocrat. His body was lean, but not quite small andnky, and just like an alpha, he was nicely muscled and defined. On his faintly reddish skin, as smooth as silk, there was not a single blemish, as expected.


    What stood out about his body were the pink nipples that were slightly erect in embarrassment and the terribly alluring colored penis nestled amongst pubic hair as soft as his hair. Sensing Klopp¡¯s scrutinizing gaze on his body, Aelock rolled over and curled into a ball, pulling the sheet over himself. It was a pointless act, but it was cute, so Klopp let him there.


    Seemingly to still be anxious under the sheets, when Klopp began to undress, Aelock timidly moved toward the end of the bed. He kept looking back at Klopp and the door, terribly frightened. Klopp didn¡¯t know if Aelock still had some hope of escaping or if he deliberately did it to provoke him, but Klopp just chuckled.


    Startled by the low chuckle, Aelock turned his head over his bare shoulder to see Klopp staring at him and flinched again. Unable to bear it any longer, Klopp took off all his clothes and approached Aelock, grabbing his legs that were wrapped in the sheet and pulling him closer.


    ¡°Please¡­ Klopp¡­ I¡­¡±


    Read the rest of the chapter here (nsfw)


    A slight early update! Next part will be thest one for Volume 2!


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 Vol. 2 Chapter 7.4 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine

    <h4>Vol. 2 Chapter 7.4 - Mad dog hunt and finally mine</h4>


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    Read the chapter here (nsfw)


    Into the Rose Garden Part 2


    To be continued in the next volume¡­


    With this, Volume 2 has ended!


    Good news: as requested by many readers in thements, I¡¯ll be updating Volume 3 every 2 days from now on ?? another news is I¡¯ll be changing the names of the characters to follow their official romanized names in the Writer¡¯s Note that was released a week ago! Thank you again for reading ITRG!


    Make me feel happy and supported by leaving ament! Also, check out the new K-BL series I¡¯m working on: Formless


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 8.1 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 8.1 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    Just as he confidently dered, for two days, except for sleeping and basic needs, he spent all the time in bed fucking Aeroc. On the first day, Aeroc endured with aposed expression, but from the second day on, he started sobbing uncontrobly. By the third day, Aeroc was very much exhausted, he surrendered his body and even his heartpletely to Kloff¡¯s desires.


    Consuming the sugar fluid flowing from Aeroc¡¯s eyes as much as possible and filling his body with his own semen, Kloff was finally satisfied.


    Later, Aeroc was quivering as he struggled to close his spread legs. Kloff carried the exhausted Aeroc to the bathroom and washed him. He couldn¡¯t tolerate anyone else touching Aeroc¡¯s body, even if it was Martha. If any other alpha did that, the third murder in Kloff¡¯s life would likely happen in this house.


    Using the excuse of washing him, he teased the exhausted Aeroc thoroughly in the bathroom, then they went back to the bedroom and heard a knock on the door from outside. Since the breakup, Martha felt that her ill-tempered master had been devoted to work,pletely immersed in it as if he would die old and alone, so it was a pleasant surprise for her that Kloff brought someone home. She left the freshly washed sheets, towels, and bath items outside the door, along with some snacks and drinks. Bringing them into the room and cing them on the table, Kloff used a towel to dry Aeroc, who was sitting on the chairpletely exhausted, and quickly tidied up the bed.


    On the newlyid sheets, Kloffid Aeroc down, still covered in arge towel. Of course, there were no clothes for him. When Kloff got onto the bed, Aeroc looked at him with a slightly fearful expression.


    ¡°Are we doing it again?¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you want to?¡±


    Aeroc shook his head slightly in fright and looked at Kloff cautiously. Despite being scared to the point of running away when he was first pushed onto this bed, Aeroc was quite skilled at receiving a man¡¯s penis. This made Kloff feel his anger bubbling, plunging deep inside Aeroc forcefully. Even before, Kloff was already boiling inside, and the fact that he was the one getting fucked and not fucking someone else made him even angrier.


    But now, Aeroc¡¯s ambiguous scent hadpletely been swallowed into Kloff¡¯s scent, so he felt more tranquil. And it¡¯s also impossible for Kloff himself to continue on. He needed patience and time for the omega scent in Aeroc¡¯s body to bepletely gone, he wanted Aeroc¡¯s scent to be covered with his own, so that anyone who saw him would know that Aeroc belonged to him. Kloff piled up cushions and pillows, leaned against them, and casually asked as if it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    ¡°Why did you go there in the first ce?¡±


    A little bewildered, Aeroc soon understood what it was about and answered in a tired voice.


    ¡°Because I needed something in there.¡±


    ¡°So you didn¡¯t go there to screw around?¡±


    ¡°No, really. I went there because I needed something.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    But no matter how much Kloff pried, Aeroc didn¡¯t reveal anything. However, since he was in a calmer state after his anger had subsided and Aeroc was now in his hands, he could overlook this minor thing.


    After spending several days with Aeroc, utterly exhausted from dealing with Kloff, he ate the simple snacks given by Kloff and quickly fell asleep again. He went to sleep restlessly for about half a day since he hadn¡¯t had proper sleep. In the meantime, Kloff held him closer, continuously kissing his forehead and lips. When he brushed aside Aeroc¡¯s thin hair, which was reaching his darkened under eyes from fatigue, a strange sensation surged through him, making his chest flutter.


    It felt as if a very old memory wasing to his mind when he looked at Aeroc. The frequent nightmares were too vivid to simply dismiss them as dreams. Thankfully, the nightmares and strange sensations didn¡¯t linger for long. When he tried to concentrate on the dreams, he couldn¡¯t remember any, if anything, he could only recall that the content didn¡¯t exactly feel pleasant, so he quickly erased them from his mind.


    Leaving a deep kiss on Aeroc¡¯s forehead and lips while holding onto him, Kloff got out of bed as Aeroc was in a deep sleep. He really could overlook minor things, but only if they didn¡¯t involve Aeroc. Kloff put on clean clothes provided by Martha and went downstairs. Thedy was gatheringundry to wash them.


    ¡°Martha.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you finally came out.¡±


    She seemed unusually excited, her voice sounding more cheerful than usual. She ced theundry basket on the floor and gave him a subtle look.


    ¡°How was it? Did you enjoy it?¡±


    ¡°Mar¡­tha.¡±


    ¡°You guys were on it without eating for two days straight, so he must be in a heat. Do you think I¡¯ll be busy next year? Should we negotiate my sry now?¡±


    Kloff quickly shook his head in response to her ahead-of-time remark.


    ¡°He¡®s an Al¡­¡±


    With an expression of great anticipation, Kloff could not finish his words as he looked into Martha¡¯s gaze. She was an ordinary middle-aged omega. She was somewhat understanding and generous, but inevitably conservative. He worried that she might be shocked if she found out he had slept with an alpha. Unable to continue his words, Martha nodded as if she understood.


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable. It¡¯s probably burdensome to conceive before marriage. But still, you guys spent a heat together, so when will you propose? I¡¯ve always liked someone with blond hair and blue eyes. How angelic would the baby be? My children are all beautiful, but every housekeeper¡¯s dream is to have an angelic young master. I was a little disappointed that my master turned out to be a dark-haired alpha, but if the wife is a blond beauty, there is still hope for my dream.¡±


    Martha extended her hands in the air as if she was dreaming and expressed her excitement. Kloff watched her and swallowed his saliva. After announcing the news of their breakup, the household had been so gloomy. Thinking back to that time, it was unwise for him to interfere with the ferocious housekeeper¡¯s dream. But Kloff didn¡¯t have time to spare.


    ¡°Martha, sorry for interrupting your dream, but could you do me a favor for now?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Ae¡­, some of the clothes I gave you are the guest¡¯s clothes. Can you bring them here?¡±


    ¡°Are you sending him home already? The clothes haven¡¯t been washed yet, and you haven¡¯t had a meal with him either.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that. I want to check something.¡±


    Martha soon brought out Aeroc¡¯s clothes from theundry basket. His shirt and pants. For the clean vest and jacket, she only dusted them off and hung them up after ironing them. Kloff took them in his hands and thoroughly searched through all the seams and pockets, but there was nothing different in particr.


    ¡°Ah, what about the cloak?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s in the inner garden. I couldn¡¯t wash it, so I dusted it off and let it air out.¡±


    She searched the cloak that she brought out from the inner garden. Then she found something in a hidden inner pocket. Taking out the rustling item, it turned out to be several folded papers. Sitting on the table, he opened one of the papers. Inside, there were white pills.


    He recalled that one of the dead men had sold Aeroc the pills. At such ate time, there weren¡¯t many drugs that could be bought from those nasty people. Whatever those guys were selling, it was likely either drugs or aphrodisiacs. No way that these were drugs? Or aphrodisiacs? Either way, both were infuriating and worrisome. When Kloff folded his arms and red at the pills with a serious expression, Martha, who saw it from the side, blurted out.


    ¡°Those are omega heat suppressants.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Heat suppressants. Look at how it¡¯s small and white, and has the ¡®¦¸¡¯ mark on it, I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    Kloff was taken aback by the unexpected remark. An omega heat suppressant? He hadn¡¯t even thought that such a thing existed, let alone that Martha knew about it.


    ¡°Is there such a thing?¡±


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s banned by thews, but to omegas who have rough jobs in the bottom ce, they eat them to not get unwanted pregnancies.¡±


    As if it were a trivial thing, Martha folded the cloak again and continued to gatherundry in the basket.


    ¡°How do you know about it?¡±


    ¡°If I had children at this age, I wouldn¡¯t be able to work. But I can¡¯t just rely on my husband either. These drugs have been secretly sold among employed omegas. Sometimes even aristocraticdies buy them too. Birth control is better than abortion, after all. Does the omega that you bring also have a job? Or is his heat just more severe than normal?¡±


    Upon hearing those words, Kloff felt as if his mind was sinking away. He wasn¡¯t even an employed omega, he was an unemployed full-of-leisure alpha.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 8.2 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 8.2 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    While Martha was doing theundry, Kloff sat in the parlor, ring at the drugs. It was clear that Aeroc, the Count of Teiwind, was an alpha. Everyone would think so.


    But what if he were an omega? No, that¡¯s impossible. He couldn¡¯t deceive all those people. His physique was a bit strong and his body lines were more refinedpared to the usual alphas, but he grew up as a wealthy aristocrat so those features weren¡¯t impossible. And his alpha scent was definitely not a cover-up, it wasing from his whole body.


    But Kloff couldn¡¯t help but be suspicious of everything about Aeroc he had known so far. The reason was simple. What kind of dumb alpha would perform knotting with another alpha? Now that he thought about it, there weren¡¯t just one or two suspicious things. Maybe he was an omega pretending to be an alpha his whole life, or perhaps he suddenly changed into an omega one day.


    That couldn¡¯t be. He was an alpha, for sure. Just like the current trend, he must have fucked around with alphas, that¡¯s why he was good at it. As he kept having sex, his body would have changed. Surely, it couldn¡¯t be anything else. And perhaps the knotting was just a result of his unsatisfied desires.


    Kloff tried to convince himself of that. But if, by any chance, Aeroc was an omega¡­


    ¡°Oh, damn it.¡±


    Kloff covered his eyes with one hand. Aeroc¡¯s tears were sweet. Kloff had tasted it before, and more than that, he had tasted it several times in the past two days, so he couldn¡¯t be wrong about it. The poisonous sweet taste could paralyze his tongue. Remembering that taste, Kloff sighed heavily, then stood up.


    The culprit who had drained his blood over the past few months was peacefully sleeping on his bed. Even while seeing him with his own eyes, Kloff found the scene unbelievable. Kloff sat on the edge of the mattress and shifted slightly. Aeroc was still sound asleep. Kloff gently brushed aside the blond hair that emitted a faint glow and traced the border between that golden hair and the pale, rosy skin with his finger.


    He finally realized why Aeroc had always bothered his mind. He understood why he became more annoyed and dissatisfied whenever he saw him. It was only expected. If Aeroc wasn¡¯t by his side, if he didn¡¯t belong to him, it was only expected to be so out of his mind, that he even had to endure the mental pressure that led to vomiting.


    <i>I¡¯m a fool. I¡¯m such a pathetic fool. How can I still call myself an alpha?</i>


    Kloff reproached himself deeply. He held the hand of someone so secretive, yet cunning and wicked, but Kloff couldn¡¯t hate this person. This person who, instead, stirred his deep affection. Then Kloff pressed his lips against the back of that hand.


    He became the knight who guarded his precious master next to him until he woke up. Later, when thete afternoon arrived again, the blond beauty finally woke up, sat up with a slightly disheveled head from sleeping without his hair dried, and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. Then, feeling the paining from his lower body a littlete, he frowned and red at Kloff, who was sitting beside him and smiling.


    ¡°You ignorant pervert. Insatiable beast.¡±


    Kloffughed at how adorable he wasining with a hoarse voice. Aeroc¡¯s wide eyes blinked multiple times, making Kloff wonder what he was thinking. But soon, Aeroc pressed his lips together and averted his gaze, though he kept stealing nces this way and that. However, he asionally stole nces, conscious of Kloff. He was being too cute to resist that Kloff hugged him tightly and toppled him over.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ do it anymore¡­¡±


    Aeroc hurriedly tried to push him away and get off the bed, but Kloff pulled him in along with sheets and kissed him. Even after tasting his lips several times, he was sure that no lips could be sweeter and softer than his. They were not only pliant but also supple and velvety, he could soon be addicted to this. As their kiss deepened, Aeroc, who had been mildly rebellious, soon grabbed Kloff¡¯s shoulders while gasping for breath. The feeling of tugging at his clothes was incredibly satisfying.


    After sucking on his tongue to the point of losing sensation, Kloff licked the saliva that flowed down his lips and gently nibbled on his swollen lips. Then, after kissing his cheek, he finally gave a bted response.


    ¡°We¡¯re not doing it.¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    Aeroc covered his lips with one hand and widened his eyes in disbelief. He seemed a little taken aback and somewhat excited. Above all, seeing his stained cheeks and the tips of his ears made him appear embarrassed. Kloff stood up from the bed, letting Aeroc pull up the sheet, and decided to go outside and bring some snacks for Aeroc. As he turned around to open the door, Aeroc called out to him from behind.


    ¡°Why? Do you need something?¡±


    ¡°¡­No.¡±


    Lying naked on arge bed, d only in a sheet and bathed in the light, Aeroc looked terribly frail. He hadn¡¯t always been so weak, and his delicate physique wasn¡¯t like it would fly away at any moment, but he looked so fragile that it made Kloff¡¯s heart drop. He quickly closed the door behind him and descended to calm his racing nerves.


    Martha was quick on her feet and silently handed Kloff a tray as soon as he came down. He returned to the room with a tray of freshly baked cookies, sandwiches, apple juice, and a set of ck tea. Kloff only left for a moment, but Aeroc¡¯s eyes were slightly moistened by his own thoughts during that time. When he saw Kloff walk in with the tray, he looked as if he just experienced both his birthday and a holiday at once.


    ¡°Were you that hungry?¡±


    Kloff ced the tray on the bed and jokingly teased, but Aeroc stared at it without blinking, then sobbed.


    ¡°I hate being hungry the most in the world.¡±


    Kloff was surprised to see tears welling up in the corner of his eyes. It was both amusing and cute to see him look so upset, when he¡¯d been born a count and never starved in his life.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Here, take this.¡±


    Kloff handed him a sandwich filled with cheese and vegetables, and Aeroc took it with one hand, while his other hand grabbed another piece. He hurriedly ate it, not sparing a look towards Kloff. He swallowed quickly, barely chewing a few bites, and soon picked up another.


    ¡°That¡¯s my share though¡­¡±


    Aeroc looked up at him with his mouth stuffed full of sandwiches and made an earnest expression, pleading desperately. He looked like he was going to cry if Kloff didn¡¯t give in, so Kloff said, ¡°Eat it all,¡± Aeroc obediently devoured it. When he was at the dinner party, he didn¡¯t look like he¡¯d eat so much like a starved person. Kloff had feeding him snacks from time to time in the past two days, but next time, Kloff would have to make sure he gets to eat his meals.


    After finishing fourrge slices of the sandwich, Aeroc sucked on his fingers and looked at the big cookie, hinting at Kloff for it.


    ¡°They don¡¯t have raisins. It¡¯s dried blueberries.¡±


    As soon as he said that, Aeroc began to devour the cookie. Then, when his throat seemed dry as he patted his chest, Kloff handed him apple juice. After gulping it down quickly, Aeroc let out a deep sigh, and as if he had always been graceful, he elegantly crushed the cookies and began putting small pieces into his mouth.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me like that? Is it your first time seeing someone eat?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, really.¡±


    As Kloff sipped his lukewarm ck tea, he thought that he should spend generously on their food expenses from now on. Aeroc, who was just finishing his apple juice, frowned when he saw Kloff holding a cup of tea.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my cup of tea?¡±


    ¡°There will be no more tea for you from today on.¡±


    Kloff firmly stated, causing Aeroc to re at him in displeasure.


    ¡°I thought the past two days were enough to pay for ignoring your calls.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s lips trembled slightly as he said that. It seemed more like he was still shaken than angry. In response, Kloff casually brushed the crumbs from the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s not good for the baby.¡±


    The half-full apple juice sttered everywhere. Aeroc, who dropped the cup in surprise, panickedly tried to gather the juice with his hand, while Kloff rose from his seat and wiped the bed once with a bathrobe lying nearby. Before it could spread further, he cleared the tray from the table and removed the sheet. As he did so, Aeroc stuttered, deeply agitated.


    ¡°Ho¡­ how¡­ That can¡¯t be¡­ I definitely took the pills¡­¡±


    Kloff, who had thrown the bathrobe drenched with the scent of apple juice into the corner of the room, turned around. Aeroc¡¯s sapphire eyes were shaking intensely, unlike before. Despite being greatly startled, he stared at Kloff without avoiding eye contact. Kloff smiled as the piercing gaze tickled him.


    ¡°So you¡¯re really an omega.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 8.3 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 8.3 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn</h4>


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    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    Without saying anything further, he walked over to the bed and sat down. He smiled smugly, and Aeroc¡¯s expression changed from bewilderment to despair as he realized he had been caught in a trap. Kloff climbed onto the bed and looked down at Aeroc, who was wrapped in the sheets, watching him in fear. Then, heid Aeroc¡¯s body down, which was as pale as the sheets.


    ¡°How¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be a fool if I didn¡¯t realize that in this situation. I feel likeughing at myself for not noticing it earlier. I¡¯m losing my face as a top graduate.¡±


    Kloff kissed Aerocs¡¯ fair cheek and pulled him into a hug, resting his head on his chest, which was covered in markings. Aeroc gasped, desperately pulling at the unmoving sheets against the heavy body. After a moment, he spoke, barely audible.


    ¡°My belly¡­ You¡¯re pressing my belly¡­¡±


    The worry in his voice made Kloff burst intoughter. His shoulders were shaking as heughed, causing Aeroc¡¯s face to turn red and purple, and he soon blurted out, ¡°I¡­ have to be careful in the early pregnancy!¡± Kloff looked up and stared at Aeroc. He was being genuine about this, not joking.


    ¡°I just said that to get a reaction from you. If you took the pills, you shouldn¡¯t be getting pregnant. And that also.. felt different.¡±


    After rifying that it was a joke, Aeroc couldn¡¯t close his mouth and asked again if Kloff was serious. Aeroc asked again and again, and Kloff answered that he didn¡¯t feel he inserted his member deep enough. Then, Aeroc mped his mouth shut and his hands shook as he gripped the sheets. Kloff thought he would be relieved, but seeing his anger for the teasing and how disappointed he was, Kloff felt both sorry and incredibly happy.


    ¡°Do you really want to have my child? If you want that, I can make it happen.¡±


    His face turned bright red and he couldn¡¯t keep his mouth shut. Seeing tears filling his eyes, Kloff chuckled softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯tugh! Shut up! Get away from me! Go away! You wretched, ignorant, cruel, wicked scoundrel who toys with people¡¯s hearts, you ev¡­¡±


    Kloff stopped him at that. Aeroc continued to mumble a few more words after that, but he gave up speaking as Kloff sucked in his tongue. Only faint breaths could be heard. The hand that had been hitting his shoulder painfully stopped, and then, he sped his fingers together, creating numerous creases on the neatly ironed shirt.


    It wasn¡¯t until the third day that Kloff returned Aeroc¡¯s clothes. Putting on the clean and well-groomed clothes washed by Martha, he picked up the cloak and felt around the inner pocket, then nced at Kloff who was standing nearby.


    ¡°Give it back.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    As Kloff pretended not to know, Aeroc remained silent for a while. He had already thrown them away. Knowing for a fact that Aeroc was actually an omega, Kloff couldn¡¯t tolerate that he was taking such drugs. Furthermore, if there was a need to take such drugs in the future, it would be for himself, not Aeroc. As soon as Aeroc realized that Kloff had no intention of giving it back to him, he turned his gaze away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just buy them again myself.¡±


    Kloff was taken aback by those words.


    ¡°You want to go back there after going through all that? If you hadn¡¯t identally met me, you would have been raped.¡±


    Unable to hide his agitation, Kloff fiercely confronted Aeroc, but he responded calmly.


    ¡°I know that.¡±


    ¡°What do you know? You¡¯re just a meek person who doesn¡¯t know the least bit about this world.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s eyes shot daggers at him with a sharp gaze in response to Kloff¡¯s absurd words. Just this morning, or rather just a moment ago, he had shown a range of emotions including surprise, confusion, anger, pleasure, tenderness, and satisfaction, but now he seemed nothing like that person.


    ¡°I know it very well.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re someone who was born as the heir of a count and has been surrounded by all sorts of luxury, so how can you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve experienced it.¡±


    At first, he couldn¡¯t understand what was the meaning of that calm response. Kloff pondered for a while, wondering what he meant by experiencing it. But, a small ripple began to grow louder. Eventually, it turned into a whirlpool that engulfed Kloff. Stunned by the overwhelming shock, Kloff couldn¡¯t react or move, but Aeroc mustered a tired smile.


    At that moment, it felt as if something snapped in his mind. Along with the intense anger towards those people who had hurt Aeroc, there was also a tremendous sense of self-me for not being able to protect his omega as an alpha should. It was clear that he needed to embrace Aeroc, who had been hurt, but somehow only bitter sarcastic remarks came out of his mouth.


    ¡°You get treated like that because you pretend to be an alpha, when you¡¯re just an omega.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t give any retort, only looking at him with a sad smile. Kloff felt his anger surge. He grabbed Aeroc¡¯s arm and almost shouted.


    ¡°From now on, I won¡¯t let you leave the house without my permission. Or else,¡±


    ¡°Or else what? Are you going to keep me locked up?¡±


    Aeroc frowned in pain and tried to pull his arm away. Worried that his arm might get pulled out, Kloff didn¡¯t let go and instead quickly wrapped his waist, pressing their bodies tightly together. Aeroc twisted his waist as if he disliked it, but this time Kloff had no intention of letting go. He lowered his head and lightly licked Aeroc¡¯s neck, grazing his earlobe with his face, and then, ovee with anger, he whispered softly in a very low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll strip you naked, put shackles on your ankles, and tie you to the bedpost. Every time your heates, I¡¯ll make sure to fuck you until your legs won¡¯t close. I¡¯ll bring you to the brink of climax over and over again until you cry out in agony. You won¡¯t even think of taking those pills. I¡¯llpletely drench you in my scent so that anyone can know that you¡¯re my omega. And after that, you¡¯ll bear my child. You¡¯ll keep giving birth to as many as you can until you grow old and your heat stops.¡±


    Aeroc returned an astonished gaze at him. He looked at Kloff with such a deeply wounded and sad expression.


    ¡°Why? Do you think I¡¯m incapable of that?¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t retort to that. He put his head against Kloff¡¯s shoulder and hesitated again and again, his trembling hands unable to grasp the person who was restraining him. His chest was swelling as if in great pain, his breathing stopped several times, and then he let out a long sigh before weakly protesting in a small voice.


    ¡°But I¡¯m an alpha.¡±


    By now, it was a bit tiresome to hear him say something so nonsensical. Staring at him with a threatening gaze, filled with a growing anger that had no intention of evaporating, Kloff coldly retorted.


    ¡°Both you and I know that you¡¯re not an alpha.¡±


    ¡°Count Aeroc Teiwind is an alpha. There will be many problems if people find out about me getting pregnant.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be okay to only think about that when the timees.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡±


    Kloff no longer had any intentions of listening to Aeroc¡¯s arguments and excuses. He cut his words and grabbed the back of his neck, forcing him to look straight at him. When their gazes met up close, Aeroc¡¯s blue irises trembled slightly.


    ¡°If you have any thoughts like not liking me or not wanting to bear my child, just give up. You don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    Aeroc kept his mouth tightly shut, refusing to respond to the half-forceful coercion, as Kloff held his head and pressed it against his own neck. He inhaled the subtly mixed scent that spread between the soft blonde hair, tickling his nose. When he thought that the scent was from mingling with another omega, it might have aroused him, but he never liked the scent itself. However, the naturally sweet fragrance, mixed with his scent from repeated intercourses of the past two days, was too much to his liking. It felt as if his stomach was full even though he hadn¡¯t eaten anything.


    After a while, Aeroc, who had been quietly nestled in Kloff¡¯s embrace, rxed his body and asked.


    ¡°How many children should I give birth to this time?¡±


    The question seemed strange. When Kloff asked, ¡°This time?¡± Aeroc¡¯s body in his embrace flinched noticeably. At that moment, Kloff almost strangled Aeroc¡¯s neck in a fit of rage.


    ¡°Do you have someone else¡¯s child?¡±


    He asked in a tremendously chilling voice as if a blizzard were roaring through his throat. Aeroc quickly shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s a slip of the tongue. That was¡­ a mistake.¡±


    Kloff stared down at him, trying to deduce whether he was lying or not. This omega was very skilled at lying, so he had to be cautious. Although his eyes were a little shaking from fear, Kloff couldn¡¯t read any pretense from his eyes and expression. For now, he decided to believe him.


    ¡°From now on, don¡¯t make any more slip-ups. A murder almost happened just now. One adult, and probably a minor.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 8.4 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 8.4 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn</h4>


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    cing his hand into the pale-faced Aeroc¡¯s back neck, he pulled him closer and their lips met. With a short kiss, he asked.


    ¡°How many children do you think you can conceive?¡±


    Not sure if it was nervousness or fear or the fact that he liked the kiss, Aeroc let out a little excited breath between warm lips.


    ¡°Probably six?¡±


    The burning anger consuming his body inside him was extinguished with just those couple of words.


    Stunned, Kloff looked at the cunning omega who pretended to be innocent while ying one¡¯s heart. It was even more terrifying because he seemed genuine. He wanted to warn Aeroc that his belly would never be not full and thought that they would probably have three children at most. But he said six? Was he nning to spend his prime years giving birth? Kloff couldn¡¯t even get angry.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you liked children so much.¡±


    As he made an observation withinmon sense, Aeroc seemed slightly taken aback, then quickly disyed a displeased expression, lowering his gaze. Even then, his lips were only touching Kloff¡¯s corbone.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to me.¡±


    The way he stubbornly insisted on unnecessary matters, Kloff thought Aeroc really should experience his wrath, so he wouldn¡¯t say anything dangerous like being in heat and running naked towards an alpha, fully drenched in his scent.


    ¡°Well, you seem confident, so I¡¯ll help you with that.¡±


    He lowered the hand that had been gripping above the waist and slipped it behind Aeroc¡¯s pants, caressing his supple buttocks without hesitation. The assertive fingers prated the hole between the smooth flesh, finding their way to the swollen crevice that was still swollen even now. As Kloff gently traced the lump of folds with his middle finger, Aeroc sucked in a sharp breath and lifted his ankles.


    ¡°What are you¡­ Ah¡­¡±


    When the first finger delved into the slightly moist entrance, he grimaced and arched his neck. His slightly parted lips and jaws were trembling. The hand that had been gripping the broad and firm alpha chest was now curled into a fist. His forehead wrinkled and the ends of his eyebrows showed a slight twitch.


    However, seeing him make painful sounds while gritting his teeth, he must have felt more pain than pleasure. It was unfortunate, but it seemed like pushing further would be too much. With a longing sigh, he only continued to squeeze his supple buttocks and gently licked the nape of Aeroc¡¯s neck. Aeroc let out a short relief of sigh and obediently tilted his head, offering himself as a sacrifice for the predator to tear him apart.


    ¡°When is your next heat?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably in two months.¡±


    ¡°Two months will be tight. I guess there will be three people in front of the officiator instead of two.¡±


    He sucked on the thin, clear flesh between the border of Aeroc¡¯s neck and jaw, leaving a mark. A little more strength seemed to drain from Aeroc¡¯s waist, and he tightened his grip.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    It seemed like he didn¡¯t understand. Kloff decided to be a bit nicer. After all, Aeroc was his omega now, so he wanted to treat him as kindly as possible.


    ¡°Even if we start preparing now, it will be impossible to have a wedding within two months. However, you will get pregnant during your uing heat. So, when we sign the marriage certificate, there will be three of us.¡±


    The person leaning against his chest wentpletely limp. Kloff tightly embraced Aeroc with his arms, preventing him from falling. Taking advantage of his momentaryck of resistance, he lightly brushed their cheeks together. It would be better if they became one just like this. Ah, but then they wouldn¡¯t be able to have sex.


    ¡°I am legally an alpha, so our marriage is not possible.¡±


    Kloff snorted at the obvious answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m the legal expert here. So you don¡¯t have to worry about those things. Just do as I say.¡±


    As Kloff grabbed his chin to kiss him again, Aeroc quickly turned his head with an angry expression.


    ¡°If I had known you were like this¡­¡±


    ¡°What would you have done if you had known?¡±


    With a frown on his face, Aeroc stared off into the space for a while, then turned back to re at Kloff.


    ¡°Were you this domineering to Rapiel too?¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep bringing up Rapiel? Am I going to have to kill again?¡±


    At the mention of killing, Aeroc quickly shook his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask unimportant things. I don¡¯t like it when my spouse shows excessive interest in someone else.¡±


    Kloff said that calmly but with a strong tone in his words, and Aeroc nodded without further retort. He buried his face in the strong neck and slowly moved his arms, embracing the sturdy waist. The movement was so subtle that it felt like there was no sensation at all. However, soon, a wet sound reached Kloff¡¯s ear. The shoulder of his shirt, where Aeroc¡¯s eyes had been, was damp.


    As he lifted Aeroc¡¯s chin with his hand, he was indeed crying again. Even though he hadn¡¯t hurt him or caused him any wounds, seeing him cry so pitifully made Kloff¡¯s heart tighten. Even though Aeroc was deliberately doing things that were extremely detrimental to heart health, his alpha instinct was to lick the tears from his eyes and soothe him first. He gently stroked his trembling back and left a tender kiss on his tousled blonde hair.


    ¡°Why are you crying? Are you hurt somewhere?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m hurt.¡±


    ¡°Unlike how you look, you have so much tears.¡±


    Though Kloff wasn¡¯t really teasing him, but Aeroc seemed to hate hearing that, his tearful face was ring at Kloff full of resentment.


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault.¡±


    Aeroc med him with a fairly strong tone, but his voice was trembling due to crying, which just made him appear adorable.


    ¡°Even when you cry, you look pretty, so this isn¡¯t bad. However, it¡¯s better to restrain yourself in front of the childrenter on. It would be troublesome if our alpha child saw and learned from his mother crying.¡±


    ¡°Mother?¡±


    Even in the midst of tears, Aeroc seemed very surprised. Perhaps, his lifelong performance as an alpha made him easily surprised even by trivial things, hinting at an uncertain future. However, even with tears and snot streaming down his face, as if he were a baby learning his first words, Kloff couldn¡¯t help but smile when Aeroc repeated ¡®mother¡¯ several times. He brought his forehead to touch Aeroc¡¯s clean forehead.


    ¡°Do you feel awkward when you hear the word mother?¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll be the mother?¡±


    Despite his foolish question, Kloff patiently exined. It was pointless to be angry, as Aeroc would only burst into tears.


    ¡°You¡¯re giving birth to our children, so you¡¯re their mother, and of course, I¡¯m their father. There are no exceptions. Children tend to learn by watching their mothers, so be careful.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why would they be learning from me¡­¡±


    ¡°If they don¡¯t learn from the mother who raises them, then who should they learn from? Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re telling me to raise the child alone?¡±


    Kloff said it kindly and clear, afraid that Aeroc might really feel that way. The tearful Aeroc let out a dumbfounded sigh. As tears kept streaming down his reddened eyes, Kloff clicked his tongue and then kissed his omega countless times to console him.


    To be honest, Kloff didn¡¯t like the idea of Aeroc leaving the room. But Kloff couldn¡¯t keep him captive indefinitely, so he decided to let him go back to his estate for now. When they were ready to leave and went downstairs from the second floor, Martha looked slightly disappointed.


    ¡°Are you leaving already? I was preparing the meal.¡±


    ¡°Next time, when the opportunity arises.¡±


    Before his master could say anything, Aeroc said that to Martha and exchanged nces. Martha seemed pleased by the unusual greeting to a servant and smiled broadly as she escorted them. As they got into the carriage, she said, ¡°Pleasee again next time. I will wee you with my special salmon dish,¡± waving her hand. Aeroc awkwardly nodded his head as he looked at her.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t she a servant for the Westport family?¡±


    ¡°Martha? She has been working for me from the beginning. Before that, she was a housekeeper for arge family. Why did you ask?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, nevermind.¡±


    ¡°She has no connection to Westport at all, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Kloff felt a bit annoyed because Aeroc was repeatedly mentioning his former lover and grumbled while shaking his head. Aeroc quickly nodded, once again wearing that faint smile of his.


    The carriage was moving faster than he liked. They passed through the outskirts and entered a neighborhood filled with luxurious mansions. When they reached a familiar scenery, Aeroc nced out the window and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°No one knows.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No one knows I¡¯m an omega.¡±


    Kloff, who had been sitting across and looking at the window following Aeroc, turned his gaze towards him.


    ¡°Not even the butler?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t told him yet, so he probably doesn¡¯t know.¡±


    While he did feel a sense of satisfaction that the butler didn¡¯t know about this, Kloff found it hard to believe that the butler didn¡¯t know. Kloff had heard that he was almost like Aeroc¡¯s godfather. He suppressed the urge to smile and coughed into his fist before crossing his legs and asking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand how it¡¯s possible for him to not know. He is your closest confidant, after all. Well, not anymore now.¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been long since I changed into an omega, and I¡¯ve been trying not to let him notice.¡±


    ¡°Wait, it hasn¡¯t been long since you changed? What do you mean?¡±


    Kloff arched an eyebrow at him, and Aeroc awkwardly smiled again. While the carriage was waiting for the giant iron gate of Teiwind to open, Aeroc spoke up.


    ¡°I was originally an alpha. It was just recently that I changed to an omega, so the butler doesn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Is that even possible? An alpha changing to an omega?¡±


    No matter how happy Kloff was about Aeroc being an omega and how satisfying it was to know that he wasn¡¯t being insane for just simply getting led by him, Kloff couldn¡¯t fully believe that an alpha could change into an omega. However, Aeroc¡¯s expression was serious and devoid of any mischief, and he was now even ring at Kloff, as if reproaching him for not believing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you this before, but this is all because of you.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything about that.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. It¡¯s only after I met you that my body changed¡­ Before¡­ And even now, you¡¯re the one who made me like this.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 8.5 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 8.5 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn</h4>


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    Like a curse cast upon a devil, the usation flew with a cold stare, but at that moment, all that filled Kloff¡¯s mind was what had he aplished to hear such ttering words of joy. Whether he had originally been an alpha and changed or had been an omega from the beginning didn¡¯t matter. All that mattered was that Aeroc said like his body had magically changed for him.


    Kloff couldn¡¯t hold back and grabbed Aeroc¡¯s arms, pulling him towards himself and making him sit on hisp. Aeroc asked what he was doing in anger, but Kloff silenced him with a kiss.


    One of Kloff¡¯s hands grabbed Aeroc¡¯s hand, which was pushing his shoulder away, and his other hand wrapped around the back of his neck, continuing to kiss him. At first, Aeroc tried to avoid it, but when Kloff kissed him until he was going to melt, he didn¡¯t resist. Aeroc loved kissing. He always embraced it eagerly, wrapping his arms around Kloff¡¯s neck and gently brushing his lips against his cheeks and chin, exhaling warm breath between their lips. Sitting on Kloff¡¯sp with his arms encircling Kloff¡¯s neck, Kloff gave him another light peck on the lips. Kloff whispered, his gaze drifting to those addictively sweet lips.


    ¡°Are you not happy that you changed because of me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t say a word. He looked a little taken aback. That was understandable if he had really changed from an alpha to an omega. Kloff was extremely happy, but he could tell that Aeroc¡¯s puzzling issue was not a normal issue.


    If Kloff had met Aeroc and changed into an omega, he would have undoubtedly gone half-crazy. It would be a life-altering event and a big blow to his self-esteem. It would have been difficult to ept that and he wouldn¡¯t have wanted anyone to find out. Maybe that was why, over the past two months, Aeroc had rejected the approaching alphas, wandered in the bottom ce and even bought suppressants.


    Still, Aeroc didn¡¯t outright refuse sex for two days. Although he wasn¡¯t prepared at all and it caused him anguish, he eventually epted Kloff. That alone was enough to make Kloff unable to resist how adorable Aeroc was. Even when the carriage stopped at the estate entrance, he couldn¡¯t let him go. He held him tightly and buried his face in Aeroc¡¯s chest.


    ¡°¡­Kloff.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so terribly happy. I even want to give my thanks to the gods.¡±


    As Kloff held him, Aeroc, who had a sweet scent mixed with a musky scent and also his own scent, stiffened slightly. Even if Aeroc didn¡¯t like any of this, it couldn¡¯t be helped. He had already changed into an omega for Kloff, and he had confirmed it countless times over the past two days. He had no intention of letting Aeroc go. Kloff raised his head. Staring into the blue eyes of the man in his arms, he stole another breath. Once again, Aeroc didn¡¯t refuse.


    While they were passionately kissing, there was a sudden knock on the door. Startled, Aeroc broke the kiss and looked outside. The inside of the carriage was dark, so it wouldn¡¯t be visible from outside, but realizing what they had been doing without drawing the curtains, Aeroc abruptly pulled away from Kloff¡¯s embrace. Kloff didn¡¯t want to let him go, but he couldn¡¯t keep up with how quickly Aeroc slipped away. Not even having time to regret the emptiness in his arms, Aeroc wiped his lips with the back of his hand and stepped out of the carriage.


    As the Count stepped out of the Kloff¡¯s carriage, the footman, who had been smiling politely, was startled. And one maid who was standing next to him quickly went inside the house.


    ¡°Wee back, Count.¡±


    ¡°Was everything all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    With a brief exchange, Aeroc walked into the estate. Of course, Kloff followed behind him. The footman looked at him somewhat puzzled, but as a servant who had served in the Count¡¯s household for a long time, he did not ask unnecessary questions. As they passed through the entrance and entered the hall, the butler appeared from the other side, walking hurriedly.


    ¡°Young Master, you¡¯ve returned. I was worried because I couldn¡¯t reach you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Hugo. Some stuff unexpectedly came up.¡±


    The butler courteously epted the cloak handed to him and also greeted Kloff politely. However, Kloff didn¡¯t miss the glint in his eyes hidden behind his monocle, sharp like a de. The cunning old fox had sensed that the ¡°unexpected stuff¡± was somehow rted to Kloff. Although Kloff didn¡¯t know the exact reason for him being like that, it was clear that the butler had firmly set his mind on criticizing him strongly. The butler was indeed a formidable figure, but he would have to change as well in the future.


    ¡°Was everything outside resolved?¡±


    ¡°Well, something came up. I¡¯ll talk about itter. Right now I¡¯m tired and need to get some rest.¡±


    ¡°What about your meal?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it. I¡¯ll get some sleep first.¡±


    The butler escorted Aeroc to his bedroom, and Kloff followed silently. It was natural. While his recently in-heat Omega was resting, an alpha would want to protect him by his side. Although Aeroc had taken suppressants and wouldn¡¯t get pregnant, his instinct would still be difficult to resist. But when Kloff followed him all the way to the bedroom, the butler stared at him intently before opening the door, even throwing a nce at Aeroc.


    ¡°How far are you going to follow me?¡±


    Kloff was rather surprised by the count¡¯sposed question.


    ¡°Surely¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you. No one knows.¡±


    ¡°But-!¡±


    ¡°You better leave for today. I¡¯ll contact you next time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being absurd!¡±


    Despite his strong protest, Aeroc didn¡¯t even flinch. With a smile close to being expressionless, he gestured to the butler. The butler called the footmen again. Two sturdy alphas approached Kloff and presented him with a polite smile, offering to escort him. Exasperated, Kloff tried to grab Aeroc¡¯s arm, but the butler quickly blocked him.


    ¡°Please leave now, the Count needs to rest.¡±


    ¡°Aeroc!¡±


    Aeroc turned and nced at Kloff before entering the room.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be running away, so just be obedient and go back. I¡¯m also behind on my work.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just leave my O¡­¡­¡±


    Kloff closed his mouth, not continuing his sentence. He didn¡¯t want to reveal Aeroc¡¯s status as an omega in front of the Butler, who was almost like Aeroc¡¯s parent, and the other footmen. It was a mix of possessiveness and wariness. Unable to say anything further, Aeroc smiled and entered the room, and the butler followed him, closing the door firmly. And failing to grab his omega before his eyes, the alpha was kicked from the estate.


    It had already been a week. Kloff was once again fuming under severe mental pressure. He couldn¡¯t focus on the documents or anything else. Forgetting his pride, he had visited the estate several times, but each time the butler said Aeroc was tired and currently sleeping. The butler¡¯s attitude was even colder and more stern than before. He always had a retinue of footmen and tended to Kloff, making it clear that regardless of Aeroc¡¯s intentions, Kloff¡¯s freedom of action within the estate would not be tolerated.


    ¡°The Count needs to rest. Pleasee backter.¡±


    ¡°What kind of reststs for six days?¡±


    ¡°Aristocracies normally take that much rest. Though I don¡¯t know if Lord Bendyke would understand.¡±


    There was a strong hint of disregard in the subtle attitude. Kloff had known all along that the butler didn¡¯t like him, but now he was openly showing his disdain. He especially emphasized on Kloff¡¯s rtively low social status. He was giving him an unspoken warning not to act like he matched the Count¡¯s social status.


    He would rather let him know that Aeroc was an omega, but that would have been a blow to his pride. Knowing the butler¡¯s attitude, he wouldn¡¯t believe him. And even if he would believe him, he would likely treat him as nothing more than a sex ve for the Count. It was a very unpleasant situation.


    ¡°We¡¯re just the same as before like this!¡±


    He threw his filing cab in a fit of rage, and the secretary, who had been calmly filling out documents, nced at him briefly before lowering his gaze and focusing on his work again. He was no longer fazed at the sudden outburst from his boss.


    Kloff scowled and drummed his fingers on the window sill behind his desk in irritation. He didn¡¯t think Aeroc would unknowingly do something dangerous. If he had a brain, he wouldn¡¯t even consider going to such a dangerous ce again after experiencing that. The butler was undoubtedly worried when he lost contact with Aeroc, so he certainly wouldn¡¯t leave Aeroc to wander alone. But even so, Aeroc¡¯s words kept haunting his mind.


    <i>I¡¯ll just buy them again myself.</i>


    Kloff had no way of knowing how Aeroc had discovered the existence of a drug that he didn¡¯t even know about, considering his vast knowledge. But Kloff knew well how desperately Aeroc wanted to get those, even if it meant risking his life going alone to the bottom ce. Kloff was extremely anxious and restless. Just the thought of Aeroc falling into danger again was terrifying, and Kloff felt a hint of anger, feeling as if the omega was rejecting the idea of having his child. Although he hadn¡¯t heard it directly, he couldn¡¯t help but think that the butler¡¯s attitude was Aeroc¡¯s response toward him.


    ¡°This is driving me crazy.¡±


    If Aeroc were just amon omega, there would be no need for Kloff to rack his brain and worry like this. Unfortunately, he was a high-ranking noble known throughout the realm as an alpha, and Kloff didn¡¯t possess the power to control him as he pleased. He had never been so regretful about his social status until now. This was different. If he had at least been the eldest Bendyke and inherited the title, he wouldn¡¯t have been easily overshadowed like this. Why is he a Count? Kloff agonized over how he couldpletely grasp that detestable omega. At that time, his secretary spoke up.


    ¡°Sir Bendyke, I¡¯m writing a rejection letter for the high-ranking position offered by the Finance Minister, as you have asked me to do. If you could review the wording for this section¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait. That document. Bring it back here.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean the letter or the reply to it?¡±


    ¡°Both.¡±


    The secretary handed him both letters. The Finance Minister had recently written to him regarding an official position rted to the investment of the ¡®national funds¡¯. He¡¯d been tempted to decline, as it was supposed to be a ¡¯service¡¯ to the state, with no specifics, a paltry sry, and a lot of responsibility. Even without such endeavors, he could make enough money dealing with aristocrats. That offer would be nothing more than an honorary position.


    But things were different now. He needed all kinds of power to grasp that Count. Kloff personallyposed a polite eptance letter and instructed the secretary to send it through official channels. He watched from the window as the secretary left the building.


    ¡°If my status iscking, I¡¯ll make up for it with power.¡±


    Kloff was confident. He decided to manipte the national fund and be an economic bureaucrat at the most core of the power. After receiving an honorary title, he vowed to boldly make Aeroc Teiwind his spouse, whether officially or unofficially.


    As he set goals, made ns, and steadily progressed, his boiling anger and anxiety subsided. They hadn¡¯tpletely disappeared, but they simmered below the surface, likeva flowing downward. At least outwardly, Kloff appeared to have returned to normal.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 8.6 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 8.6 - Uncovering secret blossoms in the dawn</h4>


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    Viscount Derbyshire, who had detected his vaciting attitude and remained silent all this time, interjected again for the first time in a while. Kloff had gone to see him regrly for routine debriefing, but this time, he summoned Kloff not to his study but to the meeting room. Seeing teacups set out, Kloff inwardly sighed, anticipating that he would unleash a barrage of talk. Viscount Derbyshire, indeed, spoke in a low voice as soon as the young butler left after pouring the tea.


    ¡°By the way, a friend of mine has an aged nephew, you know.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, but I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Without even hearing about him?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be marrying an omega in the future.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire furrowed his brows and set down the cup he was holding.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it time for you to forget about Westport?¡±


    ¡°I have forgotten him. After careful consideration, I don¡¯t think I¡¯mpatible with an ordinary and peaceful household. I always appreciate your concern, but I have no intention of settling down with anyone in the future.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, why are you making such a fuss about a mere broken engagement?¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with the broken engagement.¡±


    Kloff genuinely smiled, but Viscount Derbyshire didn¡¯t seem to believe him. The Viscount didn¡¯t pry any further, and the conversation soon turned to investment-rted topics. When Kloff mentioned his interest in economic bureaucracy, Viscount Derbyshire listened attentively and then encouraged him, saying that while money was good, as a man, he should also have grand ambitions. Unexpectedly, Viscount Derbyshire happened to be well acquainted with the current Finance Minister and even offered to write a rmendation letter, which Kloff gratefully epted.


    ¡°When the timees, don¡¯t pretend not to know me.¡±


    ¡°Surely, that won¡¯t ever happen.¡±


    ¡°Ah, how I wish that you were my son. At the very least, it would be good if you became my son-inw. Why did my wife only give birth to two alphas?¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire sneered, but his two sons were both soldiers and schrs of great repute. The Viscount was being humble with thatment. Derbyshire eventually bragged about his sons, who were too busy toe home. This, too, was an extension of his work, and Kloff patiently listened until his tea cooled.


    As it turned out, patience brought rewards. Impressed by Kloff¡¯s patience, Viscount Derbyshire immediately wrote a rmendation letter and sent it by person. With the letter in hand, Kloff met with the Finance Minister and had a profound conversation. As a result, Kloff was appointed to a significant position, not just a mere volunteer role. It allowed him to autonomously manage a portion of the funds, albeit on a small scale. Moreover, it was part of international investments, not domestic, which presented a rare opportunity for a man like Kloff, who had nothing and hailed from a rural background, to make a leap toward sess.


    Thinking about how to express his gratitude to the Viscount, Kloff returned to his office and started working immediately. Since he would be even busier in the future, it was best to organize his work and delegate trivial tasks to others. Late in the evening, after his secretary had left, Kloff was exhausted and engrossed in work. However, someone came to visit him. Masking his annoyance, Kloff went out to see who it was, only to find Hugo, the Count¡¯s butler.


    ¡°Good day, Sir Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°¡­I can¡¯t say the same.¡±


    Despite the chilly response, the butler remained unfazed and asked, ¡°May Ie in?¡± Kloff wanted to close the door in his face as he did to Kloff before, but fearing that such childish behavior would mean never seeing Aeroc again, he stepped aside for now.


    The butler gave the office a quick nce and ran his finger along the shelves of the bookcase in dissatisfaction. He wanted to defend himself, saying there was no dust, but since it had been a while since Martha hade by, the ends of the butler¡¯s white gloves quickly turned gray. The butler brushed off the dust from his gloves and turned to look at Kloff.


    ¡°This ce is very¡­ unclean. To think that the young master hase to such a ce.¡±


    ¡°This much wouldn¡¯t kill a person.¡±


    ¡°A person wouldn¡¯t die, but they might catch some lung disease.¡±


    ¡°Then you can leave.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s pretend I didn¡¯t hear that.¡±


    The butler didn¡¯t heed Kloff¡¯s cold order, he continued to wander around,menting on the uncleanliness and untidiness several times. Kloff clenched his fist tightly, barely holding back his boiling anger, and asked, ¡°Why did youe here?¡±


    And the butler replied, ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to make a cup of tea for a guest, no, never mind, I¡¯ll get gastritis, not lung disease, if I drink in here.¡± He then pulled out a handkerchief and covered his nose and mouth.


    This old man must be here to pick a fight with him. Kloff clenched his trembling fists and shoved them into his trouser pockets. If he did anything to the butler, Aeroc wouldn¡¯t stand idly by.


    ¡°Stop stalling time and tell me the reason you came here.¡±


    ¡°So you are short-tempered, violent, and rude.¡±


    ¡°¡­Did youe here to pick a fight?¡±


    The butler was unperturbed by the question and continued.


    ¡°You¡¯re not only of low status, but also a fool who ruins his fortune through violent incidents. I can¡¯t understand why others call you a promising young man. What¡¯s more, my honorable young master, who is cultured, dignified, and respected by everyone, is interested in someone who is not even an Omega but an Alpha. That¡¯s what I can¡¯t tolerate. And the young master even exined the intimate rtionship between you two to an old butler like me.¡±


    Kloff, lost in thought about how to silence the butler, blinked dumbfoundedly when he heard thest sentence.


    ¡°¡­Aeroc did?¡±


    ¡°I heard about itst night. My Young Master, unfortunately, with Sir Bendyke.¡±


    Kloff couldn¡¯t forget how the butler trembled, his hands shaking as if he were furious. His fiery gaze seemed to burn Kloff. However, Kloff remained unfazed. If Aeroc had said those words to the butler, it meant they hade to some understanding of this rtionship. This seemed to level his ying field with the butler. Kloff could barely manage to suppress the uncontroble smile in him and cleared his throat.


    ¡°Ah, hmm. Yes, it turned out that way.¡±


    ¡°I thought I should say this. Because of Sir Bendyke, who deceived and manipted that innocent and well-behaved person, the master¡¯s body¡­¡±


    ¡°So you knew about that too. But I also know nothing about that. I, too, am a victim who was oblivious to his secret.¡±


    ¡°You, you said victim? How audacious.¡±


    The butler seethed with anger and trembled, but Kloff had nothing to say. All he said was true. Not wanting the old man to suddenly copse, he avoided saying unnecessary things, keeping his gaze wandering and remaining silent.


    The butler, who had been staring at Kloff as if he could kill him with just his eyes, finally opened his trembling lips.


    ¡°The fact that it¡¯s irreversible has been confirmed multiple times through doctors.¡±


    ¡°I was about to do the same for him, thank you for doing it on my behalf.¡±


    When Kloff shamelessly expressed his gratitude, the butler gritted his teeth and quickly ran his hand through his hair. His gesture was very simr to Aeroc¡¯s. With his aged silver hair swept back, the butler took a small breath, returning to his courteous and expressionless demeanor. Seeing him acting so much like his master, Kloff frowned.


    ¡°As a Count, it is his duty to protect the family and carry on the lineage as an Alpha. It is my obligation to serve him.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°If the Master had been an Omega from the beginning, it might have been different, but now if he ims his body has changed, he will only face ridicule from society, and it will also raise issues regarding inheritance rights. Even though the Master is the only son of thete predecessor, thete predecessor had siblings and several cousins, so a messywsuit could arise. That is thest thing I want to happen.¡±


    Kloff was so happy about Aeock bing an omega that he hadn¡¯t thought about such things. He had only thought of going through the heat together, impregnating Aeroc, and raising a child together. However, for a butler who had devoted his life to serving an aristocratic family, the problem of family session loomedrger. As awyer, Kloff couldn¡¯t deny the problem the butler pointed out. Folding his arms and leaning against the desk, Kloff waited for the butler to finish his words.


    ¡°I¡¯d like for this matter to remain unknown.¡±


    He had expected those words toe out.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want that.¡±


    Kloff absolutely didn¡¯t want to treat this matter as if it never happened. No matter what the butler did or how Aeroc tried to persuade him to refuse, Kloff had no intention of giving this up. When he stood up aggressively and red at the butler, the butler merely snorted.


    ¡°I expected as much.¡±


    While saying that, he observed Kloff with an undaunted gaze. His determined eyes were still shining brightly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want the young master to spend the rest of his life in istion, living in solitude. And I don¡¯t want to make this matter widely known either, so there¡¯s only one option left. Although it goes against my own feelings, I have no choice but to follow God¡¯s will.¡±


    Listening to those words, Kloff made a puzzled expression.


    ¡°As of now, I am certain that you do not suit the Count Teiwind family, nor will you in the future. However, since it is the young master¡¯s wish, I don¡¯t have any other choice.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? What did Aeroc say?¡±


    ¡°Pleasee to the estate tomorrow morning. I will keep my schedule empty.¡±


    The invitation to the estate was very wee, but Kloff didn¡¯t understand why the butler needed to keep his schedule empty. Looking at Kloff, who still hadn¡¯t fully grasped the situation, the butler clicked his tongue in disdain.


    ¡°While the individual isn¡¯t the best, I thought I could make something out of you, but I¡¯ll have to reconsider whether I can turn you into a person. I¡¯ll leave for today. Have a good day.¡±


    Leaving those words behind, the butler left his office. Until then, Kloff still didn¡¯t understand anything. It felt like he just made a major deration, but Kloff couldn¡¯t grasp his exact meaning. He would have to go to the estate tomorrow to find out. However, a great uneasiness overcame him, and even after the butler had left, Kloff asionally felt a chill down his spine.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 9.1 - Taming the stallion

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 9.1 - Taming the stallion</h4>


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    It was still great up until Kloff had to confidently visit the estate early in the morning. However, without even catching a glimpse of Aeroc¡¯s hair in the house, Kloff couldn¡¯t understand why he had to walk from one end of the study to the other, receiving a stern scolding from the butler multiple times.


    ¡°Chin up, shoulders back! Don¡¯t rush your pace.¡±


    The butler corrected Kloff¡¯s posture while waving a whip he got from somewhere. When Kloff asked what it was for, the sharpsh fell on his shoulders.


    ¡°If you want to be a match for the Count, start by practicing the proper posture.¡±


    ¡°I see. Is this what they call aristocratic bride education?¡±


    ¡°Rather than that, it¡¯s more like taming a stubborn colt, but yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°¡­Taming a stallion, is it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Kloff red at the butler with obvious ridicule, but the butler remainedposed as if he had never ridiculed him. He pointed to one side again,manding, ¡°Walk straight.¡± Kloff reluctantly followed suit. It hurt to get hit, but since he had set his mind on bing an economic bureaucrat, he might gain ess to the royal social circles. In that case, he thought this butler¡¯s education woulde in handy.


    Let¡¯s think of this positively. Despite feeling boiling anger when the butler pped his shoulders with the whip, following him step by step behind his back, Kloff decided to think positively. The training continued for the whole morning. After it ended, when Kloff was about to go to the office, the butler handed him massive books on liberal arts.


    ¡°Tomorrow, you will be tested on the contents of these. Finish reading it all ande.¡±


    ¡°I have to read all of these today? Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯ve read all of these?¡±


    Kloff had read plenty of legal and economic books during his university years, he could proudly say that he had read a fair amount of books in liberal arts. It was hard to believe that the butler could check all of these, when Kloff himself only knew half of the titles in this stack of books.


    ¡°Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be me testing you. It¡¯s part of the list written by the Count.¡±


    ¡°Then who¡¯s doing the test?¡±


    ¡°The Count will do it at this time tomorrow. Make sure not to disappoint him.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    At those words, Kloff¡¯s eyes lit up. He nodded his head, unconsciously licking his lips. The butler, who wiped his monocle with a handkerchief and put it back on, said, ¡°I will also be there, so don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡± and left, leaving Kloff standing there with a deste expression, holding the books.


    He definitely didn¡¯t want to lose. He wanted to be acknowledged in some way. With his ambitious spirit, even as a poor student, he became a top graduate who gained support from the professors. He would do his best to get what he wanted.


    Fromte morning tote afternoon, he dealt with clients and made investment ns for national funds. It was a new field that he had not encountered before, so there was a lot of research to be done, and he also had to review internationalw, which he had neglected until now. He was truly busy with no time to spare. When he returned homete in the evening, he was already exhausted.


    ¡°You seem very busy these days. It¡¯s not good if you harm your health.¡±


    Martha served a simple soup, soft bread, and juice with a worried expression. Kloff gulped them fast, and when he asked Martha to bring him tea to the studyter, Martha ced her hands on her hips and began to nag in disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to work hard when you¡¯re young, but you should also get some rest. If you overwork yourself like this, you might die before you can even get a pretty bride.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m currently working hard to get that bride. Martha, please make the tea strong.¡±


    Kloff lightly kissed her cheek and carried the heavy books to his study. He took off his jacket and vest, unbuttoned his cuffs, and loosened his tie. Then he looked into the four book volumes Hugo had handed him.


    The first book was <Forms of Crime>. It was a fundamental book to read as part of the ruling ss, but Kloff had never thought of himself as part of the ruling ss, so he had only briefly skimmed through it once to gain somemon understanding of it. Just the thought of reading all these troublesome things made him sigh, but he knew that if he backed down now, he would never be able toy a finger on Aeroc, so he steeled his resolve and opened the first chapter.


    He managed to read two books until dawn, but four books were too much. He had a feeling that Aeroc would delve into <Forms of Crime>, so he thoroughly read that and one other philosophical book, but only skimmed through the remaining two. Just doing all that, Kloff had to stay up almost the whole night. He fell asleep for a moment and woke up early in the morning to the sound of Martha¡¯s movements. He had fallen asleep right there in the study. In a daze, he went back to his room and took a hot shower.


    Since graduating from college, it was the first time he had stayed up all night to work on an assignment, but he didn¡¯t feel as tired as he expected after the short rest. He was confident of his stamina. As hot water poured over him, he felt a little excited at the thought of meeting Aeroc in a while. Even though he hadn¡¯t slept for much, the thought of Aeroc sent a rush of blood to his lower body. He had to endure the moans that escaped him while he had his natural morning phenomenon, all while suppressing his curses. But it still left him with a sense of emptiness.


    <i> </i>


    <i> Why am I doing this when I have a perfectly fine omega partner?</i>


    He felt slightly depressed and miserable, but quickly shook off those feelings. The more effort he put in, the greater the reward. Kloff finished showering and prepared to go out.


    As he entered the estate, the butler came to greet him again. He went into the study, but to his disappointment, Aeroc was not there. Before Kloff could even ask, the butler responded.


    ¡°Stand up straight! If you can¡¯t pass the first round, you won¡¯t be able to meet the Count.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t like this was an exam, and he wanted to ask what with the rounds, but it would just add more headaches, so Kloff walked as he learned from yesterday. Kloff was not inherently stupid, and he had a strong ability to quickly apply what he had learned. The butler had been watching closely to catch any fault and nodded expressionlessly, but Kloff was convinced that the butler was disappointed.


    ¡°Please wait for a moment.¡±


    The butler left the study and soon returned. He brought Aeroc along with him. Kloff immediately stood up from his seat. Dressed in unadorned finery, his dark blond hair neatlybed back, he strode into the study with a thin smile on his face, a fake smile that faltered slightly when he spotted Kloff.


    With his hands outstretched in front of him and an innocent expression on his face, Aeroc was about to make his move when the butler coughed loudly. He got startled and quickly straightened up, smiled a fake smile of politeness, and bowed his head. Kloff, who had just opened his arms in anticipation of Aeroc¡¯s rush, let out a huff of air and bowed politely. <i>This damned old man.</i>


    Approaching gracefully, Aeroc held out his hand for a shake, but Kloff grabbed it and pulled him into a quick embrace. Then he kissed his lips as if to show off. At first, Aeroc was surprised and stunned, but when the kiss ended, he opened his closed eyes, a little disappointed.


    ¡°How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I want to ask the same for you.¡±


    As they exchanged greetings, Kloff lightly embraced Aeroc and kissed his golden hair again. The butler, who had been watching the scene from behind, had an astonished expression. Kloff smiled with a victorious smile and deliberately ran his hand down the smooth curve of Aeroc¡¯s back. It had been a long time since he had seen Aeroc, so he didn¡¯t want to let him go. He whispered to Aeroc if there was anywhere that hurt or if Aeroc had missed him, and Aerocughed softly.


    The butler, watching the two men, coughed repeatedly as if he were a patient with a lung disease. At that, Aeroc lightly pushed Kloff away and distanced himself. Aeroc sat down, wary of the butler. Kloff red at the butler like he was going to kill him, and tried to sit down next to Aeroc, only to have the butler rush in and swing his whip at him. Kloff ended up sitting across from Aeroc. Sparks flew between Kloff and the butler. Aeroc smiled awkwardly and picked up the book on the table.


    When the test began, Aeroc was even worse than the butler. Even Kloff, who had never been outperformed in oral exams all his life, was at a loss.


    ¡°Why do you think that way?¡±


    This was the worst question of all. It was the question that came back when he answered that there was no reason other than the ethical obligationmonly mentioned for the ruling ss to consider the lower ss. Asking such questions was amon tactic used by some professors to intentionally put people on the spot and see how they reacted.


    Normally, he would have gathered all sorts of philosophical topics to turn the conversation around and gain the upper hand, but there was no point in defeating Aeroc like that and it didn¡¯t seem like he could win either. So, while pretending to waste time, Kloff stretched his leg under the table and touched Aeroc¡¯s leg with his. Slowly stroking it, he said, ¡°Well, let¡¯s see.¡± A blush spread on Aeroc¡¯s fair and unblemished face as he bit his lip and began to re at him. Kloff feigned ignorance and rubbed his leg more boldly.


    ¡°Wha¡­ what?¡±


    ¡°Hm, I wonder why?¡±


    As Kloff smiled smugly, Aeroc was about to open his mouth, but he realized the butler behind him and closed his mouth. He stammered, ¡°¡­Let¡¯s move on to another question,¡± and opened another book. Fortunately, Aeroc¡¯s attention was too distracted to ask difficult questions, so Kloff could answer them easily.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve read everything.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t lie. Unlike someone.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I guess we¡¯ll stop here today.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 9.2 - Taming the stallion

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 9.2 - Taming the stallion</h4>


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    Aeroc quickly stood up. The butler, who had been watching from a distance, obliviously wondered why it ended earlier than expected. Kloff chuckled softly, and Aeroc stopped in his tracks as he walked out of the study. After thinking for a moment, he nced back at Kloff and said to the butler.


    ¡°Find the next books on the list and tell him I¡¯ll see him again in two days.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    After he left, the butler handed Kloff four more books. Receiving the books, Kloff thought his eyes would pop out of his head.


    ¡°Do you really want me to read this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°No, no. No problem at all.¡±


    Even the butler clearly had never read these books before. As Kloff came out holding them and got on the carriage, heughed hysterically. Then he had to forcefully suppress his rising desire. Among the books he received, three were ordinary liberal arts books. However, one of them was thest volume of <The History of Suffering>.


    Judging by the title, it seemed like an ordinary religious or historical book. In fact, it was. The problem was that was not published as a single volume. Usually, these books had a cover that said one thing and another inside, and most of them were tantly explicit erotic books that were banned from publication for being too indecent, not because of political views. It was exactly the kind of book that was circting among students back when he was in college. Opening the book, as expected¡­


    ¡°This is driving me crazy.¡±


    It was a story about an omega maiden from an aristocratic family who suddenly received a curse and had to survive through all kinds of alphas and sex to save her life. The content was too explicit for him to read. There were more moans than actual dialogue. Kloff couldn¡¯t believe that Aeroc gave him this smutty book after two weeks of absence. Such a cunning Omega. How could he wait for two days?


    In the next two days, Kloff made continuous efforts to read the other three books and inevitably finished thest volume of <The History of Suffering>. Now, Kloff was eagerly waiting for the morning toe. Greeting Martha, who was preparing breakfast, he gulped down a cup of ck tea that had been slightly cooled by pouring cold water, before leaving like the wind. Trying his best to disguise his excitement, he entered the estate and was greeted by a footman, not the butler.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the butler?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s out at the Count¡¯smand. Pleasee this way.¡±


    At that, Kloff was quite surprised. Grumbling at the footman for not moving faster, Kloff followed him and reached not a study, but a boudoir favored by the owners. It wasn¡¯t a bedroom as he¡¯d expected, but it was private enough that many aristocrats would use it for such purposes. Kloff sipped at the tea the footman brought him, unable to calm down.


    At that moment, one of the doors opened, and Aeroc walked in. When he saw Kloff, he gave him a faint smile and greeted him with his eyes, before turning around and closing the door behind him. He even went to the door through which Kloff had entered and locked it too, then went to the window that lit up the boudoir and bent down to look out.


    Kloff stared at his back. Aeroc¡¯s back and waist were covered in a thin indoor jacket, and his firm buttocks and thighs were clearly shaped in his well-tailored pants. Unable to say anything, he could only swallow his saliva, but Aeroc reached out and closed the heavy curtain. He closed everything. Before his eyes could adjust to the darkness, a sweet yet pungent scent reached his nose. Kloff blinked his eyes a few times, then he saw Aeroc approaching, dropping his jacket to the floor.


    Damn it. He might just die here today.


    ¡°Did you read all the books I gave you?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Aeroc approached him with a coy smile, his two arms reaching Kloff¡¯s neck and pulling closer. Kloff uncontrobly let out a low moan as his raging bulge from earlier pressed against Arok¡¯s body. Then he wrapped his arms around Aeroc¡¯s waist and hurriedly tried to kiss him, but Aeroc turned his head away and evaded it. While brushing his lips on Aeroc¡¯s neck and behind his ear, he parted Aeroc¡¯s legs with his knee.


    Aeroc let out a soft sigh and whispered in a slightly husky voice, ¡°Did you also read thest volume of <The History of Suffering>?¡± It was so insanely erotic that Kloff almost climaxed on that alone. Instead, he nibbled a little on Aeroc¡¯s smooth neck, which was emitting a good scent, and endured himself.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ve almost memorized it all.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve done your assignments well, I should give you a reward.¡±


    ¡°Are you nning to kill me, or are you nning to get yourself killed?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see.¡±


    Before Kloff could respond to that, Aeroc crashed his lips against his. Half-distracted by the daring and smooth flesh that invaded his mouth, Kloff focused on the kiss. As he did, he reached for the hem of Aeroc¡¯s shirt. With one hand on his ass and the other caressing his back and waist, Kloff simultaneously rubbed against the bulging front of Aeroc¡¯s pants.


    Meanwhile, Aeroc unbuttoned Kloff¡¯s jacket, then unfastened his vest and pulled off his tie. When Kloff tried to undress himself, Aeroc removed his hands. While the jacket that Martha had meticulously ironedy crumpled on the floor, the two continued to kiss without breaking away. As their kiss deepened, producing sloppy sounds, Aeroc soon became irritated while unbuttoning Kloff¡¯s shirt.


    ¡°Why are you wearing so many buttons?¡±


    In response, Kloff once again upied Aeroc¡¯s lips, releasing his cuffs and leaving the shirt unbuttoned as he slid it upwards. When Kloff¡¯s firm chest was exposed, Aeroc used his two hands to caress it and brought his lips to Kloff¡¯s neck. While Kloff was trying to remove his shirt, Aeroc pushed him down backward onto the long sofa.


    ¡°Uhh.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 9.3 - Taming the stallion

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 9.3 - Taming the stallion</h4>


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    ¡°My hard work paid off well. I get to receive such a reward too. Will I get another reward if I memorize the whole book next time?¡±


    Kloff whispered while sucking on Aeroc¡¯s red ear. Aeroc responded by tilting his head and grazing his cheek against Kloff¡¯s. His cked hands slid up over Kloff¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°¡­ I met Viscount Derbyshirest week.¡±


    ¡°Why him?¡±


    Just as they were enjoying the good atmosphere, an unexpected name popped up, disrupting the mood. Kloff frowned and looked up, only to see Aeroc wearing a faint smile, looking back at him.


    ¡°He said he wanted to introduce me to an omega acquaintance that he knew.¡±


    Ah, so Derbyshire¡¯s meddling didn¡¯t end with himself. To think that he even tried that with Aeroc, maybe he should say something to him so he would stop interfering. But he couldn¡¯t just attack the person who he was indebted to. Kloff thought deeply.


    ¡°¡­So what did you say?¡±


    ¡°I told him I would think about it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Kloff abruptly sat up, causing Aeroc to make a small groan and twist his body as their connected bodies were broken off. Then, with eyes full of water, Aeroc red at Kloff and pulled his legs together. No matter how seductive Aeroc was and how the heat in his lower body was pooling again, there was a bigger problem now.


    ¡°You should have refused him!¡±


    ¡°Why would I?¡±


    ¡°You, really!¡±


    He was too astonished to say anything. He took a few vain breaths and then covered his face with his hands. Then he let out a deep sigh, looking at this infuriating omega, who was gazing at Kloff as if he did nothing wrong.


    ¡°So you tempt me and sleep with me, but you want to marry another alpha, no, omega? Have you been ying with me? All those books and posture education, is it all a joke?¡±


    Unable to argue or muster any strength, Kloff asked in a tired voice. Then Aeroc red at him as if he were the one being used.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who said you didn¡¯t want to marry an omega or settle down with anyone. You made a reluctant person to spend his heat with you, yet you said you want to live alone forever. I¡¯m not interested in ying with such a person.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The other day you said you wanted the three of us to stand before the officiator, and have children with as many as we want, but now¡­¡±


    The voice that whispered softly was filled with deep anger. Kloff turned his head to look at the person who had just spoken those words. He really red at Kloff fiercely before eventually turning his head away. When Kloff finally understood this situation, he blurted out in disbelief.


    ¡°You said that Aeroc Teiwind will always be an alpha.¡±


    Aeroc tried to get up and leave the sofa, but Kloff grabbed him and forced him back down. He shoved and struggled but soon gave up trying as he was overpowered, with his body embraced tightly around Kloff. However, his anger hadn¡¯t dissipated at all, so he turned away from Kloff.


    ¡°Did Viscount Derbyshire say that to you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me and say you didn¡¯t tell him that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did tell him that.¡±


    Immediately afterward, the blue eyes that looked at Kloff were filled with betrayal. His eyelids trembled slightly, and even his tightly pressed lips quivered as if suppressing tears. Kloff sighed. How should he really deal with this person? How to deal with this mean and cunning, yet lovable Count who always yed with people¡¯s emotions like this?


    ¡°I can¡¯t say anything about us in public since you¡¯re known to all as an alpha. You know that yourself very well. But I¡¯m working hard in my own way. So that I can make you my wife. That¡¯s why I¡¯m reading those books, enduring the whip like a stallion every morning, and relearning how to walk properly which I haven¡¯t learned since I was one year old. Does this all seem like lies to you?¡±


    ¡°Then what you told Viscount Derbyshire wasn¡¯t true?¡±


    ¡°I have no intention of marrying any other omega. The chances of me remaining single legally are high. But if you ept me, the situation will change.¡±


    ¡°¡­Was I misunderstanding everything?¡±


    ¡°From now on, would you check directly with me first? Of course, if you want to do it by seducing me like today, you¡¯re more than wee.¡±


    Kloff gave a firm kiss on the dazed Aeroc¡¯s lips as if nting a mark on it. Aeroc blinked in slight surprise. Finding his reaction adorable and lovely, Kloff continued to steal kisses. However, Kloff couldn¡¯t understand why Aeroc suddenly seduced him if he thought he had been betrayed one-sidedly. As they continued to deepen their kiss, Kloff asked.


    ¡°What were you thinking by seducing me like this?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    He persuaded him to reveal everything so they would not make another mistake due to misunderstandings. Actually, rather than persuasion, threatening his lips to press against Aeroc¡¯s neck, corbone, and chest, and aiming for his nipple were more effective. In any case, Aeroc confessed the truth while gasping for breath.


    ¡°I felt like you were ying with me. So I wanted to do the same to you.¡±


    As Kloff sucked on his nipples andughed, he identally bit the sensitive nub slightly.


    ¡°Ouch! That hurts!¡±


    Seeing Aeroc push him away, Kloffughed uncontrobly. How was he so cute and lovable? Feeling embarrassed, his face turned bright red, and he shoved theughing Kloff away and stood up. His tightly clenched fists were trembling.


    ¡°Don¡¯tugh! You bad person.¡±


    He yelled, but Kloff couldn¡¯t hear him, too busy watching the fluid flowing down his thighs. Aeroc, who felt his gaze, blushed even more and picked up Kloff¡¯s jacket that had fallen nearby and threw it forcefully at him. While Kloff was pulling down the jacket, Aeroc quickly gathered the scattered clothes. As Kloff approached and put his arms around Aeroc¡¯s waist, he kissed the nape of his neck and said, ¡°Are you tempting me again?¡±


    ¡°Stay away from me!¡±


    As Aeroc turned his body and tried to retort him, Kloff pondered how to take him down one more time. Suddenly, a knock was heard from outside.


    ¡°Master, are you here?¡±


    The butler¡¯s gruff voice called out.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Hugo. Make sure that you tell him I didn¡¯te here. I slept in today because I was tired, alright?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s face turned white, then he pushed Kloff away and quickly gathered his clothes, before running away through another door. Meanwhile, Kloff hastily put on a shirt left in the corner and tucked it into his pants.


    ¡°Master?¡±


    Kloff frantically put on his vest, but couldn¡¯t find his tie, so he looked everywhere, first pulling back the curtains and opening the window to let in some air. Then, as he turned around, he noticed a discarded tie under the table. He quickly picked it up, put it around his neck, roughly tied it, and closed the buttons of his vest. He was just about to fasten the cuffs when the butler unlocked the room with a key and walked in.


    ¡°Master, are you here?¡±


    ¡°Aeroc isn¡¯t here. He said he was tired today and didn¡¯te.¡±


    Leaning against the window, Kloff feignedposure as he spoke in a rather light voice, but the butler immediately narrowed his eyes and red at Kloff. He seemed to sense something as his nostrils twitched. However, the butler said nothing and looked around the room. He was about to move on, but something caught his foot as he took a step. They both looked down at the same time, and therey a lost shoe without its pair.


    <i>Oh, my goodness. Is he the protagonist of a fairy tale?</i>


    Kloff covered his eyes with his hand, then lowered it to cover his mouth. Meanwhile, the butler picked up the shoe with his trembling hand. He barely managed to open his quivering mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯ste enough today, you may leave.¡±


    ¡°Ah, thank you.¡±


    Leaving unnecessary greetings, Kloff quickly picked up his jacket and turned to leave. At that moment, the demon called from behind.


    ¡°Instead! I¡¯ll see you two hours earlier tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Ahaha, sure.¡±


    Feeling a sinister gaze piercing his back, Kloff disappeared from the sight of the angry demon.


    The next day, Kloff suffered a terrible ordeal under the pretext of physical training. After being worked to death and forced to do garden work that had nothing to do with aristocratic refinement, he was fed with only a coarse, ck piece of bread. After all that, he had to organize the vast library, which had never been properly sorted since the death of the previous Count and was now solely used by Aeroc. And he had to do it all alone, following the Dewey Decimal System, without any help.


    Even though he took a day off to work on it, it still didn¡¯t end until veryte at night. As it was alreadyte, he was sent away without getting a proper meal. The Count¡¯s coachman left Kloff, who had be a wreck, in front of his house and drove away.


    ¡°Oh my, you¡¯ll get killed like this. Really, do you like that omega so much?¡±


    ¡°This is an unfavorable fight for me.¡±


    ¡°There are plenty of other people that you can easily obtain out there. I really can¡¯t understand my master¡¯s taste at all.¡±


    After thatint, Martha said no more and helped Kloff to the bed, took off his shoes, and tucked the sheets over.


    ¡°Please wake me up before midnight. I have some documents to review.¡±


    ¡°Understood. You should rest for now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Martha.¡±


    ¡°I feel like it¡¯s only my master who is dying. I¡¯ll seeter how well-off that prestigious house is.¡±


    Martha grumbled as she left the room. At that moment, Kloff thought that Martha might just be able to handle Hugo, but that thought didn¡¯tst long. He soon fell into slumber.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.1 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.1 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


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    The month went by quickly, and by the second month, the butler had tapered off in intensity, whether because he was getting tired or because he had nothing left to teach. Kloff¡¯s posture was perfect, and he had already read dozens of liberal arts books. He even yed footsies with Aeroc, entangling their legs together.


    After that, the butler made a ridiculous attempt to teach Kloff to y a musical instrument, but he gave up after Kloff nearly damaged a valuable treasure violin. From the beginning, Kloff had impable table manners and was excellent at horseback riding. He was versatile in all other sports, and there was hardly anyone who could defeat him in swordsmanship. But now, there was nothing left to nitpick him about, so they ultimately returned to square one. It was a matter of his social status.


    ¡°Do you have any aplishments? Don¡¯t bring up your wealth.¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Then I shall wait.¡±


    He gritted his teeth, but there was nothing he could do. Even before the butler told him to never dream of officially marrying the Count, he had already half given up. Instead, he made up his mind to establish Aeroc as his rightful omega during this next heat. The butler would probably not like it, but he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything if they made an ident. Aeroc seemed surprisingly a little disappointed, realizing that they couldn¡¯t have a wedding ceremony, and probably couldn¡¯t for a long time.


    ¡°If you want to do it grandly, I suppose you could publicly announce yourself as Omega and have a big ceremony in the cathedral.¡±


    Kloff said that half to tease him, but Aeroc seriously considered it. It would be right for him to reject it outright as it could threaten the position of the Count, but seeing that he couldn¡¯t do it, Kloff was overjoyed and had to restrain himself from immediately kneeling before Aeroc and making a grand proposal. He wanted to save this forter. After a while, Aeroc shook his head.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, not yet. But we can¡¯t just let it pass like this.¡±


    ¡°Of course. How about we have a simple meal?¡±


    ¡°A feast? Where?¡±


    ¡°Anywhere. Wherever you like.¡±


    Aeroc went back to his thought again, then nodded. Kloff held Aeroc¡¯s hand and kissed the back of it. And just as he was about to kiss again on his lips, he was interrupted by the butler¡¯s coughing fit, as if he had contracted lung disease.


    ¡°I will prepare for the feast.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you then. By the way, it¡¯s not a feast, just a dinner. I¡¯d like it to be as private as possible.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Although the butler was very strict and intimidating, he was also very thorough in his work, so after saying that, Kloff was able to go to his office that day without any further troubles. Aeroc stood by the window, looking at him. Kloff looked up at him, smiled, and raised his hand, and Aeroc raised his in return. There wouldn¡¯t be many days left for them to part like this. After this uing heat, Kloff would protect his wife and child by their side. No one, butler or otherwise, would have the right to stop him then.


    In the weeks leading up to the celebratory dinner, he would asionally stop by the estate, but nothing much happened. Instead, he worked day and night to elevate his social status. Kloff organized the tasks he had started and handed them over to reliable colleagues in the industry, only dealing with major clients, and devoted the remaining time to managing national funds.


    He¡¯s still at an early stage, so there haven¡¯t been significant achievements yet, but Kloff was confident that he would see the light of day before the year ended. People who exerted their influence in this field held high positions, so Kloff became quite busy meeting with them. As a result, he visited the estate less frequently. As Aeroc was safe and sound at the estate, he didn¡¯t get too worried.


    As the promised day drew nearer, Kloff felt his heart pounding strangely for no reason. Especially when he touched the ring he had prepared again, perfectly matching Aeroc¡¯s finger, he couldn¡¯t calm down even more. It wasn¡¯t like this when he prepared a proposal for Rapiel before. This time, he felt nervous and anxious. He even had a slight fear that things might go wrong.


    ¡°Kloff Bandyke, if you¡¯re already like this now, how will you doter?¡±


    He tried to control his excitement, but it was difficult to suppress the smile that kept creeping out. Seeing his superior chuckling to himself, the secretary looked at him like he was a crazy person, so Kloff pretended to clear his throat as if nothing happened.


    On the promised day, Kloff dressed more immactely than usual. He wore his perfect suit which was polished by Martha, even in his eyes, he was looking quite good. After waving goodbye to Martha, who begged him to return with sess this time, Kloff went to the estate. And as soon as he entered the entrance, he couldn¡¯t close his mouth at the sight of carriages bustling around the Count¡¯s estate.


    Moreover, when he entered the estate¡¯s entrance, the butler dressed in a formal suit raised his head and greeted him, saying, ¡°Hello, Sir. May I see your invitation?¡±


    ¡°What invitation? And how is this a private dinner?¡±


    ¡°It has been prepared privately. Following the Count¡¯s standards, of course.¡±


    He gritted his teeth and red at the butler, but the situation had already urred, and there was no way to rectify it. Seeing the butler with a faint smile, Kloff was sure he had been tricked. He trusted him too easily. This fox-like cunning old man.


    It was useless to grab the butler and talk him down. He had to find Aeroc right away. Following the footman¡¯s guidance, he entered the estate and found that there were tables set up outdoors instead of a dining hall. Seeing thevishly decorated table and garden, just like the previous soir¨¦e, he felt dizzy for a moment.


    The Count¡¯s finances were in much better shape thanks to Kloff¡¯s efforts, so this wasn¡¯t a big problem, but the important thing was, how could they think this whole feast as a private dinner? Especially when he saw someone talking to a huge alpha with silver eyes then saw Kloff and waved at him. That guy was his former fianc¨¦! Kloff felt like he was going to faint, but he decided to find the culprit first, strangle him, before fainting himself.


    ¡°Aeroc!¡±


    He rushed to him across the feast hall. Some guests looked at Kloff and extended their hands, saying, ¡°I heard it¡¯s a special day for you. Is it your birthday?¡± He smiled his best hospitality smile unknowingly and said, ¡°No, it¡¯s not my birthday. There must be some misunderstanding.¡± He hastily shook their hands.


    ¡°Please excuse me. I¡¯m looking for the Count.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s Teiwind, I saw him over there.¡±


    He quickly ran in the direction pointed out by the guests. Amidst the bustling crowd of busy servants serving the guests, in the center of the garden¡¯s huge feast hall, he spotted Aeroc in a dazzling white suit.


    He looked even more radiant than usual, and the moment he saw Kloff, he suddenly lost the usual masked smile as if he had thrown it away somewhere and smiled beautifully, as if Kloff was dreaming. At that moment, not only Kloff but everyone around him looked at him at the same time.


    ¡°The Count seems exceptionally charming today.¡±


    ¡°Oooh, I wonder if something happened to him. He does look very happy.¡±


    ¡°Could he have fallen in love?¡±


    ¡°Who is this lucky Omega? Is it Westport¡¯s?¡±


    Hearing that, Kloff¡¯s mind cleared instantly. He grabbed Aeroc¡¯s arm, who was smiling generously toward anyone.


    ¡°Please excuse us. I have something urgent to discuss with the Count.¡±


    The bluntness of his tone startled the guests who had just been chatting, but they didn¡¯t protest, knowing that Kloff was the Count¡¯s financial manager and that they had an oddly close rtionship. Aeroc and Kloff were already known to have a close rtionship among the aristocrats. Although there were opinions that it was an iprehensible friendship between entric bachelor alphas, people shrugged it off easily as they saw Kloff dragging Aeroc by the arm to a corner.


    ¡°What are you doing, behaving so rudely towards the guests? Everyone is looking at you strangely.¡±


    Surprisingly, Aeroc was the one to get angry. But since they couldn¡¯t argue here, Kloff took him to a secluded corner in the garden where no one was present. Since the incident of violence before, no one approached where Kloff was, but just in case, he asked a passing maid to block the area so that no one coulde this way. The maid, who was the Count¡¯s servant and knew well that their rtionship was more than an ¡®iprehensible friendship¡¯, nodded quietly.


    As soon as they reached the corner, Kloff grabbed Aeroc by the cor and snarled.


    ¡°How is this a simple dinner?¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ve already reduced the guest list by half.¡±


    Aeroc waved off Kloff¡¯s hand, irritated. His appearance was so dazzlingly beautiful that Kloff wanted to knock him down right away, but he had to control it because he needed to express his anger first. He deliberately put his hands on his hips and paced back and forth, arguing and raising his voice. Otherwise, he felt like he would give away his excitement.


    ¡°I thought there wouldn¡¯t be any guests!¡±


    ¡°How can there not be guests at a feast? Don¡¯t be absurd.¡±


    They really were bad atmunicating. Initially, all Kloff wanted was a romantic moment of sharing high-quality wine while whispering to each other privately, just the two of them. Thest thing that he wanted was a grand banquet with all the aristocrats gathered, including his former fianc¨¦. But it seemed that his intentions didn¡¯t get through Aeroc at all. Disappointed, Kloff loosened his tie and sighed.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.2 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.2 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


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    ¡°After being hospitable to those many guests, whates next?¡±


    ¡°Whates next?¡±


    Aeroc asked as if he didn¡¯t know anything. Seeing that, Kloff felt anger boiling inside him.


    ¡°You¡¯re in your heat!¡±


    ¡°¡­Ah¡­ I¡¯m not yet in heat.¡±


    Hearing Kloff shout, Aeroc quickly became flustered and stammered to deny it. Kloff snorted in response.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. I can already smell a sweet scent.¡±


    cing his arm against his nose, Aeroc asked with a worried expression.


    ¡°Did others notice it too?¡±


    ¡°Not to that extent. Only I can smell it. Others might just smell your perfume.¡±


    Not wanting Aeroc to get worried, Kloff replied with a slightly teasing tone. Aeroc looked at Kloff with a vacant expression, blinked, and added anotherment.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you? Are you actually a dog, not a human?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    To think that Aeroc was treating him like a dog. Kloff chuckled. He then brought Aeroc back to reality.


    ¡°If I¡¯m a dog, then you¡¯re a bitch. Come on now, let¡¯s go make puppies.¡±


    He grabbed the hand of the flustered Aeroc and wanted to go back to the estate, but Aeroc pulled away. When he turned around, Aeroc¡¯s face was flushed, and he made strange gestures, words noting out. After taking a small sigh, he opened his mouth again.


    ¡°Wait. What about the guests?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll take care of themselves and go home. The butler will handle them. There are so many people out there, everything won¡¯t fall apart just because you¡¯re not there.¡±


    ¡°But as the host, I have to at least greet them¡­¡±


    Kloff quickly grabbed his waist to keep him from pulling away, then he stared at him directly, warning him with his gaze.


    ¡°For how long do you n to be greeting a hundred people? If you have the stamina for that, I¡¯d prefer you to focus on our sex.¡±


    ¡°Kloff!¡±


    As he walked in big strides, Aeroc stumbled along as if he was about to fall. No matter how much Aeroc called out or tried to divert his attention, Kloff didn¡¯t even flinch and headed straight for the bedroom. Aeroc¡¯s bedroom was somewhat romantically decorated, thankfully Aeroc did understand the true meaning of this dinner. A faint fragrance lingered in the air, and there were pale-colored flowers ced here and there. Even on the table, there were light drinks and snacks.


    ¡°You¡¯re always so prepared.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that, I just¡­¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t make eye contact and hesitated in his words. Kloff pushed him into the room and quickly locked the door. Just like what Aeroc did before, Kloff locked the other doors and the windows, then he pulled the curtains shut.


    As he didn¡¯t want them to get disturbed, he gave a look towards the maids and footmen with his gaze when they entered the estate, so unless a war broke out, they wouldn¡¯t be disturbed. He was confident that the butler wouldn¡¯t disturb them this time, as he should be aware already. He wouldn¡¯t want to see his beloved young master be in heat, disheveledly taking an alpha.


    Aeroc nced back at Kloff with a slightly anxious expression. This current Aeroc didn¡¯t seem like a sarcastic person or a temptress. It was quite puzzling how Aeroc always became docile when Kloff took the initiative to set a sexual atmosphere, and it was somewhat cute in a way.


    He seemed to be a little afraid of sex initiated by others. After tempting him in the boudoir once, they also had sex in the library once. Avoiding the butler and having hurried sex, Aeroc had be stiffened up then.


    When he pinned him against the bookshelf from behind, especially holding his wrists, his begging-to-be-released expression, almost crying, looked pitiful. At that time, he had to hold Aeroc in his arms for a long time as he copsed to the floor after his climax. While stroking his trembling back and whispering that he was fine multiple times, Aeroc sat on Kloff¡¯sp, buried his head in his neck, and even shed a few tears. Kloff had learned then that forcing Aeroc when he was actively unwilling was not a good idea.


    Aeroc was in heat right now, so Kloff assumed that he wouldn¡¯t mind being dragged here, but seeing him like this, he became concerned again. He had no intention of forcing him. He had already waited, and whether he had to wait two more months or four more months, there wouldn¡¯t be much of a difference.


    ¡°Are you nervous about going through heat together? Do you want me to hold off until you¡¯re ready?¡±


    He spoke as gently as possible. In response, Aeroc¡¯s shoulders shuddered a little, but he soon lifted his head to stare at Kloff. Despite not being able to control his anxiety, he shook his head. It didn¡¯t seem genuine, so Kloff confirmed again, saying, ¡°I mean it, I don¡¯t mind if we put it off, as long as you don¡¯t leave me and run away.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ve been waiting for today too. I¡¯m just a little¡­ nervous.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Instead of answering, Aeroc came closer to Kloff and hugged him. Kloff immediately wrapped his arms around him, pulling his body closer. Aeroc showed no signs of resistance, but his body still stiffened slightly.


    Kloff always had to hold him gently and kindly. Of course, when his senses got a little hazy, or rather, his senses were always fully gone, it was still not okay to force Aeroc. It would be more understandable if he didn¡¯t like sex at all. He had a guess about Aeroc¡¯s experiences that he didn¡¯t want to get into detail. But it was strange. For some reason, Aeroc was extremely anxious, not about the sex itself, but about the immediate aftermath of it.


    He had to be gentle at the beginning of their sex, but he had to be even more loving at the end. Staring into his trembling blue eyes mixed with excitement and a hint of fear, Kloff pressed his lips against his. As he approached, the goldenshes gradually trembled and descended, making his vision slightly blurry.


    ¡°Kloff, Kloff.¡±


    With lust clouding his hazy eyes, Aeroc reached out his arm into the air and desperately called out to him. Even though they were already connected as one, he wanted to constantly reassure Kloff¡¯s affection. As if it were a bubble that would dissipate at any moment. During Aeroc¡¯s first heat, Kloff was so preupied with releasing his own desires that he didn¡¯t get to know him well. But it wasn¡¯t like that now. At the loving Omega¡¯s call, the Alpha instinctively reacted. He held the arms iling in the air and ced them around his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Aeroc.¡±


    ¡°Ah, my Alpha. Don¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t go anywhere. I¡¯ll stay by your side.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.3 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.3 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


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    ¡°This isn¡¯t like your usual self. Why are you suddenly like this?¡±


    In the fear that fills the cold air, inside the dry and rigid soul, hope pokes its head out like a dewy sprout. He grabbed that delicate and beautiful thing with sharp ws, ripping it out. He didn¡¯t know what kind of ending it would bring. He crushed thest hope that had sprouted in his heart.


    ¡°I hate you so much. I¡¯m disgusted with you. I hope you meet the same miserable end just like what you did before.¡±


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    His bloodied hands grasped for someone who had already left. He called his name over and over, waiting for an answer that would nevere.


    ***


    Kloff woke up to a terrible nightmare. It was so vivid that he found himself gasping for air with tears in his eyes. The corners of his eyes stung. The pain was so intense that he couldn¡¯t open his eyes properly. He raised his hand and wiped his tear-streaked cheeks. Even as he wiped his cheeks with the palm of his hand, tears continued to uncontrobly pour out. He couldn¡¯t breathe properly, so he took several rough breaths.


    His lips were wet with tears that had been streaming down his nasal passages for some time. No matter how much he wiped his tears, it was useless. Maybe his tear ducts were broken, or his heart was melting. Why did he feel such regret and self-loathing?


    Eventually, he opened his eyes. The pillow was soaked with tears. He had no strength in his limbs and felt so lethargic that he thought he might die. In his blurry vision, he saw a room that he didn¡¯t recognize. It was clearly an unfamiliar room, but the atmosphere didn¡¯t feel strange. As he took a deep breath, a familiar scent filled the air, and the inexplicable feeling of regret slowly faded away.


    Unable to breathe, Kloff sat up and realized that someone was sleeping next to him, dead as a doornail. A blond face that seemed to be dreaming. It was Aeroc. He was sleeping so deeply that Kloff wasn¡¯t sure he was still alive.


    <i>He couldn¡¯t be dead, right?</i>


    A sudden sense of dread came over him. He didn¡¯t know when, but it seemed like there had been a time when Aeroc hadn¡¯t opened his eyes for an eternity. Perhaps it was in a dream. Kloff couldn¡¯t let him go like this. He didn¡¯t want to be left alone ever again.


    Kloff hastily pulled Aeroc into an embrace and checked if he was breathing. He pressed his ear against Aeroc¡¯s nose tip, checked his warm body temperature with his hand, and then pressed his ear against his chest. His heart was beating strongly. Kloff could feel his chest moving with his regr breathing. He was alive and healthy.


    Exhaling a sigh of relief, he tightly held Aeroc in his arms. The slightly restless movements he had been making earlier seemed to stir Aeroc from his sleep, frowning and waking up. At other times, Kloff would let him continue to sleep, but now Kloff wanted to see him open his eyes. He wanted to see his reflection in those blue eyes.


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    Kloff called out, his voice sounding ridiculous with tears. Aeroc didn¡¯t answer. Even in that short moment, it felt like Kloff¡¯s blood was running cold, and he became anxious. His eyes, which had stopped tearing, red hot again.


    ¡°Ae¡­roc?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t even pronounce that short word correctly. Tears fell down his cheeks and the golden eyshes that caught them fluttered. Then, a hoarse raspy voice came out, ¡°Uhng.¡±


    Kloff felt relieved. Aeroc¡¯s grimace, which relieved him of his deathly horror, made him feel grateful. That face looked so lovely. Kloff stole a kiss as he watched Aeroc¡¯s lips twist and squirm, not being able to make a coherent sound.


    The recipient of the thieving kiss faintly protested, and when the kiss was broken, he slowly opened his eyes, tears clinging to his voluminousshes. Kloff smiled at the sight of his own foolish reflection in those deepke-like eyes. Blinking slowly, Aeroc looked at him dazedly, not quite awake yet.


    ¡°¡­I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡±


    ¡°No more for tonight.¡±


    ¡°But why, Kloff?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as he noticed the tears in Kloff¡¯s eyes, and he quickly raised one hand to wipe them away. At the same time, he stood up and used his other hand to wipe Kloff¡¯s wet cheek. He seemed very confused and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± But Kloff couldn¡¯t properly speak, his choked voice sounded extremely sad and painful, as if his heart was being torn apart. Kloff took the hand that came to cup his cheek and pressed his lips against the palm of it.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crying so much, it can¡¯t be nothing. Are you¡­¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t continue his words. He bit his lip and then smiled thinly. His smile seemed so genuine and sad, which made Kloff¡¯s heart sink. A few more tears rolled down his face.


    ¡°If you want to change your mind about this now¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth. No matter what happens, you are mine, and you¡¯re never going to get away from me.¡±


    The intimidation had no power at alling from someone who was half melting away from tearing up. However, Aeroc embraced the sobbing man, like an abandoned child, without uttering a word.


    Usually, an aristocratic Count normally looked down on people with arrogance, but strangely, Aerked confidence when it came to Kloff. Even when he had pushed Kloff away, saying that he couldn¡¯t go through something like before again, he always trembled like someone hurt by love.


    Kloff didn¡¯t know what had happened in Aeroc¡¯s past, a past that seemed to be filled with nothing but light. He had suffered deep wounds that were hard to gauge, and it would take a long time for him to heal from them. Kloff should be the one to wrap his arms around Aeroc and hold him, but it was Kloff who clung to him instead.


    Ack of confidence meant that there was ack of certainty, and consequently, ack of trust in the other person. Kloff, who was bound to him, felt the same way. It was unsettling that Aeroc always left room for doubt, like he were a brilliant mind who could only memorize but never understand. Or maybe he just wanted to make sure.


    Each time, Kloff made sure to give a clear answer. He firmly believed that repetitive learning was an excellent method that would work for even fools. Kloff repeated over and over again amidst his endless tears, ¡°You are mine, and I will never let you go.¡± Eventually, Aeroc¡¯s voice began to crack.


    ¡°Then why? Why are you crying?¡±


    It was a nightmare he didn¡¯t want to recall. Aeroc wrapped his arms around Kloff, rested his nose on his head, and whispered softly to Kloff to tell him what was going on. Kloff wanted to be Aeroc¡¯s pir, but his voice and the touch of his hand caressing his back felt so warm, causing Kloff to stop being stubborn.


    ¡°In my dream, I was driven mad because you killed my wife, Rapiel, and our unborn child so horribly. So I curse you to die an equally miserable death. Continuously. Over and over. Until you really die that way.¡±


    At that moment, the person who was holding him frozepletely, like an ice doll. His breathing stopped, and his heart started pounding loudly. The fingertips that had been gently stroking his back trembled. When Kloff raised his head, Aeroc¡¯s face was white with shock.


    Immediately, Kloff regretted it. He had done something an Alpha should never do to an unstable omega in heat. It was cruel of him to say that he had cursed the omega whom he was supposed to love and hold in his arms, even if it was only in a dream. It was something that should never be said to Aeroc, who was already sensitive and anxious. He was foolish.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have said such things.¡±


    Kloff pulled himself up, and this time he hugged the trembling Aeroc tightly. He gently stroked Aeroc¡¯s back as he had just done for him. Aeroc¡¯s trembling hand reached for Kloff¡¯s chest. It was more of pushing him away instead of approaching him. Kloff felt like sewing his own mouth right away for saying such words.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said anything.¡±


    Kloff pulled him closer, and Aeroc¡¯s forehead touched Kloff¡¯s slightly damp cheek. Spontaneously, he kissed that forehead. Aeroc still didn¡¯t say a word, which made Kloff speak more unnecessarily.


    ¡°They say dreams are the opposite of reality, so this nightmare might bring me luck.¡±


    Kloff stroked Aeroc lightly, trying to warm his frozen body anyhow.


    ¡°Maybe you had six children in the dream because of my subconscious desire. In the dream, you were an alpha, but I forcefully changed you into an omega. When it actually happened because of a medical mutation. The reality seems to be strangely mixed up in the dream. I¡¯ve already broken up with Rapiel, and now, you are my wife. It¡¯s just a stupid dream. Good things will keep happening to us, so don¡¯t worry about those strange dreams.¡±


    No matter how much Kloff tried to soothe him, Aeroc¡¯s trembling didn¡¯t subside. He could even hear faint sobs. Kloff regretted deeply that his careless words had made his clearly pregnant omega tremble in fear.


    ¡°Shh¡­ It¡¯s okay. Nothing¡¯s going to happen. I wouldn¡¯t do that to you.¡±


    He coaxed Aeroc for a long time with a soft voice. After a while, Aeroc himself made an effort to control his tears as he took a few deep breaths with suppressed sobs. Sometimeter, an almost iprehensible hoarse voice reached his ears.


    ¡°In your dream¡­ after I died¡­¡±


    ¡°I told you not to worry about that stupid dream.¡±


    Even though Kloff tried to draw a firm line, Aeroc didn¡¯t stop. He pressed his wet eyes against the nape of the Alpha¡¯s neck as he hugged him, and then he slowly spoke.


    ¡°¡­Were you happy?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Not understanding what he meant, Kloff asked in return. Aeroc sniffled before asking again with a fading voice.


    ¡°Since you got your revenge¡­ Was I tormenting you anymore?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to know about that?¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.4 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.4 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


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    He nodded his head slowly. Kloff was in disbelief. Was he being sarcastic by asking how well he had lived after Aeroc¡¯s death? It was cute and touching at the same time. Kloff gently lifted the crying omega and ced him on hisp. He held Aeroc¡¯s head, bringing it close to his own neck, while his other hand stroked Aeroc¡¯s back. He med himself more in order to soothe Aeroc.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way that I was happy. Even when I tormented you, it felt terrible, but after you died, it was the worst.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why?¡±


    Aeroc asked as if he knew nothing about it, and Kloff smiled in response. Did Aeroc really want to know why? He didn¡¯t want to expose his vulnerabilities, but since he was guilty of it, he had no choice but to exin it again and again.


    ¡°I killed the omega that I imprinted on with my own hands, living alone after that is just hellish. I swear to you, if it were real and not a dream, I would have alreadymitted suicide.¡±


    While being embraced, Aeroc swallowed his tears and jerked his head, looking at Kloff with a shocked expression, as if struck by lightning. It seemed that he couldn¡¯t believe it, so Kloff immediately licked the tears streaming down the corner of his eyes, reassuring him once again.


    ¡°In the dream, I couldn¡¯t die because of the children you gave birth to. But that¡¯s not the case now, so if anything wrong happens to you, I¡¯ll die too. So please, live a long and healthy life. I want to live a long life.¡±


    Kloff smiled and tried to kiss Aeroc¡¯s cheek, but Aeroc pulled his head back, avoiding him. Then, with a trembling voice, he questioned.


    ¡°¡­Imprinted? You didn¡¯t say such a thing.¡±


    ¡°In the dream, we continued to deeply hurt each other. By the time I realized it, it was already toote. But now¡­¡±


    In truth, he hadn¡¯t wanted to confess about the imprinting now. He mightpletely be a ve to Aeroc as he was inferior to him in many aspects, so he deliberately postponed it. He had nned to confesster when he was more qualified, while evasively saying, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t thrown that huge feast, I was going to confess during that meal with a ring.¡± Of course, he had already bought the ring.


    Come to think of it, there were quite a few things that got skipped because Kloff got angry and dragged Aeroc straight to the bedroom. To top it off, he even mentioned that he cursed Aeroc in his dream. To say the least, he must have lost his sanity a little. He might have gotten too ecstatic to finally have his omega and had lost his senses in the process.


    Kloff had confessed already, but Aeroc didn¡¯t believe him. He kept saying it was all lies. Given his constant anxiety, it might be expected for him not to believe it. Kloff had a feeling that if he couldn¡¯t convince Aeroc here, it would always stay like this in the future. Unlike Aeroc, who constantly left room for doubt, Kloff had no desire to do so.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t believe me, just wait a moment.¡±


    Kloff wanted to bring his evidence and tried to get out of bed, but suddenly Aeroc urgently shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡± and clung to him. Kloff was taken aback, and when he looked at Aeroc, tears were flowing down his cheeks as he desperately held onto Kloff¡¯s arm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll believe you, so don¡¯t go!¡±


    ¡°¡­The ring is in my pocket over there¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need things like a ring. So please, don¡¯t go.¡±


    He had prepared the ring in earnest so he was honestly disappointed to hear that Aeroc didn¡¯t need it. However, seeing how desperate Aeroc looked, he could only hug him tightly. Aeroc clung to him as if he were drowning in the waters. Their bare chests pressed against each other, and it felt so warm andforting. Worried that his exposed back in the air would get cold, he pulled the sheet over him, covering up to his shoulders. Meanwhile, Aeroc, hanging onto Kloff¡¯s sturdy and muscr body like a cedar tree, took slow breaths. His damp breath tickled Kloff¡¯s corbone.


    ¡°Since when was it?¡±


    Even though he asked curtly, Kloff could understand what he meant. He pulled Aeroc¡¯s waist and calmly answered. He wanted to kiss him, but Aeroc had lowered his head, making it difficult.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly.¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    Aeroc lifted his head up. Kloff wiped his thumb across the corner of the asking person¡¯s wet eyes before sliding it into Aeroc¡¯s mouth. Aeroc furrowed his eyebrows at Kloff¡¯s sudden action.


    ¡°How does it taste?¡±


    ¡°Are you teasing me?¡±


    ¡°Is it sweet?¡±


    His tears were just about to fall, but now Aeroc was looking at the other person with angry, watery eyes. But even so, his clinging hand tightened around Kloff¡¯s arm, refusing to let go. Kloff smiled and lowered his head, licking away the tears. Aeroc¡¯s shoulders were hunched and he pushed the Alpha who kept picking out the oddest things to do. Aeroc red at him in disbelief, then questioned him again.


    ¡°How can tears be sweet?¡±


    ¡°To me, they are. Insanely. That¡¯s how I knew.¡±


    Aeroc kept questioning him, still finding it hard to believe. He asked again and again if he really tasted the tears or if it was like that in his dream too. Kloff didn¡¯t want to think about the dream and didn¡¯t want to say anything about it, but Aeroc kept pressing and he was a guilty man, so he had no choice but to answer honestly. Kloff answered yes again and again as Aeroc repeatedly asked him, and eventually, Aeroc cursed in a low, angry voice.


    ¡°You bastard.¡±


    He didn¡¯t think that he had done something so wrong, but Aeroc was so agitated to the point his face was fuming and his teeth were grinding. Wondering what this was all about, Kloff remained silent, and then a barrage of curses came flying.


    ¡°You damned demon. You cursed bastard. No wonder you¡¯ve been living in hell all your life! Because of you, I¡­¡­ I¡­¡­.¡±


    As Aeroc poured out severe criticism that would be considered extremely serious by aristocratic standards, Kloff turned the conversation around because he seemed so enraged that he might end up suffocating.


    ¡°You were also a bad guy. You killed Rapiel and purposely died in a gruesome way, making my life a living hell.¡±


    In his defense, Aeroc vigorously shook his head.


    ¡°I never did that on purpose. It was all because you chose to say all those cruel things¡­¡­.¡±


    Aeroc was treating him as a real lout because he hid the truth about the imprint, so Kloff rested his elbows on his knees, rested his chin on his hand, and quietly observed Aeroc. Both the enraged Aeroc and Kloff, who had been startled by his tears, now had dried tears. Far from being pleased when Kloff confessed that he had imprinted him, Aeroc was very annoyed that he hadn¡¯t told him before, and he blurted out.


    ¡°It¡¯s as if you already know my dreams.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Aeroc literally jumped as if his butt had been pricked by thorns. Then, with a slightly stiff expression, he looked at the person who was looking down at him and smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Well, I just had a feeling that it was like that.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t on purpose, but you had the meaning to do so? Why?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s persistent act of pretending not to know wasn¡¯t unique to him. Although Kloff knew he would appear condescending, he still raised the corners of his mouth. Aeroc turned his head, feigning ignorance. Seeing his whiteplexion contrasting with his trembling red lips, it was clear that he was vaciting. Kloff deliberately asked in a colder tone.


    ¡°Speaking of my dream. As an alpha, why did you have hostility towards someone else¡¯s wife, huh?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know from the dream?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    The truth was, Kloff had a very vivid recollection of a ridiculously cute scene at a party where Aeroc had asked him to fuck him straight up, with his trembling hands sped behind his back and a fake faint smile on his face, but Kloff pretended not to remember it. He was sure that Aeroc wouldbel him as a perverted demon if he told him of that dream.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.5 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.5 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


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    ¡°Stop! I¡¯ll talk, so stop!¡±


    The deration of surrender came instantly. Although Kloff was a bit disappointed that he didn¡¯t get to properly taste the mind-numbing sweetness, he restrained himself for now, as he had another purpose. And after all, Aeroc wouldn¡¯t be able to go anywhere.


    ¡°Alright, go ahead and speak.¡±


    With a sinister smirk that others would deem menacing, Kloff supported his upper body with both arms and looked down at the stubborn omega lying underneath him. Aeroc stole a nce at him from the corner of his eye and chewed on his lips.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what it was.¡±


    ¡°So you still haven¡¯t gotten enough harassment.¡±


    Kloff grabbed his ankle again and stroked it, and Aeroc hurriedly interjected.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious! I really don¡¯t know what it was.¡±


    The expression on Aeroc¡¯s face seemed genuinely flustered, but it really was baffling. Kloff wondered if he was seriously being like this. Were all those books filling his study just mere decoration?


    His intellect seemed sharp, and Kloff assumed Aeroc was well-versed in literature. He even seemed to have mastered philosophy, judging by the fact that he assigned homework to Kloff and meticulously checked it. Although it was only from a dream and not his real experience, it was baffling that Aeroc couldn¡¯t exin it properly after getting worked up about it earlier. Even if he seemed sane, Kloff wondered if Aeroc was mentally paralyzed due to his heat.


    Of course, Kloff himself wasn¡¯t in perfect condition either, as he woke up with tears welling up in his eyes. But he didn¡¯t bother to dwell on it further. There was nothing more boring than engaging in a serious argument in the bedroom. Instead, Kloff calmly offered a suggestion.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know what it was, try exining it. I¡¯ll figure it out for you.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Aeroc hesitated for a moment, but then he truly started to exin. His face turned slightly flushed, but there was no hint of mischief or sarcasm. He looked up at Kloff, then spoke earnestly with a slightly trembling voice.


    ¡°So, when I first saw you by chance in the garden, everything in the world except for you became blurry. The usual sounds of birds and rustling of the wind disappeared, and only your voice resounded in my head. Even when there were countless people around, you stood out among them, and even if I spilled perfume, your bittersweet scent was stronger. When I closed my eyes, I could only see you, and as long as you were there, it didn¡¯t matter if I had nothing else. I would forgive whatever you¡¯ve done to me. No matter how painful and hard it was, I couldn¡¯t give up my life because of you. And when you were in pain and suffering, I felt like I would die. It felt like my sole purpose for being born was just for you¡­¡±


    The bluntness of Aeroc¡¯s words almost made Kloff faint. Even though the words were spoken as dry as a dissertation without any metaphors, it felt as if all the light in the world was pouring out from between his pale lips. So far from a recitation of poetry, his thin and trembling voice resonated more brilliantly than any heavenly sound.


    Kloff¡¯s face grew increasingly hot, and at the same time, he sighed helplessly heavily at the absurdity of it all. What did Aeroc mean by all of these? He could easily summarize everything in one simple phrase, but why did he have to exin in such a turnabout manner? Of course, Kloff was dying of joy right now.


    ¡°Then?¡±


    Suppressing the palpitating heartbeat that felt like it would shatter his ribcage, Kloff deliberately urged impatiently. Aeroc swallowed his saliva with a somewhat perplexed expression and continued speaking.


    ¡°I wish you would only see me and kiss me. But you didn¡¯t even look at me and were with someone else. I was fuming with anger. No matter what I said or did, you didn¡¯t even pretend to look at me. That¡¯s why I started doing even more extreme things, and eventually, I resorted to doing something so vile¡­ Maybe that¡¯s why I was like that. In your dream.¡±


    The end of his words had almost no strength, barely audible. <i>Ah, how should he deal with this unbelievably adorable person?</i>


    ¡°While I appreciate your verbose confession, it¡¯s a bit embarrassing to listen to such dry, clich¨¦-filled lines that aren¡¯t even poetic. Can¡¯t you just simply tell me that you love me?¡±


    Kloff found this charming temptress extremely beautiful as he made an innocent confession, like a young poet falling in love for the first time. So when Kloff asked him with some teasing, Aeroc frowned and stared at Kloff. He seemed to have a lot to say but hesitated to say it. His lips stayed open in pause for a while, and he finally uttered a word.


    ¡°He said this is not love.¡±


    ¡°Who said such a thing?¡±


    ¡°¡­Someone.¡±


    ¡°It looks like you were deceived by a fraud again.¡±


    Kloff was just slightly teasing him, but the words startled Aeroc. He red at Kloff and angrily struck his chest. Kloff winced and said, ¡°That hurts,¡± but Aeroc roared in frustration. He was so infuriated that Kloff couldn¡¯t even stop him.


    ¡°You deserve to get hurt a little!¡±


    After allowing himself to be hit a few more times, Kloff soon embraced Aeroc to prevent him from hitting further. Before Aeroc could continue his barrage of profanity, Kloff silenced him with a kiss. Whenever he tried to mumble profanities, Kloff kissed him over and over to stop it. Soon, Aeroc calmed down.


    A momentter, when the long, lingering kiss came to a halt, Aeroc pointed his finger furiously at Kloff, either out of anger or due to shortness of breath, or perhaps both.


    ¡°I was a bad guy for sure, but you¡¯re truly a demon. Why did I fall for someone like you¡­?¡±


    Laughing softly, Kloff retorted, ¡°It¡¯s useless to realize that now. You¡¯re now already mine.¡±


    Seemingly genuinely angry, Aeroc became irritated and pushed Kloff away before turning around and lying down. Kloff insisted on embracing him, turning him back to face him. He gently caressed the Aeroc¡¯s tousled hair, who was still grumbling.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re not going to say it?¡±


    ¡°Not until you say it first.¡±


    It was reallymendable that he continued to y hard to get until the end. Kloff chuckled and, in a light tone, yielded to Aeroc¡®s demand.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    Although it was an easy phrase to say, once he said it, it felt a bit awkward, making his ears burn. It was abination of words that he had heard several times before, but it was the first time he had spoken them out loud. It felt ticklish and awkward. Once again, he stammered out those words like a demonstration. Aeroc stayed there stunned as if he had just heard the most unexpected words in the world.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    This time, Kloff said it clearly while looking straight at Aeroc. Still, there was no response. Kloff continued headstrong.


    ¡°I love you, I really love you. I do love you. I love you. I am in love with you.¡±<strong>*</strong>


    Persistently repeating the words while changing formalities and tenses, Kloff tried to elicit a reaction from Aeroc. However, Aeroc suddenly got up. The luxurious bed was quite high, and Aeroc rolled off from it, almost tumbling to the far floor, leaving Kloff flustered.


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    Kloff quickly threw off the sheets and went down to help Aeroc who fell down to the floor. Standing up with wobbly helpless legs and not listening to Kloff¡¯s call, Aeroc quickly put on the pants and shirt that he had thrown on the sofa a little distance away, without even looking back.


    As Aeroc slipped one leg into his pants, a small trail of fluid ran down inside his thigh, which made Kloff¡¯s member spring back with energy. Aeroc didn¡¯t bother to wipe it, and he just pulled his pants on and put on his shirt. Hastily buttoning his pants and turning to leave, Kloff rushed over to stop him.


    ¡°Where are you going in that state?!¡±


    Before Kloff could even reach out his hand, Aeroc swiftly moved, opened the door, and disappeared. His face was white as he left through the door. Worried that Aeroc might do something reckless, Kloff quickly put on only his pants and immediately rushed out. As he looked around the long corridor outside the door, he heard the sound of bare feet running down the other end of the hall.


    Maybe he really needed to chain Aeroc to the bedpost so he would realize how scary the imprinted alpha was.


    Angered by Aeroc¡¯s iprehensible behavior, Kloff chased after the fleeing omega, fully intending to capture him.


    Turning the corner in search of his vanished mate, Kloff found Aeroc running towards the butler who was supervising the servants, instructing them to serve the guests with thest round of tea and snacks. Aeroc was snatching a hot teapot from the tray.


    Without heeding the butler¡¯s warning, ¡°Careful, it¡¯s boiling water,¡± Aeroc took a fine teacup from a maid¡¯s tray and immediately poured in the rich tea. Kloff felt terrified as he saw Aeroc about to drink it all in one gulp, rushing over to him. The butler, equally shocked, quickly caught the half-dropped teapot with both hands.


    ¡°I told you that tea is not good during pregnancy!¡±


    In his haste to snatch the teacup away, the hot liquid spilled over and scalded Kloff¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    <strong>NOTE</strong>


    <strong>*</strong>: in this passage, Kloff said I love you to Aeroc in different formalities. From informal casual to formal derative.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.6 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.6 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    He groaned reflexively and grabbed his wrist with his other hand. The butler, who witnessed the scene, quickly grabbed the ss on the tray held by a startled maid and poured cold water over it. Then, he soaked a napkin that had been draped over his arm into another ss of cold water and wrapped it around Kloff¡¯s scalded hand.


    ¡°I cooled it down immediately so you wouldn¡¯t get a severe burn.¡±


    The butler cleared his throat in surprise, and so did Kloff. So did Aeroc, who stood frozen beside them, breathing raggedly. He stood there flustered, pale as a sheet, unsure of what to do.


    ¡°Are you alright, Master?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    Kloff¡¯s moist eyes nced at him. He didn¡¯t know why Aeroc did this, but he thought that his habit of running away at every little thing definitely needed to be fixed. If he let this one slide, it would happen again in the future, and each time, Kloff would either suffer in pain from being stabbed by an invisible knife or be overwhelmed by anger stronger than the burning pain in his flesh right now.


    ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Without saying a word to the stunned butler and maid, Kloff firmly held Aeroc¡¯s wrist and took the lead. Every time Aeroc tried to pull his hand away, Kloff gripped it tightly, making bruises form. Albeit those small sounds of pain pierced his throbbing heart, Kloff held it down firmly.


    Not caring about the cloth that fell off his burned hand, Kloff grabbed the doorknob and pulled it open. He forcefully dragged Aeroc, who was still resisting, into the room and dropped him onto the bed. Unfazed, Aylock stood up again and attempted to flee again, but Kloff quickly rushed over after locking the door. He used his strength to pin Aeroc down.


    Despite the heavy weight pressing on him, Aeroc tried to get up again and again, like a possessed man. He attempted to escape at the slightest sign of an opening. Looking at the lifeless, doll-like pale face, Kloff felt the air he breathed turn into poison, burning his lungs.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you?!¡±


    He finally snapped.


    ¡°I told you that you could never escape from me! Now that I imprinted on you and confessed my love, do you think that you¡¯ve yed enough with me?! I will say this again. You¡¯re my omega, and you¡¯re pregnant with my child. I can¡¯t forgive you if you run away on your own!¡±


    Aeroc remained unresponsive to his shouted pleas, as if paralyzed. Kloff felt overwhelmed with despair. He truly wanted to break Aeroc¡¯s two legs. If Aeroc couldn¡¯t use his legs, he wouldn¡¯t be able to run away on his own.


    An uncontroble rage surged within him. It was a vastly different whirlpool of emotions, unlike when Aeroc escaped from his office. At that time, he hadn¡¯t been aware of the imprint, so even though his heart ached, he had been able to bury it. But it was different now.


    When Aeroc disappeared around the corner, and until Kloff saw his back again, for the few moments that he blinked his eyes, Kloff felt like he had fallen into an abyss, before getting revived again. The sturdy marble corridor beneath his feet turned into scorchingva, sinking his legs and melting his peripheral nerves. When he took a breath, he felt agony as he felt his lungs burning. He didn¡¯t want to experience that again.


    By the time his vision became blurred by the ck smoke burning his flesh and the red smoke simmering inside him, he finally spotted Aeroc enveloped in a transparent light on his back. He barely regained his sense of reality, and his paralyzed nerves started to function. The pain in his hand was nothing. He grabbed Aeroc, who was trying to fly away, and forcefully shoved him back into the nest. Yet he tried to escape again.


    <i>Should he just break his legs? If he breaks just one¡­</i>


    Kloff unconsciously tightened his grip on Aeroc¡¯s delicate ankle.


    <i>It would snap outward easier than he thought. Just like back then¡­ Just like back then?</i>


    With hisrge and strong hands tightly gripping the ankle, Aeroc pped his leg, like a butterfly caught and twisted by the wings. But even that was futile. Kloff, who had been pressing him down, copsed on top of him, exerting no strength.


    Back then? When was it? When was he referring to? Aeroc¡¯s ankle had never been broken before. If it had, it would have happened when he was young, maybe when he had horseback riding lessons, at least before Kloff knew him. But he couldn¡¯t understand why he had a vivid feeling of witnessing that scene. It was an illusion. Definitely. The omega he had imprinted on, Aeroc, was exhibiting behavior that he couldn¡¯t understand, which clearly affected him and caused hallucinations. He did not want to recall such a cruel scene. Absolutely not.


    Kloff breathed a little raggedly as he pushed away the memories the imprint had distorted, ¡®memories that shouldn¡¯t exist¡¯. At the same time, he let go of the person squirming beneath him and stroked his ankle, which was now covered in red grip marks. His fingers trembled, and his sense of touch was not functioning properly, but he tried his best to caress it lovingly. He felt an overwhelming disgust in himself for having the intention to cruelly destroy something so beautiful.


    As if trapped in a panic state, Aeroc couldn¡¯t speak properly or even meet Kloff¡¯s gaze. Although Kloff let go of his ankle, it seemed like something serious had urred before that. Seeing him mutter unintelligible words and il about like an idiot, Kloff became increasingly afraid.


    ¡°Aeroc? What¡¯s wrong? Why are you like this?¡±


    No matter how many times Kloff called out to him, there was no response. Aeroc continued to stare off into the distance while kicking around. Kloff cupped his face and locked eyes with him, then shouted, ¡°Aeroc!¡± Startled, Aeroc finally fixed his scattered gaze on him. He recoiled in horror as if he had seen a ghost. What was he afraid of? Watching him freeze and turn white like someone who had wandered through pitch darkness and encountered a monster, Kloff was at a loss for words.


    Sometimes, when Aeroc gazed at him like that, Kloff really felt like he was going to die. Aeroc was surely hiding something, but he never revealed what it was. Sometimes he acted like a person who had lost everything, his silhouette so light, like a bubble that would dissipate if touched. That far-off gaze that looked down on him, just like when Aeroc pushed him away the first time Kloff made a move on him, as he fled from the estate.


    He wanted to cry. He wanted to cry like a child, screaming at the top of his lungs, asking why it hurt so much, why he couldn¡¯t speak, while clinging to Aeroc. He felt terrified. Even though he was right by Aeroc¡¯s side, the fact that he couldn¡¯t be of any help became a sharp de stabbing him in the back.


    But he couldn¡¯t cry in front of the shocked omega. It was bad enough that he startled him to the point that he cried earlier. He managed to suppress the lump in his throat. The foul smell of blood rose to his nostrils, but Kloff forced a smile with all his might. Then, in a very gentle voice, he whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t be afraid. No one can hurt you.¡±


    He whispered such sweet lies despite just having the intention to break his legs moments ago. Yes, it was a lie. He knew very well. As an alpha, Kloff had never been able to provide Aeroc with endless protection. He couldn¡¯t make sure to bring him only happiness. Even now, without understanding why he had to hurt, Kloff repetitively provided emptyfort, meaningless action that anyone could do.


    However, Aeroc hung on, gasping for breath, like someone trapped in deep despair. Finally, he managed to utter a few words.


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t want to fall asleep like this forever. I can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    Once again, Kloff felt despair at his iprehensible words, but he was thankful to the gods as Aeroc managed to convey something in some way. Kloff let out a trembling sigh.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you sleep? I¡¯ll protect you. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Even when Kloff spoke gently, Aeroc sobbed and whimpered, whispering softly barely audible for Kloff¡¯s ear to hear.


    ¡°I woke up from the deep darkness to find myself inside this beautiful dream. So I can¡¯t fall asleep. If I fall asleep in the dream, then I¡¯ll wake up in a cruel reality again. I have to be alone in that cold cabin, on that hard bed until I get tired of the reality that I would close my eyes and return here again. It hurts too much for me to bear. That¡¯s why.¡±


    Kloff couldn¡¯t understand what Aeroc was saying at all, but his face was contorted tearlessly, as if his breath could stop at any moment. His blue and moist eyes which had a lot of tears became red, but not a single drop fell. Not knowing what to say, Kloff had no choice but to tightly embrace him as if their bodies became one. Otherwise, Aeroc would crumble into pieces, like a poorly mended porcin doll, and disappear through the cracks like grains of sand.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream, Aeroc.¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s a lie.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t love me.¡±


    Aeroc let out a desteugh. It would have been better if he cried instead. Kloff had to taste a bitter sense of despair as Aeroc remained unconvinced by his sincere heart.


    No matter how many times Kloff told him that he loved him, that he had imprinted on him, that he couldn¡¯t live without him, that he loved him more than anything in the world, Aeroc onlyughed hollowly. And soon, Aeroc closed his eyes in exhaustion. Just as he had said that he didn¡¯t want to sleep, he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, even hitting his face painfully, but his tired eyes couldn¡¯t resist closing. Aeroc gave him a pained, distorted smile. With his blinking eyes, he silently pleaded with Kloff.


    ¡°You¡¯re as sweet as a lie in my dreams. So please, give me a stimnt. I don¡¯t want to fall asleep.¡±


    The words he weakly whispered were so pitiful that Kloff wished he could bring him a cup of tea strong enough to fully wake him up right now. But he couldn¡¯t do that.


    Aeroc was undoubtedly confused at the moment. He had suddenly be an omega, and then became pregnant without being ready for it. He was either delusional or had been hallucinating due to anxiety. Just like Kloff was, in a state of mindless lust due to his heat, Aeroc was confusing dream and reality.


    ¡°Even if you fall asleep, when you open your eyes again, you¡¯ll be by my side. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    After his heat and their long love-making, and now that the fertilized egg was safely transferred to his uterus, Aeroc would have felt a great sense of fatigue, so he would be sleeping for a long time. It was rightfully so.


    As an alpha who had bonded with the restless omega, so that he could restfortably and not be scared, Kloff tenderly calmed him, putting aside his own dizzy head and torn chest. Aeroc kept resisting his drowsiness and barely managed to speak hisst words in an audible voice.


    ¡°¡­Even if it¡¯s a lie, please¡­ Please keep telling me you love me until I fall asleep.¡±


    Tilting his head up so Aeroc couldn¡¯t see the tears that were welling up, Kloff adjusted his hot neck and whispered.


    ¡°I love you. I love you, Aeroc. I love you¡­ I love you¡­¡±


    As Aeroc drifted into sleep, his eyes already closed, whispering ¡°I¡¯m in love with you¡±, he smiled faintly and shed a single tear between his trembling eyshes. It felt like a parting message left in a moment of eternal farewell, and Kloff couldn¡¯t say anything as tears blurred his vision.


    Kloff was seized with an intense fear that he would never see those blue eyes again, even though Aeroc was breathing clearly and regrly and his heart was beating soundly. So, he held his exhausted body tightly and kissed him repeatedly throughout the night. Even in the cold and tough darkness, Kloff whispered continuously into Aeroc¡¯s ear to ensure he wouldn¡¯t get hurt.


    For many times, he said he loved him. That Kloff was in love with Aeroc too.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 10.7 - The bitter with the sweet

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 10.7 - The bitter with the sweet</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    Aeroc slept all day the next day. He woke upte in the afternoon. Kloff was still holding him tightly, making sure he didn¡¯t fly off somewhere. Anxiety had kept him awake all night, but seeing Aeroc wake up with a twitching nose under the warm afternoon sunlight was a reward for waiting patiently until the darkness receded.


    As soon as he woke up, Aeroc called out to the person in front of him, as if calling out to a stranger, saying, ¡°Kloff?¡± There was no trace of fear or pain in his slightly hoarse voice. Deeply relieved, Kloff smiled and greeted him as he had been nning all along.


    ¡°Hello, Aeroc. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re still in a dream.¡±


    Aeroc blinked his eyes dazedly, brows furrowing as he just woke up.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I still love you, as always.¡±


    He blinked his eyes as if he didn¡¯t understand, but soon burst into a bright smile. He seemed to have stabilized, thankfully. As the worries that gued him throughout the night went away, Kloff lightly pressed a kiss on his lips, which curved into a pretty shape.


    ¡°To think that I got such a hot confession as soon as I opened my eyes. You must have tried so hard to be a romantic.¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re the one who made me do that.¡±


    ¡°When did I do that?¡±


    It was a little strange to see no trace of panic in his yful smile. Did he not remember what happenedst night? Well, it was better that way.


    Kloff embraced the cheerful Aeroc once again, kissed him deeply, and then got up. He wanted to have a hot shower to wash away his tired body, soaked with tears and sweat. The sheets were pulled back as he rose, Aeroc stretched his body, letting out a groan, before rxing again. At the unexpected sound of his loud groan, their gazes met, and Aeroc smiled, looking slightly embarrassed.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±


    ¡°Of course. You did heavybor all night.¡±


    ¡°¡­We did have sex for a long time, I don¡¯t think we did it all night. And I don¡¯t suppose you did anything unscrupulous like touching a sleeping person?¡±


    Aeroc red at Kloff in suspicion. Kloff didn¡¯t understand how Aeroc could think of that. No, before that, how could Aeroc me him after leaving him to half-drown in the ck waters of Styx, while hefortably fainted himself? But he kept that to himself, fearing that Aeroc might have another seizure. Kloff grumbled inside and put on a gentle smile outwardly.


    ¡°Sex is notbor. And it¡¯s not something to be enjoyed alone.¡±


    ¡°But why am I so tired then?¡±


    Well, that was because he had escaped in the middle of the night, got caught, struggled, and made a scene. As Aeroc raised his knees to rub his ankles with a puzzled look on his face, Kloff slid a hand around his round lower belly.


    ¡°You moved the fertilized egg from here to here all night long.¡±


    A rosy blush instantly appeared on Aeroc¡¯s cheek. He chewed on his lips for a moment and then scolded Kloff.


    ¡°That¡¯s not heavybor.¡±


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯sbor. Picking the strongest, healthiest seeds from a myriad of seeds, creating a human being, and then transporting it from a deep valley to the open ins.¡±


    ¡°In the prestigious university where only brilliant minds gather, you used your schrship to study rhetoric? What a shame.¡±


    Running a hand over his reddened cheeks, Aeroc scanned the audacious alpha up and down, looking at him in disbelief. Kloff, who thought he had said quite a unique expression, smiled smugly. Immediately, a pillow flew and hit him in the face.


    Although the person who spoke seemedpletely unaffected, the listener felt embarrassed and squirmed. Meanwhile, Kloff got off the bed. Clearing his dry throat from the whispering he¡¯d done all night, he drank from the water on the table. Then he poured a ss of apple juice and pulled off the bed sheets. He offered it to Aeroc, who was lying face down on the bed.


    As soon as he sat up and took it, he made a pitiful expression, saying, ¡°Uuuh. I guess I won¡¯t be able to drink ck tea from now on?¡± Kloff, who had been looking at his omega affectionately as if he would get up at any moment and brew tea leaves in apple juice, drew the line calmly with a gentle voice.


    ¡°For the meanwhile, be satisfied with apple juice.¡±


    Grumbling, Aeroc drank the juice. Then he said the line that pregnant women often say.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get a meal prepared for you.¡±


    Kloff, putting on a gown and tying his waistband, nodded his head.


    ¡°Take out the potatoes. I don¡¯t eat them.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Just as he was about to step out and call the butler, Aeroc shouted from behind.


    ¡°Cancel that just now. I¡¯m going to eat stewed potatoes and vegetables. But instead, you¡¯ll cook them for me.¡±


    Kloff extended his hand outside the door and turned back when he didn¡¯t see the butler. He asked, ¡°What?¡± in response.


    Sipping on the remaining juice, Aeroc added.


    ¡°Cut the potatoes into pretty round shapes.¡±


    ¡°Are you being serious? I¡¯ve never cooked before.¡±


    Kloff showed a helpless expression, but Aeroc showed the same unaffectedness as Kloff had been earlier.


    ¡°Learn from now on. In the future, you¡¯ll have to feed the two of us.¡±


    Kloff sighed as he watched the omega pointing alternately at his chest and stomach.


    ¡°Is this your way of revenge because I don¡¯t let you drink ck tea?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°It is though.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me.¡±


    ¡°Well, so you can¡¯t do it?¡±


    Kloff¡¯s head snapped up in response to the usation of lying, but Aeroc just shot an annoyingly arrogant re. His determination not to eat anything unless Kloff personally made it was evident in his firm smile.


    After an intense staring battle, ultimately defeated by the disadvantage of being the imprinting sinner, Kloof finally let go of the string he had just grabbed to ring the bell at his bedside. He walked out of the room, keeping down his temper with Aeroc, who wasughing in amusement. <i>Damn it, where was the kitchen again?</i>


    ¡°Did you really cook it yourself?¡±


    Kloff offered Aeroc a bowl of his painstakingly homemade vegetable soup, and after a couple of sips, he let go of the spoon with a displeased scowl. As an aristocrat trained in strict dining etiquette, Aeroc could barely stop himself from gagging as if he were swallowing a poison concoction. In exasperation, Kloff held out a hand that was bandaged all over.


    ¡°Here, evidence.¡±


    ¡°¡­Was the weird thing I chewed just now your fingernail or a piece of flesh from your finger¡­?¡±


    Aeroc swirled the remaining soup with the spoon, looking as if he was ready to vomit at any moment.


    ¡°It all washed off when I washed the blood off the potatoes.¡±


    ¡°I thought it smelled like metal. Did you feed me your blood?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a study that says blood is good for iron deficiency during pregnancy.¡±


    Kloff made excuses as best as he could. He had already said that he had never cooked before, so he didn¡¯t know why he was making more excuses.


    ¡°You did this on purpose, didn¡¯t you? Because you don¡¯t want to cook.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not. I can swear on our child.¡±


    Kloff cut in with a decisive tone. Aeroc hummed, before looking at Kloff and pushing the bowl away.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s different.¡±


    Kloff was taken aback. He asked, ¡°What?¡± in response, but Aeroc just said, ¡°There¡¯s just such a thing.¡± and didn¡¯t mention it any further. Aeroc hiding something made him feel anxious and nervous, but Kloff decided not to push the matter further.


    The vegetable soup, made literally by sacrificing himself, went straight to the trash, and Aeroc ate the soft bread and soup made by the cook, along with some fruits and vegetables, well-cooked meat dishes, and even ice cream for dessert, before falling asleep.


    It was amazing how voracious his appetite was when he was quite slim. He would usually just eat the food in front of him silently. Kloff hadn¡¯t realized it before, but when the two of them had meals together, Aeroc would even pick up food that fell on the table with his fingers. Kloff couldn¡¯t forget how shocked he was when he first saw it.


    While he had an insatiable appetite for anything edible, he would immediately spit out raisins in disgust. Aeroc didn¡¯t seem to have a problem eating other dried fruits, but Kloff didn¡¯t understand why he hated dried grapes so much. On the other hand, he ate fresh fruits without any reservation, so it didn¡¯t matter.


    Now that Aeroc was pregnant, it was natural for him to eat a lot, and it was also cute. Since he would look for something to eat again after waking up from his sleep, Kloff prepared simple cookies and juice on the nearby tea table. After kissing Aeroc¡¯s forehead and lips, who fell asleep peacefully but still looked tired, Kloff turned off all the lights in the room, bringing only a very smallntern, and sat next to the slightlyrge table next to the bed.


    He had to stay by Aeroc¡¯s side for the next few days and take care of the tasks he couldn¡¯t handle during that time. Above all, now that they were going to have a child, it was necessary to prepare for that. If they couldn¡¯t have a formal marriage vow, they would have toe up with some other legal binding equivalent to that. Not because he didn¡¯t trust Aeroc, but to make Aeroc trust him. Of course, Kloff wouldn¡¯t deny his intention to keep Aeroc tied to him.


    While preparing paperwork that would bind them to each other, akin to a ve contract, he asionally stole nces at the sleeping beauty. Just being in the same space was enough to work him up. Unconsciously, he wore a faint smile and focused on his work. Although his fingers, sacrificed for Aeroc, were extremely sore as they touched the pen, he endured it.


    It was a quiet and peaceful night with only the sound of the pen scratching away.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.1 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.1 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    The eventful heat had passed. Fully certain of Aeroc¡¯s pregnancy, Kloff immediately moved into the estate. It was only expected. There was no way an alpha would leave a pregnant omega alone in a distant ce.


    There were plenty of unused rooms in the estate, so there was no inconvenience in using them right away. However, a few servants who weren¡¯t aware yet of the situation were summoned by the butlers and given various instructions. No one questioned Kloff¡¯s frequent visits to Aeroc¡¯s room or his sharing the same bed with the Count. Instead, Martha was surprised to hear that the omega that her owner had brought in before was the famous Count.


    ¡°So, that person is Master¡¯s..?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Only his direct servants know that he¡¯s an omega, so please make sure it doesn¡¯t leak out elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°No, what¡¯s the use of keeping my mouth shut? You said he¡¯s pregnant. People would notice that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a problem for another time. For now, I want Martha to take care of him. There aren¡¯t many people I can trust.¡±


    ¡°Is that why I¡¯m on my way to the Count now?¡±


    ¡°Well, there used to be a housekeeper at the Count¡¯s estate, but since she retired two years ago, he hasn¡¯t been able to find a suitable recement, so the butler has been managing everything. However, an alpha butler can¡¯t take care of a pregnant omega. I also have work to do. And since Aeroc is a special case of an alpha turned omega, he himself doesn¡¯t have much experience, so I hope Martha will help him well.¡±


    Kloff made the request as they rode the carriage. Martha chuckled with her hand covering her mouth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It has been my dream to serve a beauty with such a high status as the wife of the house. Hoho. I wonder how beautiful the baby will be. I¡¯m already excited.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited. Aeroc is easily startled and cries easily. He eats everything, but he¡¯ll absolutely never eat raisins or any dried fruit that looks like them or tastes like them. He enjoys reading books and has a deep interest in music and art. He has a strong sense of pride. However, he¡¯s not rude. I hope you two get along well.¡±


    Martha nodded her head.


    In fact, she wasn¡¯t the problem. When the discussion came up about entering the estate for the first time, Aeroc replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t that determined already? You¡¯ll see me every day. Don¡¯t bother going back and forth. Just use the adjacent room or the one across. I¡¯ll talk to Hugo about it.¡±


    ¡°¡­Not the same room, but the adjacent room?¡±


    Kloff turned around after tying his tie. He looked at Aeroc, who is sitting on the bed, sipping juice, with his face slightly flushed.


    ¡°We¡¯re supposed to use separate rooms.¡±


    ¡°Is that a tradition in the Count¡¯s estate?¡±


    ¡°All aristocrats do it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not particrly fond of it.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ll be sleeping together at night anyway, so it doesn¡¯t matter if we have our own rooms during the day.¡±


    ¡°Can we really sleep together at night?¡±


    As Kloff put on his vest and jacket, his gaze met Aeroc¡¯s reflection in the mirror. He gave a small nod.


    ¡°But only in my room.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying you won¡¯te to my room?¡±


    ¡°Sneaking into a taken alpha¡¯s room is something only a mistress would do. And I¡¯m not a mistress.¡±


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°You cane to my room anytime you want, so you should be the one toe.¡±


    It was quite amusing that he was adhering to traditions and etiquette. After all, he was breaking all the established traditions andws to pretend to be an alpha while being pregnant with what was essentially an illegitimate child. As his aplice, Kloff didn¡¯t tease him about it and found his confident and upright demeanor to be too cute. Instead, he nted a quick kiss on his red lips and asked.


    ¡°Well then, I guess I need to pack up my house. It shouldn¡¯t be too hard since Martha is my only employee.¡±


    ¡°Regarding Martha, what will happen to her?¡±


    ¡°I was going to ask you about that. There¡¯s no experienced omega here to help you through your pregnancy. There¡¯s no housekeeper in the estate either. Can I bring her along?¡±


    Aeroc remained silent for a moment as he looked at Kloff, contemting, before asking, ¡°Do you want her here?¡±


    ¡°I think it would be good to have her. Despite her nagging, she¡¯s attentive andforting. Honestly, there¡¯s no one on my side in this estate. But since you¡¯re the owner of the estate, I¡¯ll follow your decision.¡±


    He had no intention to force anything. Although parting with Martha would be a bit regretful, she wasn¡¯t more important than Aeroc. However, Aeroc soon agreed.


    ¡°¡­Alright. As you said, there¡¯s no housekeeper in the estate, and we¡¯ll need a nanny to take care of the children to be born in the future. She will definitely raise our children well. They¡¯ll grow up beautifully, without any wrinkles. So that the children wouldn¡¯t be daunted by you and stay confident even when you get angry at them.¡±


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, Kloff stared intently at Aeroc, who was wearing only silk pajamas.


    ¡°Did you hear Martha nagging me the other day when you came to my ce?¡±


    ¡°No, but just assuming from her appearance.¡±


    ¡°Still, we¡¯re going to be the ones raising the children. Martha has high expectations for a blond-haired, blue-eyed young master. She had nagged and lectured me to win over a beauty. But she¡¯s a nanny, and we¡¯re the parents. Especially since you¡¯re the mother, don¡¯t think about letting others take care of our children.¡±


    Kloff took the hand syed out on the bed sheet and kissed the end of it, and Aeroc nodded as if realizing the obvious fact for the first time. After kissing his golden hair that flowed down softly, Kloff quickly got up. Today, he had an appointment with the Finance Minister, and he couldn¡¯t afford to bete. After making sure there were no issues with his attire, Kloff drank the lukewarm tea and was about to leave when Aeroc called out from behind.


    ¡°Oh, you should tell Hugo in advance.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to leave that to you.¡±


    ¡°What will you do if you leave such a difficult task to me?¡±


    ¡°Hugo is within your responsibility. I just¡­ can¡¯t. You know, right?¡±


    Without even hearing Aeroc calling from behind, Kloff hurriedly left. Before a piercing gaze could strike him from somewhere, he left the estate.


    When Kloff finished all the necessary business tasks, it was still early evening. He went home and exined the situation to Martha and immediately instructed her to pack her necessary items. They were on the journey to the estate together, but he still felt ufortable in his seat.


    ¡°Martha. There¡¯s someone other than Aeroc that you need to be cautious of.¡±


    Already excited, Martha blinked her round eyes and asked in a slightly raised voice, ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Hugo. He¡¯s a butler who has been serving the mansion for 30 years. He¡¯s a meticulous and devoted old man, as if he was born for this butler job.¡±


    ¡°You must be disliked by him, right? Calling you a bastard who touched his esteemed master.¡±


    Martha was quick-witted, as expected. When Kloff confirmed that, sheughed again in a loud voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will not just get trampled on wherever I go. The sessive Count will be your child, so why would I be afraid? Don¡¯t worry about such unnecessary concerns and establish your mark. My master needs to do well, so I can also livefortably.¡±


    He was already so spent out to the point he couldn¡¯t afford to work harder, but when Martha said so, Kloff felt somehow relieved. Indeed, Martha was the only person he could trust.


    As soon as they got off the carriage, the doors of the estate swung open, and the usual stoic butler came out to greet them. He nced at Martha getting off the carriage with Kloff and slightly narrowed his eyes, the corners of his lips twitching slightly, but he didn¡¯t say anything. It seemed that Aeroc had somehow managed to inform him well during the day. Under the butler¡¯s direction, the footmen carried Kloff and Martha¡¯s luggage inside.


    Following the butler who silently took the lead, Martha whispered softly.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem very strict.¡±


    ¡°I mean it, Martha, you have to survive here. If something happens to you, I¡¯ll have to live alone in this house forever.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be a father soon, don¡¯t act so dramatic. But I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    As if hearing their whispers, the butler cleared his throat. The two were soon led separately to different parts of the estate. Admiring the luxurious hallway with curious eyes, Martha followed a maid who guided her. Kloff was guided by the butler to a room quite far from Aeroc¡¯s room.


    ¡°¡­What about the adjacent room or the room opposite Aeroc¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°For generations, the Countess has used this room.¡±


    Kloff thought an icy storm was blowing from the butler¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I am not the Countess.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s preposterous to call someone like you, who has a hulking physique and disys behavior as outrageous as a pirate, the Countess. I am acting ording to the Count¡¯s orders to treat you in a manner befitting the gic provider of the future second generation. Since the Count has the Count¡¯s private bedroom, naturally I have brought Sir Bendyke to this room.¡±


    Caught in the icy storm, Kloff stood there dumbfounded. He gritted his teeth, saying, ¡°Butler, if you recklessly throw punches in front of a criminal who roams the mountains and seas, then something goes wrong, Aeroc will get sad,¡± but the butler didn¡¯t even pretend to hear and just pulled back the curtains.


    ¡°The beautiful nature is still the best to polish up your sinister behavior. From this room, you can see the rose garden that the previous Countess cherished. Please purify your mind and body while looking at the garden.¡±


    Even at night, the faint light illuminating the garden outside the window felt very familiar. It was simr to the room Kloff had used when he visited the estate as a guest, but with a better view. Near the window, there was afortable-looking armchair that seemed to have a deep history.


    As Kloff stood by the window, silently gazing outside, the butler had already disappeared. It seemed that he was stillcking something to beat that cunning fox. Kloff tapped his fingers against his forehead and sat back in his armchair. Purify his mind and body, he said. It was ridiculous, but somehow, watching the garden did make him feel genuinely at ease.


    We¡¯re almost at the end of Volume 3 (main story), 9 parts left! There are still 4 more side story volumes left though! After this, I¡¯ll be updating the series on 3rd/6th/10th again.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.2 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.2 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


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    In a dark room, a man with silver hair was sitting in an armchair. His motionless gaze was fixed on the garden outside the window. As dawn broke and the orange sunlight began to shine, he gazed longingly at the sparkling green and red garden under the bright midday sun. Until the day turned to dusk and the twilight fell, when the purple rays folded into darkness, his vacant eyes only saw the garden and the old cabin standing there like a specter. From the melting snow of spring to the refreshing early summer, through the dreary autumn, and into the serene winter snowy nights, the man never moved from that chair.


    Kloff was deeply curious about who he was. He moved his feet and approached him, and in the dark shadow of deep mncholy, Kloff saw his face. <i>It was me.</i>


    ***


    Kloff opened his eyes, startled. He couldn¡¯t tell whether his eyes were already open or not, so he rubbed his eyes and then noticed a maid gatheringnterns in the distance in the garden. He let out a sigh of relief. He was back to reality.


    Kloff had another gruesome nightmare after a long time. It seemed that letting his guard down had affected his sanity too. When he opened his eyes, the darkness had already subsided. In the haste to turn around, Kloff¡¯s foot caught the leg of an armchair. It hurt terribly, but he hurriedly limped his way out of the room, searching for light. Then, he went straight to Aeroc. He made a vow to himself that he would never set foot in that eerie room again.


    Martha was busy learning her duties for a while. And the butler was busy teaching her, so he didn¡¯t pay much attention to anything else. In the meantime, Kloff had important matters to take care of quickly. Right after dinner, he called Aeroc to the study.


    Kloff had looked up variousws rted to the unborn baby. Indeed, re-registering Aeroc as an omega had significant challenges.


    There was a risk of losing assets due to inheritancews, and there was a high possibility that he would be sued by other rtives to redistribute the inheritance. Even if Aeroc imed that they didn¡¯t have an interest in the assets, the Count session itself could be problematic. While the currentws of the country allowed omegas to inherit without discrimination, the deep-rooted traditions of the aristocracy ss did not. If this issue were to arise, it would surely be scandalous in various ways.


    After some thought, Kloff decided to indefinitely postpone their legal marriage. As an economic bureaucrat, his rise to power was in full swing, and one day, he would have influence. When that time came, Kloff would change Aeroc¡¯s surname to Bendyke, regardless of who tried to interfere. Kloff had no intention of getting the Count title taken away. It would simply be handed over to any alpha who was born first. However, he needed more time until he could im Aeroc of Teiwind as his partner.


    ¡°Is there really no way?¡±


    ¡°Well, we can just give up everything and run away in the name of our love.¡±


    ¡°¡­.¡±


    When Kloff exined like that, Aeroc looked surprisingly disappointed. Kloff was d to realize that he wasn¡¯t the only one feeling anxious. Giving the thick document to Aeroc, he saw a shining golden ring, just like his hair, embedded with a blue diamond on his finger. As Aeroc read the long contract to rece their wedding vows, Kloff¡¯s gaze drifted to the ring.


    Kloff had hoped for a tearful proposal, at a beautiful ce where only the two of them were present. But that simple hope had long since been shattered. The day after Aeroc came out of his heat, as soon as he regained consciousness, Aeroc pushed away the alpha who was weighing heavily on him and rummaged through Kloff¡¯s jacket without properly dressing himself, finding the ring. Kloff, who rolled off the bed in his sleep, protested heavily, ¡°What is it?¡± Then he saw Aeroc nonchntly put the ring on.


    Realizing the situation btedly, Kloff scolded him for touching other people¡¯s belongings recklessly, but Aeroc shot him a cold gaze and said, ¡°Other people¡¯s belongings? You weren¡¯t going to give it to me? Do you have another omega?¡± Aeroc had scarily interrogated him, silencing Kloff immediately.


    Even when Kloff said that it was true that he was going to give it to him, but not like this, and to take it off so he could put it on for Aeroc, he just shook his head and kept his hand sped. He had kept wearing the ring since then. Even when sleeping, and also when bathing. Kloff felt happy that he didn¡¯t take it off even for a moment, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel some regrets.


    ¡°If you be their legal representative and guardian, do you have full authority in the event of an emergency?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve listed as many contingencies as I can think of as a separate line item.¡±


    It was a very detailed contract. Once signed, it would bind them until death, especially stating that Kloff had almost the same authority as parental rights regarding Aeroc¡¯s children. Aeroc, who actually read it properly without being asked this time, signed without hesitation. It was so easy that it felt strange.


    ¡°There are two more copies, here and here.¡±


    Without another word, Aeroc signed, and then he handed the fountain pen to Kloff, who also finished signing all three copies. One would go into Aeroc¡¯s safe, one into Kloff¡¯s document safe, and the other into the safe of the notary officer who also served as thewyer. As he filed the papers away, Kloff smiled at Omega, who was now legally his possession.


    ¡°We can¡¯t get married, but if you want a simple ceremony, we can have it. Of course, as long as you adhere to the maximum limit I set. We need to maintain our assets to ensure we can raise our children properly so they wouldn¡¯t starve.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s initial reaction was one of being pleased, but after hearing the final sentence, he grumbled with a displeased face.


    ¡°As if I would let our children go hungry.¡±


    ¡°It costs a lot of fortune to marry off six children. Wait, why do I know that?¡±


    Kloff was confused himself, furrowing his brow and rubbing his chin. Aeroc snorted.


    ¡°¡­Because you¡¯re a scrooge. Speaking of which, you had given me worn-out clothes and only enough potatoes to keep me from starving to death.¡±


    Like a man with a grievance, Aeroc vented his iprehensible dissatisfaction.


    ¡°What nonsense are you saying? You¡¯ve only worn suits made by the finest tailor and eatenvish meals that cost as much as a week¡¯s worth of expenses for an average household until just now.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s only me who feels unjust.¡±


    Aeroc stormed out in anger. No matter how much Kloff thought about it, Kloff couldn¡¯t understand why he was like that. Kloff even wished someone could interpret it for him. How could the words an omega, who was having his child, be harder to decipher than hieroglyphics unearthed from an ancient civilization?


    Kloff shook his head and stood up. Whether he understood or not, he couldn¡¯t just stay still when the currently pregnant omega got angry and left. As the sinner who impregnated him, Kloff was destined to be a ve for the next ten months, his alpha instincts didn¡¯t let him resist his imprinted omega partner. Therefore, no matter how much reason he cried out, his body followed the remnants left by Aeroc.


    ¡°Today, it¡¯s smoked salmon with a simple sauce on top of a hearty vegetable soup. And there are fruits, and your favorite buttered bread and marmde. You said you were tired of apple juice, so I got you tomato juice.¡±


    Every morning, when Kloff came in with the meal, Aeroc quickly got out of bed and sat at the table, wearing the happiest smile in the world. His beloved husband was nowhere in his sight as he ate his meal.


    He picked up a fork in one hand and a spoon in the other, his hair still tousled from the night before. After tasting the vegetable soup first, hemented, ¡°It¡¯s edible now,¡± delighting Kloff, but soon added, ¡°But it still has a burnt taste,¡± trampling down the joy.


    While Kloff sipped his half cup of ck tea, Aeroc finished the vegetable soup and buttered bread and then stabbed the fish dish with his fork. Kloff was now more aware of Aeroc¡¯s habits and realized that he didn¡¯t like the dish with just that single gesture.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like salmon?¡±


    ¡°No, I enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°Did you eat it in a different way?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­ Did Martha make this?¡±


    Kloff was taken aback as Aeroc knew it right away.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Just a feeling. It seemed like that.¡±


    ¡°Martha¡¯s cooking skills are reliable. It¡¯s definitely delicious.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Aeroc responded easily without even tasting the meal. Aeroc poked the fish with his fork and took a bite. Unlike his hurried eating, he chewed slowly until it would have mostly melted away before swallowing. Then he furrowed his brow.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, don¡¯t eat it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to eat it all.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re making such a displeased expression.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not because I dislike it. It¡¯s just¡­¡±


    After taking a sip of water, Aeroc remarked, ¡°I regret that I was stubborn and didn¡¯t eat this delicious food back then.¡± Then he eagerly finished the salmon. It was still an iprehensible statement, but ultimately, it seemed that Aeroc liked the salmon, so Kloff smiled brightly.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.3 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.3 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    Time passed smoothly, and fortunately, with no major problems. With his belly getting bigger, Aeroc refrained from going out unless absolutely necessary, and that was true of Kloff as well. They learned firsthand the chaos that would ensue when a fox and a roon were together inside the house.


    ¡°At the Count of Teiwind, it is a tradition that ck tea is prepared in matching tea sets and served with the finest cream.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, you should add a tradition of having it in a mug and just putting sugar from now on.¡±


    As Martha said that, she confidently stirred her mug with just two sugar cubes. The housekeeper couldn¡¯t tolerate it and trembled, while Martha casuallymented, ¡°It seems like you have senile dementia. It¡¯s because you¡¯re always getting angry.¡± and drank her tea, making a slurping sound. Passing by, Kloff saw the servants taking a break and had to hold back hisughter at the sight of the trembling butler.


    Next was the incident that happened while walking in the garden with Aeroc. While engaging in a lighthearted debate about how many children they would have in the future, three or six, they noticed the butler and Martha picking flowers for decorations from the other side of the garden.


    ¡°The roses shouldn¡¯t be cut so carelessly. Hold it here and cut it diagonally, then remove the thorns and leaves underneath and put them in a basket. As a housekeeper, don¡¯t you know this?¡±


    ¡°In Bendyke, we don¡¯t grow such nasty flowers, only giant cedar trees.¡±


    ¡°¡­What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Literally. Do you want me to snap it like this?¡±


    Ignoring the butler¡¯s words again, Martha half-twisted the half-bloomed rose with her hand. The butler hurriedly tried to say, ¡°That¡¯s not!¡± but soon stepped back a few paces.


    Buzz, buzz, buzz.


    Two bees suddenly flew out of the flower and darted toward Martha.


    ¡°Ah! Bees!¡±


    As Martha threw her hands in the air in a panic, the butler smirked. He calmly said, ¡°Those are bees cursing the mean flower,¡± and walked away with the rose basket into the house.


    ¡°I guess they don¡¯t get along after all.¡±


    ¡°I think they might get along surprisingly well.¡±


    At Aeroc¡¯sment, Kloff looked at him in disbelief and said, ¡°Why?¡± Aeroc smiled slightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time Hugo has been so gentle with someone.¡±


    He had just abandoned the female omega who was attacked by the bees and went inside the house. And that was considered gentle? Indeed, the butler, who was the standard of tradition and principles in this mansion, was just as iprehensible as his master.


    Several months passed. While marveling at Aeroc¡¯s expanding belly, his astonishment was short-lived as the gaze of the guests who visited the estate was not at all pleasant. Especially the Wolke Marquis, who appeared repeatedly for unknown reasons. He took one look at Aeroc¡¯s tautly pulled vest and jacket and said quietly, ¡°This is a gift.¡± He handed him a small box slightlyrger than the palm of his hand.


    ¡°By the way, your belly is¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s abdominal obesity.¡±


    Kloff, standing by the Count¡¯s side like a knight, answered coldly. Wolke seemed to have sensed something and coughed a few times before asking again, ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°His appetite has increasedtely, and he has suddenly gained weight.¡±


    ¡°Do you expect people to believe that?¡±


    ¡°If they can¡¯t ept the obvious truth, what can we do?¡±


    Without batting an eye while spinning lies, Kloff exchanged nces with Wolke. If interpreted, it would probably mean ¡°Shut up, if you don¡¯t want to die.¡± or ¡°You shameless bastard, have you forgotten how I helped you?¡±.


    ¡°Do you have anypany?¡±


    ¡°¡­No.¡±


    Wolke answered Aeroc¡¯s question with a few cryptic nuances, then quickly left to join the others. Aeroc held up the gift and made a puzzled look.


    ¡°Why do you keep inviting him?¡±


    ¡°The Marquis of Wolke and the Count of Teiwind have had a long-standing exchange, so it¡¯s only natural.¡±


    ¡°Is it not possible to sever that rtionship?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡±


    Aeroc rebuked Kloff for spouting nonsense. At a loss for words, Kloff snatched the gift box from Aeroc and opened it. He was ready to use any excuse to throw it away if it was strange, but when he opened it, he found a piece of soft fabric the size of his palm.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a baby hat. It¡¯s a high-qualityce.¡±


    ¡°As expected, he knew it.¡±


    Kloff swallowed his anger, and Aeroc looked at him wistfully.


    ¡°It would be stranger if he doesn¡¯t know it. Speaking of which, is that really the only excuse you have, abdominal obesity?¡±


    ¡°Should I just say it¡¯s a serious illness?¡±


    ¡°Enough! It¡¯s my fault for trusting you.¡±


    Aeroc irritably handed the baby hat to Kloff and ordered him, ¡°Go to my room and put it in the second drawer. On your own.¡± Even if he gritted his teeth, Kloff was no match for the Count, who greeted the guests with a bright smile.


    He knew that he would be a foot-washer for Aeroc. Kneeling in front of the Count, who sat arrogantly on the luxurious and soft sofa, Kloff held a basin filled with warm water and carefully dipped the Count¡¯s fair foot, cupping it gently with both hands. After washing up to the ankle, hethered his hands with fragrant soap and massaged the noble Count¡¯s foot. He meticulously handled the instep, sole, and heels that had borne the weight of his body all day, then used his fingers to massage between the toes.


    ¡°It tickles.¡±


    Even though arrogantints burst out, Kloff didn¡¯t utter a word and dipped his hands into the warm water in the basin again, sshing water on Aeroc¡¯s fair foot. Then he firmly massaged the foot with hisrge hands.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Ah¡­ A little more¡­ There¡­ Ngh¡­¡±


    Because of those lewd moans, blood rushed to his core. Kloff adjusted his kneeling position slightly to take some pressure off, knowing that if he were caught, he¡¯d be used of being a foot-obsessed pervert again. Knowing Aeroc, even if Kloff said it was a response to his suggestive moans, it would still be useless. After finishing the massage, the Count let out a satisfied andnguid sigh.


    After drying his clean foot with a towel draped over his shoulders, the Count ced his foot on one of Kloff¡¯s shoulders. It was as light and arrogant as an ancient emperor using a ve¡¯s back as a footrest. Then he ced his other foot in Kloff¡¯s free hand. Kloff silently washed it, massaged it, and wiped it clean with a towel.


    Though the continuous lewd moans had quite seriously made him have a hard-on, Kloff couldn¡¯t give it any care as he attended this noble Count. He pushed the basin aside and stood up from his kneeling position. Before the clean feet of the noble Count touched the ground, Kloff slid his arm beneath the Count¡¯s knee, firmly gripping his lower back, and the Count easily wrapped his arm around Kloff¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Eek.¡±


    Kloff gritted his teeth hard and tried his best not to drop the Count. His physique wasn¡¯t small as he was originally an alpha and with a balloon-like swollen belly, the Count was quite heavy. But Kloff smiled slightly, as if Aeroc was featherlight.


    ¡°Am I heavy?¡±


    Kloff, endowed with wise and cautious wisdom to never answer the obvious answer when asked an obvious question, replied in a voice that trembled a little.


    ¡°No, not at all.¡±


    ¡°But why are you clenching your teeth so hard?¡±


    ¡°Because I have a toothache. I have a cavity.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s a bit different from what I personally confirmed earlier.¡±


    ¡°How can you check for cavities with your tongue?¡±


    As Kloff replied, he took a step, then another step, and moved towards the bed. Just before the veins on his forehead were about to burst, he managed to lift the heavily pregnant omega onto the bed. The bed creaked as the weight settled, and Kloff let out a light sigh, trying to straighten his back.


    At that moment, Aeroc grabbed his cor and pulled him down for a kiss. Instinctively closing his eyes, Kloff returned the sweet kiss before opening his eyes again to see Aeroc wearing a wicked smile, saying, ¡°You really don¡¯t have cavities after all.¡±


    ¡°¡­Humanely-¡°


    ¡°My pajamas.¡±


    Before Kloff could finish his sentence, Aeroc ordered briskly. Kloff quickly fetched the pajamas and helped Aeroc change his clothes. Aeroc, now wearing a loose-fitting white nightgown,ined while handing his worn clothes to Kloff.


    ¡°How much longer do I have to wear these stupid clothes?¡±


    Kloff smiled as he pretended to pull down the skirt of his nightgown, while secretly brushing against Aeroc¡¯s smooth legs.


    ¡°It¡¯s so round that it¡¯s cute, don¡¯t you look good wearing it?¡±


    Actually, it was more the sight of his legs stretching out beneath his white one-piece nightgown that was so insanely sexy which made him couldn¡¯t think of anything else. However, Kloff knew that if he said it out loud, he¡¯d be scolded so he held it back. Aeroc, with a disapproving expression, finallyy down on the bed. Kloff propped his legs up on the pillows and ced several more pillows to support his upper body.


    ¡°When can I sleep lying down properly and see my feet again?¡±


    ¡°Just endure for two more months.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I have to do this five more times¡­.¡±


    As he was about to spread the sheets over him, Kloff stopped and looked at Aeroc, who was frowning deeply.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.4 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.4 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


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    ¡°Are you really thinking of having six kids? It might be better for you to consider that.¡±


    No matter how much Kloff thought about it, it would take 8 to 10 years for that long-term project toplete its final phase. Kloff tried to suggest making some adjustments considering his age and health, also Aeroc¡¯s weight, but Aeroc drew a firm line, saying, ¡°Six kids. No morepromises.¡±


    Why was he so fixated on having six kids? He¡¯d be likely to die giving birth to them all. Kloff wanted to argue, but in the brief moment that he left and came back with the duvet, he saw Aeroc, who was falling asleep, and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not so bad if I can see such an adorable sight from you five more times.¡±


    In that short time, Kloff gave a goodnight kiss on the unconscious Aeroc¡¯s cheek, and he forgot about his premature worries.


    As Aeroc¡¯s belly became a little bigger, they could get away with hiding it under clothes, but after six months, it became hard to hide. They needed loose-fitting clothes. Still, the protruding belly couldn¡¯t be hidden.


    Although they reduced their public appearances, being too reclusive could also raise suspicions, so they ended up attending small gatherings with a select few. His face had be smoother and brighter, but due to the inexplicable fact that the originally slim Count now had arge belly, people began to worry about his health. Add to that the fact that he had recently been spotted being unusually affectionate with the financial manager who had been residing in the estate, rumors naturally spread in that direction.


    ¡°Could it be that the Count¡­?¡±


    ¡°No way. He¡¯s definitely an alpha. I¡¯ve known him since he was young.¡±


    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case, maybe¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It does seem likely, doesn¡¯t it? They do seem to suit each other.¡±


    Whenever such rumors reached him, Kloff firmly denied it and pushed the idea that Aeroc had abdominal obesity. Except for the likes of Marquis Wolke, most people initially believed it. But as the pregnancy passed seven months, even that became a stretch. Still, Kloff¡¯s attitude remained unwavering.


    ¡°¡­Do you really think people believe that?¡±


    When the other aplice in the scheme asked, Kloff shed a determined look and replied.


    ¡°So what if they don¡¯t believe us? It¡¯s not like they¡¯re going to cut open your belly to check.¡±


    No one dared to challenge them under Kloff¡¯s ferocity. Among the aristocrats, the talk eventually turned to, ¡°Lord Teiwind has gained so much weighttely, hasn¡¯t he?¡± Later, everyone casuallymented, ¡°It¡¯s just in old belly fat.¡± Aeroc, the butler, and Martha were absolutely amazed at the absurdity. Meanwhile, Kloff left behind a memorable quote.


    ¡°Truth is created by willpower.¡±


    As childbirth approached and Aeroc grew anxious, they eventually left the estate and moved to a secluded vi not far from the city. It was the ce where Aeroc used to spend his heat cycles. The butler couldn¡¯te along as he had to manage the estate, so Martha apanied them instead. However, she was already exhausted from the household chores, so it was up to Kloff to take care of Aeroc¡¯s every need.


    Since Aeroc¡¯s pregnancy, Kloff had adopted the mindset that Aeroc¡¯s fortune was their own fortune. Apart from a few important clients, Kloff handed over all the work to his colleagues in the industry. Although he reduced his workload, the national fund he managed was bing increasinglyrge-scale, leaving Kloff no time to rest. He took a long-term leave of absence for personal reasons, but financial matters never ceased, so he had to go to the city every few days.


    Some days, Aeroc would be full ofints, other days he would cry uncontrobly, and on some days, he seemed like he was about to fly away. Dealing with Aeroc in such a state was not an easy task. After tending to his every need andying him on the bed, Kloff would continue to organize documents and write important sealed letters untilte.


    Kloff massaged his stiff neck, gently rubbing his hands on the bags under his eyes. After getting up and taking off his clothes, exhausted, Kloff climbed onto the bed. Watching Aeroc silently, who smelled of fragrant soap, Kloff kissed their forehead.


    ¡°Indeed, my wife is the prettiest when he¡¯s asleep.¡±


    As Kloff expected, the first thing Aeroc said when he opened his eyes in the morning was, ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± Exhausted from his mentalbor untilte at night, Kloff immediately jumped up like a private who heard an air raid siren and hurriedly put on his robe before leaving the room. He could now find the vi kitchen even with his eyes closed. Martha, who was already preparing breakfast, greeted Kloff and stepped aside.


    With his eyes closed, Kloff found the potatoes and the knife. He had reached a level where he could skillfully peel the potatoes without cutting his fingers even when he was half-asleep. Kloff skillfully put the vegetables and potatoes in a pot and boiled them, adding a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Meanwhile, Martha ced a hearty sd, two slices of toast, fruits, juice, three pieces of bacon, and a few sausages on the bedside table.


    In the middle of it all, there was a warm pot that had been preheated. After pouring the boiling soup into a full bowl, Kloff covered it with a lid. Finally sobered up from his sleep, he lifted the sturdy tray and went upstairs to the second floor.


    Struggling to open the door, Kloff entered to find Aeroc sparkling with anticipation. He ced the meal on the table and helped Aeroc get up. He supported him with a generous pillow and cushion on his back, and then ced the feast on the bed. Aeroc quickly picked up the spoon and started eating the soup. Kloff sat on the bed, holding a rustic mug filled with hot tea, and watched Aeroc eat the hot soup eagerly.


    ¡°Is it really that delicious?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t engage me in a conversation.¡±


    Out of curiosity, Kloff had tried it a few times. It wasn¡¯t entirely vorful. It was just decently edible. Aeroc, who was ustomed to fine ingredients and exquisite dishes prepared by top chefs, shouldn¡¯t be going crazy over the taste of the soup.


    Despite thinking that Aeroc would give up making him cook after the first painful attempt, he always sought out to request the crude soup that Kloff made. Moreover, he wouldn¡¯t eat anything else unless he had it. It wasn¡¯t just stubbornness, but a really bad case of morning sickness. Kloff had no choice but to make it for him. After about eight months of making the soup, Kloff had reached a level where he could make it even with his eyes closed.


    While Kloff enjoyed a cup of tea, Aeroc finished all that food. Especially the soup, the bowl had been so clean that there was no need to wash it. Aeroc patted his inted belly, seemingly satisfied. Then, he sipped on apple juice. Kloff pushed the much lighter bedside table aside and massaged Aeroc¡¯s swollen legs, as he had been lying on one side all night due to difort.


    ¡°A bit higher. There. Ah¡­¡±


    Aeroc closed their eyes and made a contented sound. Even though he had already massaged his legs at night, they always had this ritual in the morning.


    Drinking apple juice and receiving a massage, Aeroc closed their eyes and made contented throaty moans. But suddenly, he groaned and writhed in difort.


    ¡°Is that perhaps? Is that the signal already?¡±


    ¡°N-no way. It¡¯s not time yet. Maybe the puppy¡¯s awake.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Unlike the omega who was grimacing in pain, the alpha smiled and gently caressed Aeroc¡¯s swollen belly with hisrge hand. In the midst of his caresses, he felt a tiny kick in the center of his palm.


    ¡°Ouch.¡±


    ¡°Oh my. That must hurt?¡±


    ¡°No, it really hurts bad.¡±


    Aeroc frowned and grumbled. Kloff chuckled, patting his belly andnding a kiss on Aeroc¡¯s lips.


    ¡°The baby must really be an alpha.¡±


    ¡°The baby is an omega. An omega son.¡±


    For some reason, as if he had received a divine revtion, Aeroc always said his baby would be an omega. Martha, who had experienced childbirth before, thought the baby would be an alpha from the shape of his belly, but Aeroc¡¯s baseless belief didn¡¯t change at all. Consequently, all the baby items were prepared to suit an omega, although Kloff secretly bought and stocked up alpha-rted items.


    ¡°If the baby is an omega, that¡¯s great too. Especially if he¡¯s blond with sky-blue eyes, he would be adorable.¡±


    In response to those words, Aeroc nced at Kloff and then smiled thinly.


    ¡°Just as you wished, I hope the baby will be born with blond hair and sky-blue eyes, resembling your wife.¡±


    Kloffughed at Aeroc¡¯s self-reference.


    ¡°Yes, a beautiful and lovely omega will be born, resembling my wife.¡±


    Finishing his words, Kloff kissed his beloved wife.


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.5 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.5 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


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    He was taking Martha¡¯s advice that it wasn¡¯t good to overexert himself, but lying in bed all the time would only harm his health and make childbirth more difficult. So, whenever he had free time in the morning or afternoon, Aeroc would walk around the small garden of the vi. Dressed in arge maternity dress, a wide-brimmed hat, and boots, Aeroc looked like a giant child, which amused Kloff.


    Martha especially insisted that he should wear a pink sweater as his body shouldn¡¯t get cold. To top it off, she tied a scarf under the hat to cover his pearly fair face, leaving only his face visible outwardly. Watching from behind, Kloff couldn¡¯t help but giggle. And for teasing the angry Aeroc, Kloff received a smack in the shin.


    ¡°Don¡¯tugh at me!¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯tughing at you. I wasughing because you¡¯re cute.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me cute too!¡±


    After shouting aloud, Aeroc stomped away from the vi entrance. Kloff chuckled, finding him as adorable as a baby bear taking its first steps.


    Perhaps Aeroc was feeling bored with just having a walk, so he grabbed a small seedling shovel and a bucket, then sat down in one corner of the garden, digging for something. It seemed difficult for Aeroc to even sit down, so Kloff wondered what they were nning to do. But to his surprise, Aeroc dug out weeds, caught insects on the flowering trees, and tended to the garden quite skilfully.


    ¡°Where did you learn to do this?¡±


    ¡°Every educated aristocrat should have basic knowledge of gardening. Instead of ying with puzzles and numbers all the time, you should learn something as a hobby.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have anything before, so I was too busy studying to have the luxury to learn cultured basics.¡±


    Aeroc turned their head and red at Kloff, not liking what he just casually said. Kloff shrugged his shoulders, wondering if he might have touched a nerve, but Aeroc immediately turned away and started digging again.


    After an awkward moment of silence, Kloff quietly stepped back and made an excuse, ¡°But I can still y chess.¡± The hand holding the shovel, which had been digging, stopped. Normally, Aeroc would bepletely absorbed in gardening to the point that Kloff had to stop him, but now he left after just a few shovels.


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    ¡°¡­The weather isn¡¯t good today. It¡¯s better to harvest the bulbster.¡±


    Even though the small bucket was less than one-third full, Aeroc dropped the shovel in the bucket and stood up. Kloff stood straight and looked around the horizon, but he couldn¡¯t see a single cloud in the sky.


    ¡°But the weather is really nice. It¡¯s clear and crisp.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to rain.¡±


    Even looking far into the distance, Kloff couldn¡¯t see any of a single dark cloud, but Aeroc left Kloff behind and went back into the vi.


    Kloff didn¡¯t know what had bothered Aeroc, but as the sinner who had gotten him pregnant, he spent the rest of the day watching Aeroc¡¯s mood. And every time their eyes met, he would smile and silently mouth the words ¡®I love you¡¯. Aeroc would awkwardly smile back and gaze at him a moment, before slowly turning his head. Seeing Aeroc look so terribly lonely, Kloff couldn¡¯t bear it any longer and quickly approached him, hugging him tightly and covering every inch of his exposed skin with kisses.


    But still, Aeroc said nothing. He didn¡¯t respond well to the kisses, seemingly a bit tense. However, he didn¡¯t push Kloff away either, so he patiently whispered ¡°I love you¡± to Aeroc repeatedly.


    His lips were now slightly swollen, and there were marks everywhere on the once delicate but now slightly round jawline, and on the soft flesh that lined the prominent neck. Half-buried in the alpha¡¯s embrace, Aeroc spoke in a quiet voice.


    ¡°I am in love with you. I¡¯m in love with you.¡±


    It was an unfamiliar tone, closer to a deration than a confession. Although it wasn¡¯t much different than saying directly to Kloff that he loved him, Aeroc¡¯s confessions always felt a little off.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re in love with me.¡±


    After that confirmation, Aeroc nodded his head and leaned against Kloff. Due to the growing puppy, it was a bit difficult to face each other and embrace, so Kloff wrapped his warm body around Aeroc from behind, and pushed his chin up slightly with one hand, making him turn around to face him. Kloff then lowered his head to kiss him. Aeroc, struggling to maintain bnce, wrapped his arms around Kloff¡¯s waist. However, his hands didn¡¯t reach Kloff¡¯s back. Kloff tightened his arms around Aeroc more.


    Due to Aeroc¡¯s stubbornness, there were asional bittersweet moments for unknown reasons, but overall, the time went by sweetly and peacefully. And when the weather became cool, the signal finally came.


    While drinking tea and organizing documents in the afternoon, Aeroc went out to the garden and soon returned in a cold sweat.


    ¡°Kloff, go and call the doctor.¡±


    Seeing Aeroc staggered out in a cold sweat, Kloff looked at him in surprise while helping him.


    ¡°Is it real this time?¡±


    They had experienced chaotic situations a few times before whenever falsebor pains urred, and Aeroc would always tell him to calm down as it wasn¡¯t time yet, but Kloff never listened.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never given birth before so you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about!¡±


    Kloff would always get angry and call the doctor, but each time that happened, the doctor only shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯sbor pains. Childbirth is still far away.¡±


    Then Kloff would have to gently console an irritated Aeroc, who was already in pain. This time though, it seemed different.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure this time. Go and call the doctor right away!¡±


    But he couldn¡¯t leave Aeroc like that. At the very least, he had to make sure Aeroc was seated before he left. When Kloff tried to take off his dirty boots and lift him onto the bed, Aeroc got angry.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be on the couch, not the bed! I¡¯m morefortable sitting.¡±


    Quickly obeying his behest, Kloff helped Aeroc sit on the sofa. Carefully keeping his steps in bnce, he hurriedly went to call Martha. Perhaps at that moment, Kloff screamed the loudest he had ever screamed in his life. With a panicked face, Martha came out of the kitchen and saw Kloff running down the stairs.


    ¡°Martha! It seems like the baby ising out.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s not a false rm this time? Is it really time?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Please hurry up and prepare for it.¡±


    Martha handed Kloff an already prepared bag containing the necessary birthing supplies and started boiling hot water. As Kloff rushed back to the room, Aeroc had gotten off the couch and was hugging a cushion,ying his upper body t on the couch with his legs spread apart.


    Kloff didn¡¯t know when Aeroc did it, but he had already stripped off hisfortable pants and underwear. He buried his face in the cushion, letting out a horrible sound while half-swallowing rough breaths. Martha quickly arrived and checked Aeroc¡¯s condition, then opened the bag Kloff had brought with him and took clean towels from inside it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there in a daze, quickly call the doctor!¡±


    ¡°Huh, ah. Okay.¡±


    Startled by Martha¡¯s outcry, Kloff rushed out to call the doctor. He galloped like the wind, as if he had learned horse riding just for this moment, but the short distance to the nearby town center felt three times longer than usual.


    As soon as he found the doctor¡¯s office in the center of the town, he pushed the door and entered, but the doctor was not there. Instead, a woman doing errands was surprised and told him that the doctor had gone to the neighboring vige to see a child who had broken their leg. Threatening her to get the child¡¯s address, Kloff quickly mounted his horse again and barged into that house, dragging the doctor out.


    ¡°You won¡¯t die just because your leg is broken. But my wife is dying right now. If you want to keep practicing medicine, you bettere along obediently.¡±


    Like baggage, he threw the middle-aged doctor onto the horse and immediately mounted it, pulling the reins. The strong horse neighed excitedly and galloped. Kloff immediately slurred it on.


    ¡°¡­Since I¡¯ve already applied the bandage, you just need to let it dry!¡±


    With bandages all over his hands, the doctor, who was not only kidnapped but also couldn¡¯t even sit properly, shouted at the mother of the child who had broken their leg in the far distance, clutching the horse¡¯s hindquarters tightly. Kloff literally brought the doctor to the vi with that horse. As soon as he got off the horse, he heard a terrible scream echoing from the second floor. The thought of his omega dying made the hairs on his body stand and his legs tremble. With his mind that was almost scattering, he went towards the bewildered doctor and grabbed him by the cor, dragging him up to the second floor.


    ¡°Aeroc! Don¡¯t die! I brought the doctor!¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.6 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.6 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


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    Kicking the door open, he found Aeroc lying face down on the couch, tearing apart the cushions and screaming. The white nightgown he was wearing was already a mess of amniotic fluid and bloodstains. The doctor, who saw that, quickly pushed Kloff aside and went around to the back of the couch, sitting next to Martha. Gasping for breath, Aeroc let out another horrible scream. Even though it was muffled by the cushions and didn¡¯te out properly, Kloff¡¯s hands and feet were trembling. He was on the verge of tears.


    ¡°It¡¯s progressing fast even though the contractions had only started a while ago. I¡¯ve never seen first deliveries progressing this fast.¡±


    ¡°Does¡­ that mean something is wrong?¡±


    Although Kloff red at the doctor as if he wanted to kill him right away, his voice came out in a strangely subdued tone. The doctor, showing signs of confusion, shook his head.


    ¡°Everything is going fine. For a first-time delivery, it¡¯s progressing very smoothly. And for a male omega, he¡¯s very skilled, as if he has given birth to several children¡­ Ah, that was a slip of the tongue.¡±


    Seeing the expression on the baby¡¯s father¡¯s face, the doctor quickly retracted his words and turned to Martha, who was by his side.


    ¡°Get sterilized scissors, warm water, and towels. If the dtion has progressed this much, the baby wille out soon.¡±


    As Martha left the room, the doctor spoke authoritatively, saying, ¡°As for the husband, please calm down and either sit down or leave.¡± Despite his authority and whatnot, if anything went wrong with his Aeroc, Kloff would kill him without hesitation. For now, he shut his mouth and went to sit on the chair in the corner of the room. His legs trembled in restlessness. Aeroc screamed another horrible scream.


    ¡°Push with a little more strength. You¡¯re doing well.¡±


    Following the doctor¡¯s instructions, Aeroc took a deep breath and exerted his strength. His blond hair was drenched, whether with cold sweat or tears, and he let out another scream. He exhaled short, rough breaths and looked in this direction with blurred eyes. In that moment, Kloff kneeled down and wanted to beg for forgiveness for being born as an alpha, thus not being able to take over Aeroc¡¯s agonizing pain.


    As the agonizing screams of his imprinted omega filled the air, some hair piled up on the floor, and the doctor gasped. At the same time, Kloff felt as if his heart was about to burst through his throat.


    ¡°Oh, the head is out. Just a little more. Just a little more push.¡±


    Aeroc let out a final scream, his whole body shaking. And shortly after, he screamed again as if he would die any moment, his voice choked. Then his body wentpletely limp, and at the same time, the doctor lifted a bloody clump between his legs. At that sight, the already trembling world spun around like a top. Kloff managed to take a few steps, barely feeling any sensation in his numb legs. Although their baby was out, Kloff could barely breathe, fearing how Aeroc was doing.


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    With a cracking voice, Kloff called him. Fortunately, Aeroc was fine. He was still lying face down, breathing heavily with his chest heaving. After the doctor cut the umbilical cord and made the baby¡¯s navel, he handed the baby to Martha. She skillfully cleaned the baby and wrapped him in a very soft warm nket she had prepared. Then she walked over with a bright smile and handed the baby to Kloff. Kloff, who had been continuously watching Aeroc, was overwhelmed with emotions as he felt the baby in his arms.


    ¡°Looking at the handsome little pepper, he¡¯s definitely an alpha son. His ck and tousled hair resembles his father.¡±


    Kloff cautiously held the baby, as if holding a snowke that would melt when touched. He looked down at the baby in his arms with care. Despite going through such hardship, the baby, with its colorful appearance, was more beautiful than anything Kloff had ever seen. Well, except for one thing. While holding the baby, unsure of what to do, the doctor did the rest of the cleanup. After washing his hands in the water brought by Martha, the doctor stood up from his seat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll need me in the future when you can do so well. A midwife would be enough. I¡¯d prefer to avoid getting kidnapped.¡±


    He patted Kloff on the shoulder as he stood there frozen before walking away. Meanwhile, Martha undressed Aeroc¡¯s dirty clothes and wiped his body with a clean towel dipped in warm water.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there, help me.¡±


    At that moment, Kloff came to his senses. After carefully cing the baby on the crib, he hurriedly went to Aeroc¡¯s side. Martha handed Kloff a warm towel soaked in the water. He wiped Aeroc¡¯s blood-stained legs and wiped his face and upper body with another clean towel. However, Aeroc didn¡¯t open his eyes, as if he had lost consciousness.


    ¡°Did something go wrong?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just exhausted. He¡¯ll regain consciousness soon. Quickly wipe him clean and get him dressed.¡±


    Martha said, and she continued to roll up the dirty clothes and floor mats. Kloff quickly cleaned Aeroc¡¯s body and dressed him in the soft pajamas that had been prepared in advance. Then he carefully lifted Aeroc up, who was a little lighter now, andid him down on the bed, making sure not to cause any pain to his limp body. After pulling the sheets over him, Kloff gently stroked his pale forehead with his emotional heart. Aeroc weakly reached out and grabbed Kloff¡¯s sleeve.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t want to go to the cabin¡­ It¡¯s too lonely there¡­¡±


    ¡°What? The cabin?¡±


    Aeroc, who had just given birth, weakly opened his eyes to the Alpha¡¯s tearful voice. His eyes, filled with tears from the pain of childbirth, were distant and hazy.


    ¡°¡­But¡­ I don¡¯t want to be abandoned either¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? Why would I abandon you? Oh, right. Aeroc, our child.¡±


    Overjoyed that both of them were safe, Kloff gently took Aeroc¡¯s hand, which was holding onto him, and hurriedly kissed the back of his hand before cing it back down. Then, he carefully lifted the baby from the crib on the other side of the bed, where they had spent the past few weeks sleeping together.


    He wanted to show the baby to Aeroc as soon as possible. He wanted to see how happy Aeroc would be. The baby wasn¡¯t an Omega son, so he might be disappointed, but Kloff wanted to boast so much that their baby was incredibly healthy and handsome.


    ¡°Hey, Aeroc. This is our baby.¡±


    Just as he was about to bring the baby into his line of sight, Aeroc sobbed and, in a painfully chilling voice, cried out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him!¡±


    Kloff¡¯s smile froze. Aeroc deliberately turned away from the baby, despite his body still hurting. It made no sense; he had adored the baby when he was still in the womb, calling him a puppy and loving him so much. Kloff couldn¡¯t understand why Aeroc was now refusing to see the baby. However, seeing Aeroc in so much pain, he suppressed the intense emotions welling up inside him. He called out to him in the gentlest and softest voice he could muster.


    ¡°Aeroc, look at me.¡±


    After a few more calls, Aeroc raised his tear-filled eyes and found the baby. He couldn¡¯t turn his gaze away from the baby in Kloff¡¯s arms. Despite longing for the child, he spoke words of denial.


    ¡°No. If I see him¡­ I won¡¯t be able to let him go¡­¡±


    ¡°Where do you want to send him to, Aeroc? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll take him away. To the estate. It¡¯s too cold in the cabin, I can¡¯t sleep there.¡±


    With their child in his arms, Kloff knelt by the bed. The baby was now at eye level with Aeroc. When Aeroc saw the white baby nket, he reached out his trembling hand, but before his fingers could touch it, his hand curled like a withering flower petal. It was clear that he wanted the baby. So why was he pushing him away?


    Kloff wanted to cry. He had endured listening to the agonizing moans of his imprinted omega. He thought that he would finally be able to see Aeroc¡¯s bright smile. But Aeroc was rejecting their baby, the one he himself had given birth to. It was unbearably painful and heartbreaking. Instead, Kloff pushed the baby into Aeroc¡¯s arms. Aeroc squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to look.


    Sadness and pain. Also, anger and frustration. Every time Kloff saw Aeroc suffering like this, he wanted to scream and ask what was wrong, but he held it back. He feared that if he let it out, there would be an uncontroble outburst. Instead, Kloff held back his tears, extending Aeroc¡¯s arms and nestling the baby within. Aeroc sobbed as he tried to resist opening his arm.


    ¡°Just take him away. Please.¡±


    ¡°Look! You have to look at him!¡±


    Kloff pulled Aeroc¡¯s pleading head towards the baby. Tears poured from his tightly shut eyes and rolled down the tip of his tilted nose, falling onto the baby¡¯s small head. The baby wrinkled his face slightly, and finally, he started crying. As the soft and vulnerable cries filled the air, Aeroc was startled and he instinctively held the baby.


    Witnessing that scene, Kloff froze, not knowing what to do. The baby cried, and Aeroc cried. Not knowing what was wrong with his wife and baby, Kloff felt like crying himself. Despite trying so hard to hold back, his tears refused to be swallowed back. Just when they were about to spill, an angel appeared to rescue him in this unmanageable situation.


    Martha, who had left the room to clean up the mess after the delivery, came in and saw the crying baby. She made a face.


    ¡°He needs to be breastfed.¡±


    Kloff cried out, ¡°How?¡± With a confident demeanor, Martha came to the bedside and handed the baby to Kloff with her sturdy hands. Although Aeroc had been trying not to look at the baby who he was instinctively cradling, he let out a small exmation.


    With a burst of strength, Martha lifted Aeroc¡¯s upper body, which was even too heavy for Kloff to lift. She ced a pillow behind him to help him sit up. The weight on his lower body made Aeroc grimace and groan in pain.


    ¡°Hang in there, even if it hurts. You¡¯re about to experience your happiest moment in the world.¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 11.7 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 11.7 - The little sunshine clears away dark cloud</h4>


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    She cheerfully spoke, before taking the baby from Kloff and then skillfully positioning the baby in the distraught Aeroc¡¯s arms. She grabbed Aeroc¡¯s limp arms and positioned them to hold the baby, then she brought the crying baby¡¯s head to Aeroc¡¯s breast. The child sobbed and whimpered with tears in his eyes, but then his baby instincts kicked in and he eagerly started sucking.


    Martha¡¯s swift and unexpected yet simple action made Kloff¡¯s tears dry.


    With a joyful expression, Martha ced her hands on her hips and looked at the new mother and the baby who had just been born into the world.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    Aeroc, eyes still fixated on his baby in astonishment, blinked dumbfoundedly as if he had seen an angel actualizing, and then spoke in a trembling voice.


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ not blonde.¡±


    ¡°Resembling his father, he has deep brown hair.¡±


    ¡°¡­He doesn¡¯t seem to be an omega.¡±


    ¡°What? Did you not tell him that the baby was an alpha?¡±


    Martha looked at Kloff incredulously. He was about to protest that Aeroc hadn¡¯t even wanted to see the baby just now, but he wisely kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°Something is wrong.¡±


    Martha was the one who answered his question.


    ¡°What do you mean? The baby¡¯s fingers, toes, and birdie are all intact. Is the milk noting out?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡±


    ¡°If that side is all finished, embrace him towards the other side. One side should be enough for now since he¡¯s still young, but if you don¡¯t feed him vigorously, it¡¯ll dry up quickly. And when that happens, even if you want to feed him, you won¡¯t be able to. So don¡¯t skip feeding the baby, it has to be on time. Don¡¯t forget to burp the baby after you¡¯re done feeding him. You¡¯ve had a tough time tonight, so get a good sleep. You¡¯ll wake up in a living hell soon enough.¡±


    The words sounded somewhat frightening, making Aeroc almost on the verge of tears again.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Aeroc had barely stopped crying and Kloff couldn¡¯t afford to let him cry again, so he grabbed Martha, who was about to leave, and asked her instead of Aeroc, ¡°Hell?!¡± In response, Martha looked at the two new parents and warned them with a terrifying re.


    ¡°It¡¯s the parenting hell where you have to breastfeed the baby every two hours, change diapers, and walk around holding him all night to put him to sleep. Don¡¯t even think about relying on me. I need to sleep at night too.¡±


    A chill ran down Kloff¡¯s spine at Martha¡¯s sharp voice. After Martha left, he looked nkly at Aeroc¡¯s direction. With their son in his arms, tears were streaming down Aeroc¡¯s face. He thought, ¡®Ah, I¡¯ve used up all my sleep now.¡¯ It felt like the tears that had dried up earlier were about toe out again.


    Forced to face the baby with Martha¡¯s tyrannical help, to Kloff¡¯s surprise, Aeroc obediently breastfed the baby. This time, he remained quiet. Kloff stayed even more focused, wanting to remember the indescribably beautiful sight of his omega holding their son and nursing him. While watching his son move his mouth sluggishly, Aeroc nced briefly at Kloff, then lowered his eyes again and looked at the baby.


    ¡°I hadn¡¯t thought of an alpha name¡­¡±


    ¡°You can take your time to think about that slowly.¡±


    ¡°I thought he would be an omega. A beautiful baby with blonde hair and blue eyes.¡±


    It was quite cute that he was still stubborn about that. He really wanted to ask Aeroc what the hell was he thinking to push away the baby that he had been waiting for, but Kloff held it back.


    ¡°I do hope our second baby will look like you. Unless I go crazy because of your screams or parenting before then.¡±


    ¡°¡­Then Rapiel will be our second child. If it really happens that way.¡±


    At those words, Kloff¡¯s face made a drastic expression.


    ¡°Why does Rapiele into this conversation? And he¡¯ll be our second child? What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°If we have an Omega son, I want to name him Rapiel.¡±


    With a slightly sad look in his eyes, Aeroc gently stroked his son¡¯s head with his hand and raised his head, gazing at Kloff. Kloff was so dumbfounded that he couldn¡¯t even snort at him. He didn¡¯t want to raise his voice at Aeroc, who had a long day, but that waspletely uneptable.


    ¡°You¡¯re making fun of me, right? You must be doing this to kill me because I made you have a hard time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°Not like that?! Not in my life there would ever be Rapiel! Whether it¡¯s our second or third, or even ninth or tenth child! My child will never be named Rapiel! If you¡¯re being obsessive like this because you haven¡¯t gotten over him, you¡¯ll be conceiving our second child during your prison visit.¡±


    Kloff let out a threat and Aeroc was taken aback. In his still weak body, Aeroc lost his temper.


    ¡°Why would I be obsessed with Rapiel¡­ Never mind that¡­ Wait, why are you getting angry at me?!¡±


    ¡°Because my omega keeps talking about someone else! There wouldn¡¯t be any alpha who isn¡¯t angered¡±


    Startled by his loud voice, Aeroc remained silent for a while, holding the sleeping baby tightly. He then spoke up.


    ¡°It¡¯s different. Everything has changed.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡± echoed Kloff in a tired voice. His mind and soul were hazy due to the push-and-pull that Aeroc did to him several times in this one day.


    ¡°Everything is different from what I knew. You, the baby, this house, and this moment.¡±


    The weary voice sounded somewhat mncholic. Kloff, who was thankful that the baby was safely born and that the mother had no major problems, felt genuine anger towards the truly outrageous omega who was causing trouble, but he didn¡¯t have the energy to be angry anymore. With a tired demeanor, he rubbed his face with his hands and asked.


    ¡°Do you dislike the change?¡±


    At that, Aeroc looked at him for a while, then looked at the baby again. He remained silent for a long time until Kloff almost forgot the question itself, but then he smiled gently and said, ¡°No.¡±


    The baby, having finished nursing, no longer moved his adorable mouth. It seemed like he had fallen asleep.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t give him a burp, he¡¯ll throw up.¡±


    Kloff approached Aeroc, who was still holding the baby, and pulled the baby closer. Aeroc squirmed a little, seeming not to want to let go.


    ¡°I want to burp him.¡±


    He received Kloff¡¯s help and gently patted the baby¡¯s back as he held him. The baby soon let out a soft burp, and Aeroc smiled with joy. With Kloff¡¯s assistance, he carefully held the baby again andid him down.


    Kloff alsoy beside him, watching the baby enveloped in Aeroc¡¯s arms. It had been an incredibly tiring day. The omega, holding the little baby, was once again embraced by the alpha. Kloff leaned in, burying his nose in the nape of Aeroc¡¯s sweaty and sweet-smelling head, and said,


    ¡°If you hold the baby like that, you might drop him when you fall asleep.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to let go. I want to keep holding him.¡±


    ¡°Earlier, you were trying not to even look at him at all.¡±


    Aeroc touched the baby¡¯s cheek with his hand. A whisper of admiration escaped him.


    ¡°He looks like you. His hair, nose, and lips. Probably his eyes too. He¡¯ll probably grow tall with broad shoulders. His hands and feet will be big. And he¡¯ll have a bad temper, nag a lot, and be greedy for money.¡±


    ¡°Is that what a mother should say about his son?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be intelligent. He¡¯ll probably graduate from school with excellent grades without needing private tutoring and pave his own path by receiving rmendations from professors. He¡¯ll probably meet a pretty and kind omega and date her, but since he¡¯ll be clueless about dating, he¡¯ll need a lot of help from his surroundings.¡±


    ¡°¡­You could just badmouth me outright.¡±


    ¡°It would be nice if he could have aristocratic etiquette, but it¡¯s alright if he couldn¡¯t. Instead, I hope nothing dangerous will happen to the small heart nestled in this pretty and lovely chest.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s frightening habit of making assumptions was now only a light-hearted retort. Kloff, who was stressed earlier because Aeroc rejected their baby, shrugged it off.


    ¡°My heart is beating just fine. If someone tries to put me in danger, he will be beheaded. You know that.¡±


    Aeroc stiffened slightly.


    ¡°At times, you¡¯re really like a devil. No, perhaps a demon king.¡±


    Kloff chuckled, not knowing if it was a curse or an insult. He ced his hand lightly on Aeroc¡¯s waist and kissed him on the nape of his neck, which was surrounded by his blond hair.


    ¡°You used to call me a dog, but now it seems I¡¯ve been promoted to a king. I¡¯ll take it as apliment.¡±


    ¡°No more killing people. I can¡¯t raise the child alone. Of course, I won¡¯t instigate a murder ever again too.¡±


    ¡°I was just exercising my rightful self-defense against my imprinted omega. Those guys drew their weapons first. And¡­¡±


    At that moment, Kloff sat up and pondered Aeroc¡¯s words.


    ¡°Wait, you said ever again?¡±


    ¡°You were the only one with a sword back then.¡±


    ¡°No, not about that. Now you¡¯ve got toe clean. Instigating a murder? Don¡¯t tell me¡­ ¡±


    Could it be that he instigated the murder of the unknown person that he had a broken heart with? That¡¯s why he sometimes made iprehensible remarks due to his trauma. Ah, Kloff thought he should have used any means necessary to figure it out and dealt with it before it came to this. Regretting btedly, Kloff looked at Aeroc with solemn eyes, and Aeroc looked up at him, seemingly guilty and anxious, but then quickly averted his gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that you were hiding something all along.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything.¡±


    ¡°Then why can¡¯t you look me in the eye?¡±


    ¡°I have to look at the baby.¡±


    His awkward excuse was far from convincing.


    ¡°Aeroc.¡±


    Kloff reached out his hand and turned Aeroc¡¯s head to face him.


    ¡°I love you. I love you, the person who gave birth to my child. Whatever you¡¯ve done, I¡¯ll forgive you. So, juste clean. Or else.¡±


    ¡°Or else?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure your belly stays big every day until your menopausees.¡±


    He really meant it. And Kloff could tell that Aeroc understood.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    It was actually Kloff who was surprised by the casual response.


    ¡°I said that¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°I was threatening you just now. You should hate me for being an uncultured beast.¡±


    ¡°I know. But that¡¯s still alright.¡±


    Aeroc, with a faint smile, spoke calmly. Kloff didn¡¯t know what else to say, so he asked with a hint of uncertainty, ¡°Are you sure?¡± Aeroc gently patted the baby¡¯s belly, full from nursing.


    ¡°When I¡¯m pregnant, you¡¯re always kind to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been kind to you. Well, maybe not in the beginning. But I tried my best.¡±


    ¡°I know. So, I¡¯ll give birth to as many as you want.¡±


    ¡°Two is enough.¡±


    Honestly, after recalling today¡¯s memories, Kloff would be satisfied with just one. But a blond omega baby that resembled Aeroc was a hope that neither Martha nor Kloff could give up on.


    ¡°Six is fine too. I think I can give birth to them all.¡±


    ¡°What six? A male omega? You¡¯ll die from giving birth. Two is enough!¡±


    As Aeroc continued to be stubborn, Kloff¡¯s voice grew louder.


    ¡°Why are you angry?¡±


    ¡°When did I get angry? No, don¡¯t change the subject. You instigated a murder? What is that about?!¡±


    ¡°I misspoke.¡±


    Kloff firmly confronted him, not buying into the feeble excuse. If it were something else, on a day as tiring and difficult as today, he would let it slide without saying anything. But this was a very important issue.


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. Who did you kill?¡±


    ¡°Even if I tell you, you won¡¯t believe me.¡±


    Kloff felt his blood run cold at the small voice. If Aeroc had done something, he would have undoubtedly handled it carelessly. There was a possibility that one day he would be on a wanted list, and they would have to hastily dispose of their assets, carry their child, and go into hiding while trying to soothe Aeroc, who would be pregnant again. That would be an unprecedented crisis.


    Eventually, they would run out of money and end up living a miserable life in a shabby inn in the dead of winter. He would be unable to even properly feed the pregnant omega with a bowl of potato soup, crying tears of utter despair. <i>I don¡¯t want to pass on poverty to our children! I can¡¯t do that!</i>


    ¡°Confess right now. Who did you kill? How did you dispose of the body? I¡¯m going to make sure that it¡¯s all covered up, so you bettere clean quickly.¡±


    He gave him a warning in a stern voice, and Aeroc, slightly frightened, tightly sealed his lips and then finally spoke up.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s Rapiel Westport.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


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 Vol. 3 Chapter 12 - The nightmare ends

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter 12 - The nightmare ends</h4>


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    ¡°You mean, that Rapiel?¡±


    Unable to believe it, Kloff asked again, and Aeroc nodded his head.


    Six months ago, Rapiel Westport got married with only his family in attendance as if fleeing from something and then traveled to another country with his unlikable husband. They were still living well in another country.


    Recently, they received a greeting card from him, sent to the estate. The butler forwarded it to the vi, Kloff personally confirmed the signatures of the annoying bastard and the person he¡¯s awkward with. Of course, he never showed it to Aeroc. If Rapiel had died during this time, he would have definitely received the news. Or maybe, that Wolfie would be standing outside the door right now.


    Moreover, in order to instigate a murder, one would have to secretly meet someone. It was impossible for the nervous, pregnant omega who had been pestering Kloff 24 hours a day to meet someone out of his husband¡¯s sight. So how could he have instigated a murder? Then Kloff reached a conclusion.


    ¡°Childbirth is a blessing, but at the same time, it is an extremely painful process. Maybe you¡¯re just talking nonsense because you¡¯re tired. Aeroc, you should sleep now. Let¡¯s talk when you wake up.¡±


    With a gentle smile, he gently lifted the child from Aeroc¡¯s protesting arms and ced him in the prepared crib. Aeroc whimpered as if he were a mother dog who had lost her pups, so Kloff ced the crib right next to the side of the bed where hey. Aeroc, who was gently patting the baby through the gaps in the wooden bars, was soonid down by Kloff and had to have the nket covering him up to his chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying. Believe me. Rapiel was your wife and he got pregnant with your child. I got jealous and made people trample on him mercilessly, killing both the fetus and the mother.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right. Youmitted murder. I hated you so much that I turned you from an alpha into an omega. Then I did all the horrible things that a human wouldn¡¯t imagine. I know.¡±


    At the half-hearted reply, Aeroc¡¯s eyes widened and he grabbed Kloff.


    ¡°You remember that? Do you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I already knew everything. Our first child was an omega son and his name was Rapiel, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s right!¡±


    Aeroc looked very pained, not sure whether he was d or sad that Kloff remembered. Kloff smiled thinly and hugged his stiff body, swollen with ten months of hardship. And he whispered affectionately in Aeroc¡¯s ear.


    ¡°You¡¯re a truly wicked person, and I thoroughly took my revenge on you. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. After giving birth to every child, you took them all away. You kicked me out of the estate, and I sold my body on the streets due to hunger. I had several miscarriages as well. I really wanted to die because it was so miserable and difficult.¡±


    A vein bulged on the Alpha¡¯s forehead, and his arms embracing Aeroc trembled. However, Kloff stubbornly didn¡¯t lose his smile.


    ¡°Yeah. So, what did I do to you?¡±


    Pleased that Kloff was listening to his words, Aeroc started to utter cruel and relentless words with a somewhat excited voice.


    ¡°I identally ran into you and received a silver coin. With that money, I bought clothes and went to your house. And because I looked like Rapiel, you made me pregnant. I was in so much pain that I tried to kill myself. But you saved me again. After that, I lived in a cabin in the rose garden at the estate that was then belonging to Viscount Bendyke. Then, I gave birth to four more children. Thest ones were twins.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, he managed to ask, ¡±And then?¡± before Aeroc spoke words that were almost unbearable to hear.


    ¡°You told me that you wanted me to die just like the sin I hadmitted, so that¡¯s what I nned to do. I ran away and purposely got involved in a gang rape. It was so painful, and I regretted it. My arms were falling off, my legs were broken. Most of all, I felt like I was going to lose my babies. But then, you appeared again and saved me. You were truly like a prince in a fairy tale.¡±


    Kloff didn¡¯t understand what was so good about it that Aerocughed. He could barely hold on to his fading sanity.


    It¡¯s because of childbirth. Aeroc was exaggerating and fabricating stories to make the alpha who hurt him through difficult childbirth the worst man possible. He was using his good memory and recalled the nightmares that Kloff told him before andbined them. Aeroc was intentionally mocking in a sophisticated manner. Yeah, this damned omega.


    As his mental torment continued, Kloff felt as if the sky was bing hazy.


    After using his literary prowess to the fullest to torment the alpha with all sorts of wicked imagination, Aeroc finally ended his story while talking about his own death.


    ¡°You said what I had wasn¡¯t love. For the final time, I asked you to tell me that you loved me, even if it was a lie, but you refused.¡±


    At this point, Aeroc seemedpletely upset, like a wet puppy in the rain.


    ¡°That damned¡­ bastard¡­¡±


    Unable to bear it any longer, Kloff cursed himself in the story, but Aeroc got surprised and quickly apologized.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. For causing you such pain. I always feel sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t saying that to you.¡±


    Cutting him off, Aeroc¡¯s eyes blinked for a moment, and then he made a puzzled expression as if he didn¡¯t understand, and began to apologize again. There was no torment worse than this.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡±


    ¡°I know. You don¡¯t need to apologize anymore. I had already forgiven everything before.¡±


    Unable to listen to it anymore, Kloff tried to soothe and put him to sleep, but Aeroc suddenly jerked his body up. It was too early for him to be getting up so abruptly, and he had a pained expression on his face. He copsed onto the surprised, half-risen Kloff.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°¡­Say it again. What did you just say¡­¡±


    Kloff asked with worry, but Aeroc clung to Kloff and urgently asked.


    ¡°I asked, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Not that. Before that.¡±


    Completely taken over by his poignant gaze, Kloff repeated in a dumbfounded voice, ¡°I forgive you. I had forgiven everything.¡± With that, tears welled up in Aeroc¡¯s pale eyes, and soon they began to stream down his cheeks.


    ¡°Is that really so?¡±


    Kloff wasn¡¯t really sure what this was about, but his investor¡¯s gut told him to respond positively.


    ¡°I mean it. I know everything, and I had forgiven everything.¡±


    Aeroc started to sob softly, crying out small whimpers and soaking Kloff¡¯s clothes with his tears.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡±


    Kloff was at a loss with Aeroc¡¯s repeated appreciation. He couldn¡¯t understand what Aeroc was thankful for. He was the one who should be appreciating Aeroc, who had ovee a difficult process and given birth to a strong alpha son. Kloff would have to live his whole life repaying that. But he gently embraced Aeroc, who was endlessly crying as if something was melting deep in his heart, and wiped away his tears. After crying for a while, Aeroc looked at Kloff with tearful eyes and a snotty nose, then he asked.


    ¡°Does that mean I can love you now?¡±


    Kloff had no more energy to question what kind of permission did he need or what did he think of the words Kloff had said to him until his mouth was sore. Kloff simply smiled and wiped away Aeroc¡¯s tears.


    ¡°Yeah. You can love me.¡±


    He had never seen anything gooding from saying something casually without much thought, but it was different this time. Kloff was now fortunate to see his Omega, messy hair sticking to his forehead, tears and snot smearing his face, and his clothes in disarray, smiling so happily right in front of him. With his eyes curved, he smiled giddily and spoke to Kloff.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s confession was now directed straight toward Kloff. Like someone awakening from a long, long dream, Aeroc smiled brightly towards Kloff with tears of happiness glistening in his eyes.


    His lips, wet with tears, were incredibly sweet to the point it was intoxicating. Kloff licked the slightly swollen corners of Aeroc¡¯s eyes and whispered, ¡°I love you,¡± to which Aeroc now reflexively responded with ¡°I love you¡± back.


    After an afternoon of what must have been one of the most painful births in human history, the first breastfeeding, and the psychological torment inflicted by his husband, the fearsome Omega soon fell into a blissful sleep.


    Even until the moment before he fell asleep, Aeroc insisted that he didn¡¯t want to be left alone, so Kloff sacrificed one arm and used it as a pillow for Aeroc.


    Clinging to his shoulder, Aeroc¡¯s slightly heated cheek was pressed against Kloff¡¯s chest. He fell into a deep sleep as if he had fainted. Kloff should have removed his numb arm, but he didn¡¯t want to. His arm wouldn¡¯t be hurting as much as Aeroc himself. Kloff sighed as he looked at the ceiling for a moment.


    Aeroc¡¯s story just now was truly horrible. He felt like he could understand why Aeroc was fixated on eating something, why he sometimes looked at Kloff as if he would leave soon, or why he couldn¡¯t directly confess his love.


    Kloff thought he had directly disyed his affection towards Aeroc, but it was apparently not enough for this mentally iprehensible Count. Kloff didn¡¯t think that Aeroc was having such an imagination because of his insecurity. Emotional insecurity in the absence of affection. It was amon case among nobles. Aeroc had grown up as the sole heir to a powerful family under strict discipline, and then, he had been converted to an omega due to a gic mutation, it was more than possible for him to be like this. As far as Kloff knew, there was only one medicine for this condition.


    Giving him unlimited love.


    And that was something Kloff was most confident in. He heard a soft ¡®phew¡¯ sound from their son next to the sleeping Aeroc. It seemed like the baby woke up. Kloff wanted to go over and check on him, but it was impossible with Aeroc clinging onto him.


    ¡°Son, your mother is a person who needs a lot of affection and love. He just barely fell asleep after crying so much. I don¡¯t want to wake him up. So can you y by yourself and go to sleep?¡±


    As if responding to his father¡¯s calm voice, the baby made a ¡®phew¡¯ sound, then soon fell silent again. Judging from the sound of a tiny sniffle, it seemed like the newborn baby had woken up from his hups.


    ¡°Smart boy. You¡¯re definitely my son.¡±


    The next day, when Kloff woke upte with swollen eyes, Aeroc was already up and breastfeeding the baby. Kloff blinked and asked, ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± Aeroc, with an equally puffy face, smiled warmly and nodded.


    The baby was vigorously nursing on his breast. It looked delicious for some reason, so he smacked his lips, and Aeroc looked at him strangely. Kloff then raised his head as if he was yawning and rubbed his temples, shaking his head. The sound of Martha rummaging around in the kitchen could be heard from a distance.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡±


    Grunting and stretching, Kloff slid off the bed and pulled on his robe. Before leaving, he came back to the bedside and gently kissed the top of the nursing child¡¯s head. Then he lifted his head and gently kissed the most beautiful person in the world. Closing his eyes and savoring his lips, Aeroc smiled softly when their gazes met.


    It was the same thin smile as before, but it waspletely different. It seemed like light was radiating from his whole body. Kloff stared at him nkly, then cupped his cheek with both hands and kissed him again. Eventually, when their lips parted, Aeroc shyly confessed, ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    As he yfully replied, Kloff kissed his forehead and his temple. Aeroc smiled.


    They kissed for a while, and then, hearing the thunder of Aeroc¡¯s stomach, Kloff rose from his seat and headed for the kitchen. Now that he had be the head of a household, he needed to diligently work hard to feed his wife and child. Just as he was about to open the door and leave, he turned back for a moment, feeling regretful about not being able to see the two people he loved. Aeroc was still looking in this direction and as soon as their eyes met, he smiled without saying anything.


    Somehow, it felt odd. It was an odd sensation that he felt like he shouldn¡¯t leave without saying ¡°I love you¡± to the one who must be looking at his back. Kloff moved back to the bedside and stroked Aeroc¡¯s matted hair with his hand.


    ¡°Aeroc Teiwind.¡±


    Suddenly called by his full name, Aeroc looked up and met his gaze.


    ¡°I love you. Both you and the child you gave birth to. More than anything in the world. I love you.¡±


    His face went nk at the sincere confession, and then a bright smile burst out from him.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Hearing the same response as himself, Kloff felt a sense of relief as if something he had forgotten had been resolved. It was an odd sensation, but since he had to prepare the meal quickly, he gave Aeroc a short kiss on the forehead and left his side. As he turned towards the door and nced back slightly, he saw that Aeroc hadn¡¯t looked in his direction and was kissing the baby¡¯s forehead. That was enough. Kloff couldn¡¯t hide his smile as he descended the stairs with light footsteps.


    Beyond therge window in the hallway leading to the kitchen, the dazzling sunlight poured in.


    Next chapter will be thest part of Volume 3 and the main story. After the main story, there are still 3-4 side stories to go (including one where V1!Kloff regressed and Aeroc has no memories of V1), so stay tuned!


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 Vol. 3 Chapter Scene #2 - Into the rose garden

    <h4>Vol. 3 Chapter Scene #2 - Into the rose garden</h4>


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    Aeroc suddenly regained his senses.


    He heard the sound of a calm breeze from all directions. As he stood up, he found himself in a secluded corner of a peaceful garden. At that moment, a heavy silence settled over him. The breeze that had been rustling just a moment ago ceased, and the shade turned into a dense darkness that clung to his ankles. The silence was so cold that it made his ears numb. He wanted to scream, but somehow no sound came out. Panicked, he looked up and saw a rose garden in the distance. In the midst of it, a gaunt man wasughing with a group of children.


    Ah, my Kloff.


    Aeroc reached out his arms. However, he slipped away through his hazy fingers.


    Kloff!


    With a voice muffled in silence, he tried to call out, but Kloff didn¡¯t turn towards him. There was a beautiful man with blond hair smiling beside Kloff, speaking softly to him.


    Ah¡­ It was just a dream after all.


    The cruel reality weighed heavily on his shoulders. Barely able to support his crumbling body, he took a few uncertain steps forward.


    Thud.


    He didn¡¯t need to look down. It must be the sound of a lively, vibrant flow of blood. Before the darkness that engulfed everything came rushing in from all sides, he wanted to watch over Kloff and the children a bit longer. He blinked his blurring vision and barely focused his gaze.


    Then Kloff looked back at him. And Aeroc smiled at him.


    That was enough. Even if it was just a fleeting dream, Aeroc was happy.


    Kloff¡¯s indifferent expression gradually turned into surprise. He opened his eyes wide and seemed startled, then shouted, ¡°Aeroc!¡± and ran towards him.


    ¡­Huh?


    Before he could say anything, Kloff lunged for him and threw his arms around his stiffened body.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    He was so startled that his frozen vocal cords moved involuntarily and made a strange sound. Beyond the broad shoulders emitting a bitter scent, he saw a blond person looking in their direction. Another tall man stood beside them. They were both looking at him with a bit of concern in their eyes. Ah.


    ¡°K¡­ Kloff?¡±


    ¡°Are you hurt somewhere?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡±


    Kloff¡¯s hands engulfed Aeroc¡¯s clueless and bewildered face. Then he grimaced and kissed his cheek. It was a very warm and affectionate kiss. For a moment, Aeroc couldn¡¯t breathe.


    ¡°You said you were going to harvest some rhizomes, but why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really¡­ know too¡­¡±


    It was then. Two kids who were ying in the garden ran over to this side, chirping, ¡°Mom! Mom!¡± as they clung to Aeroc¡¯s legs. He stared nkly down at the children. Among them, a boy with deep ck hair grabbed Aeroc¡¯s hand and asked,


    ¡°Did Father say something mean again?¡±


    Aeroc shook his head, not knowing who was the father of this child.


    ¡°He just suddenly cried. Why does the me always fall on me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you have an impressive record for it.¡±


    The boy gave that jab and Kloff responded with, ¡°Homework.¡± Then, with a scream, the boy dashed away.


    Watching the two children, one carrying his blonde little sister, running as if they were about to stumble, Aeroc shouted without realizing it,


    ¡°Be careful, Lenoc! Yurea might fall.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mom!¡±


    H saw the child turning around while waving his hand.


    Lenoc.


    Ah¡­ Yes, that child¡¯s name was Lenoc. Aeroc and Kloff¡¯s first son. Yurea was their first omega daughter.


    All memories came flooding back. Aeroc let out a ruefulugh and clung to the man who was looking at him with concern.


    ¡°Why were you crying?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just, I stood up too fast and felt dizzy.¡±


    ¡°I told you to be careful since you¡¯re in the early stages of pregnancy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re nagging again.¡±


    While giving him a reproachful remark, Aeroc nodded his head. He looked down worriedly and nted a quick kiss on the top of Aeroc¡¯s head. Tears flowed even more as he felt the pressure against him. With strong arms wrapped around his waist, Aeroc was led from the shade into the sunlit rose garden. With each step they took, there was a stomping sound.


    As they stepped out of the shade, Aeroc turned back. He saw the pebbles that Kloff hadid at Aeroc¡¯s request shimmering in the light. Aeroc leaned against the shoulder of the man who held him and wiped thest of his tears away, smiling.


    The darkness was gone now, and the brilliant light filled everything.


    Into the Rose Garden, Part 2


    Fin.


    And this marks the end of Volume 3! Thank you for reading everything until now! We move on to the side stories next week!


    I will be updating Volume 4 following my previous update frequency, twice a week, every 3rd/6th/10th of the month.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.1 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.1 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    When Kloff opened his eyes, he saw an unfamiliar ceiling.


    The back of his head throbbed as if it was cracked open. Instinctively, Kloff reached up to touch it. It wasn¡¯t just ¡®as if¡¯; it was ¡®really true¡¯. His fingers brushed against the bandages. His vision went ck for a moment and then brightened again. Dizziness hit him, and Kloff even felt like vomiting. But Kloff didn¡¯t want to do that in an unfamiliar ce, so he forced himself to sit up. As Kloff did, a concerned voice came from beside him.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Kloff turned his head. The bright light dazzled his eyes. Soft light filtered through delicatece curtains, carrying sunlight and a gentle breeze. It felt serene and pleasant. But that wasn¡¯t all.


    There was a man with blonde hair by the bedside. His delicate, almost ethereal white face was filled with worry and concern, he was like someone out of a painting. His blue eyes, almost royal blue, were like gemstones. At a nce, he seemed light-hearted, yet there was a seriousness in his gaze that carried innocence and intellect. Judging from his chiseled shoulders and refined demeanor, he appeared to be a quite sophisticated aristocrat.


    <i>Is this person a woman or a man? An Alpha or Omega?</i>


    Judging from the attire, this person seemed to be a man, and obviously an Alpha.


    Either what kind of person he was, Kloff didn¡¯t want to turn away from his attention. The elegant movements of his arms and hands, smoothly flowing from his chiseled shoulders, touched Kloff¡¯s bandaged forehead and cheek. It didn¡¯t really hurt, but this person bit his lip as if he were the one in pain. That sight made Kloff¡¯s heartbeat suddenly double.


    Kloff grabbed the hand reaching out to him, and he didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, he held Kloff¡¯s hand tightly. He brought Kloff¡¯s hand to his lips and gently pressed a kiss onto the back of it. His smile unfurled, and in response, a jolt shot through the back of Kloff¡¯s head.


    <i>What had happened while I was out cold? To think such a beauty would appear and take care of me.</i>


    ¡°Thank you for your concern.¡±


    The person slightly stiffened at his gratitude. He must have gotten worried because his voice cracked at the end. He cleared his throat a couple of times with a dry cough. Then Kloff made aposed expression again and said his gratitude with a polite tone.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I could meet such a beauty. It¡¯s quite good to have a head injury once in a while. I, I, huh? Hmm¡­.¡±


    He faltered for a moment. He couldn¡¯t remember his own name. Did he get temporarily confused due to his head injury? His confusion seemed to be transmitted to the other person, as his beautiful face quickly darkened.


    ¡°Kloff? Are you hurting a lot? I should call the doctor again.¡±


    <i>Ah, Kloff. My name is Kloff.</i> It might sound a bit tacky and rough, but at least it¡¯s not a ridiculously bad name. Now, he needed to find out this angel¡¯s name. Kloff grabbed his hand as he tried to leave hastily, stopping him. Kloff smiled at him as he looked back.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather be taken care of by you than a doctor.¡±


    Kloff flirted with him like he had gone crazy. He was in pain, but not that much. It was better not to lose sight of the man in front of him. Kloff¡¯s instinctive sense told him that if he let this person slip away now, he would regret it for the rest of his life. No matter how much he tried to rationalize it, it was only because his alpha instincts overrode his survival instincts. Well, that¡¯s how Alphas act in their prime.


    In response, he smiled somewhat vaguely. His concern, surprise, and a hint of shyness in his smile, all looked perfect. Although Kloff had lost his memory, his bodily functions seemed surprisingly intact. So, his heart must be racing like crazy in response to this beautiful angel¡¯s charming reaction. His body seemed to be physically in good shape. Not only did it hold up pretty well against the beating heart that threatened to crush his ribs, but it also didn¡¯t show outwardly. Judging by theck of heat in his face, he must have been quite a brazen person himself.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright. My head is pounding, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll get better soon. More than that, there¡¯s something else that I¡¯d like to know.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    A little confused, he leaned in close. <i>May I kiss you?</i> But it¡¯s too much to ask that on their first meeting. First things first, introductions. Kloff kissed the back of his hand, soft as if he¡¯d never known hardship.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, beautiful?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The angel was shocked, and so was Kloff. When Kloff saw his widened blue eyes, he felt his stomach dropping down. To think that he had fallen in love at first sight after losing his memory. It was like a magical happening. Or perhaps a natural phenomenon like imprinting, as if he was a freshly hatched duckling. Anyway, it¡¯s fortunate that his mother duck is beautiful.


    ¡°What is your name, beautiful angel?¡±


    ¡°¡­If you¡¯re joking around, stop it. It¡¯s not very fun.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a joke. I¡¯m extremely happy to meet someone as beautiful as you. Someone who¡¯s nothing like me¡ªoh, wait, nothing? Yes, that¡¯s right. Somehow, I feel that way in your presence. In any case, I¡¯m curious about you. Will you please tell me your name again?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Aaaack!¡±


    Once again, when asked for his name, he was so startled that he forgot to answer and hurriedly fled away. If Kloff hadn¡¯t been dizzy, he would have followed that lingering scent, which seemed to scatter like magic dust. But now, even sitting up was difficult. Instead, Kloff shouted several times, ¡°Is anyone there?¡±


    No one appeared. Instead, the door that had been ajar for a while suddenly clicked shut. Kloff was locked inside. It felt a bit lonely. The angel was gone too. His head also hurt. Should he sleep? A human like himself is remarkablyposed, indeed.


    In the short time he closed his eyes, a suddenmotion erupted. The door creaked open, and the blonde beauty reappeared. A doctor was with him. As Kloff tried to get up with a groan, the doctor shook his head to dissuade him. Instead, he took a stethoscope from his bag and put it in his ears. The sensation of the cold metal against his chest made him shiver.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°He said it¡¯s Kloff.¡±


    Other than memory loss, nothing else in his body was injured. And there was no need to worry too much about him. Kloff smiled as innocently as possible to convey that.


    ¡°It¡¯s really nice to meet a fine doctor like you. But I¡¯m not in pain, really. My head was a little hurt, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a big concern.¡±


    At those words, the head doctor removed the stethoscope right away.


    ¡°For you to address me with such formality, this is quite severe.¡±


    ¡°The big shock could have caused him to lose his memory, but how could a person change so much? He even addressed me with full formality. Moreover, he kissed the back of my hand! Usually, he would rush at me like a stallion in heat. I¡¯d still be eximing in surprise and he¡¯d strip off all my clothes. He¡¯d be making me do all sorts of embarrassing things in broad daylight!¡±


    The beautiful angel by his side turned pale, as if he might faint any moment. At Aeroc¡¯s vague exnation, which sounded almost like cursing the patient, the doctor groaned gravely, as if he was about to announce a terminal illness.


    ¡°Can he be fixed?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But this won¡¯t be permanent. He, what should I say? He¡¯s just Sir Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s temporary, how long will it take for his memories toe back? It annoys me to see him being so polite.¡±


    When he asked for a specific time frame, the doctor shook his head.


    ¡°No one can guarantee that.¡±


    ¡°Right now is an important time for him.¡±


    ¡°But delivering a shock to him isn¡¯t all that good either. Let¡¯s see how it goes. Many people get their memories back within a few days.¡±


    Without further ado, the doctor disappeared with the usual prescription. Kloff just needed to get some rest. After that, the beauty stared at him from a distance, almost as if he¡¯d seen a ghost.


    ¡°You¡¯re not joking, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­No, I am not.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll believe you for now. But if I find out that you¡¯re just joking, I¡¯ll scold you to the extremes!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t just answer obediently, you should answer fiercely. I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°You should be rough, uncouth, ignorant, and arrogant, while also having an overbearing attitude! Instead of that innocent gaze in your eyes, you should have an insatiable possessiveness that makes my legs give out just from your look, and you should be shamelessly confident about it!¡±


    Caught off guard by the urgent outcry, his tongue was tied up. What on earth was this person named Kloff? He was starting to feel a little strange.


    ¡°More importantly, will you not be telling me your name?¡±


    ¡°Even after I mocked you so much, you didn¡¯t get angry. You¡¯ve really be wrong in the head.¡±


    ¡°So, your name¡­¡±


    ¡°Is my name so important right now? Hugo!¡±


    He shouted again and ran out. This person was quite tough even if he didn¡¯t look so.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.2 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.2 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    A few momentster, a butler named Hugo appeared. Seeing Kloff giving him a greeting in a humble manner, Hugo¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. The stern-looking old butler looked him up and down with a fierce gaze, sending a shiver down his spine. Even without that, the throbbing back of his head hurt like a sledgehammer. Instinctively, a sense of rejection arose inside him. But this capable-looking butler didn¡¯t seem to have any reason to be rude. As he could discern from the conversation between the doctor and the angel earlier, this individual named Kloff seemed to have some issues. If that¡¯s the case, he should be making a proper apology.


    ¡°I shall apologize if I have done something wrong.¡±


    ¡°Pfft.¡±


    The corner of the stern butler¡¯s mouth trembled slightly as he put on a grave expression. Instead of being surprised like the Count, his downturned eyes seemed to be smiling. The pale-faced and blonde angel grabbed Kloff¡¯s slouched shoulders and shook him.


    ¡°Snap out of it! You shouldn¡¯t be apologizing here. You should have growled like a dog whose food was taken away!¡±


    ¡°A stallion in heat, then a dog whose food was taken away. Was I not a person, but a beast?¡±


    ¡°Pffffft!¡±


    The butler, who had been tending to the bandages behind him, couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. He tried to lower his voice, but the blonde angel red at him, as if reprimanding him with his eyes.


    ¡°Ahem, didn¡¯t the doctor tell you that we should watch him for a while first? His memories wille back soon. Besides, I prefer Sir Bendyke this way. He¡¯s such a well-mannered gentleman.¡±


    ¡°Hugo.¡±


    ¡°Count, you don¡¯t need to be so worried, Sir Bendyke is fine. In fact, he¡¯s be even more charming.¡±


    The man addressed as the Count wrinkled his face as if displeased. He thought to himself for a while, and then his eyes twinkled.


    ¡°What if he gets another shock to the head?¡±


    ¡°¡­I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing that.¡±


    ¡°Even if it¡¯s Mr. Bendyke, a second blow might result in him being in a coffin lid instead of fine silk sheets.¡±


    As the two replied, the Count let out a soft groan. He had a more intense temperament than Kloff initially thought. That was even more appealing, indeed.


    * * *


    ¡°Kloff Bendyke has lost his mind.¡±


    Rumors spread like wildfire. People who had seen the man, usually fierce and intimidating like a wild beast, now greeting others with hearts flowing from him, were left stunned and took steps back in shock.


    He had no intention of surprising people. He was just simply greeting them with a smile, but they were startled as if they had witnessed a corpse rising from the grave to waltz around in lingerie. The innocent Kloff was very confused.


    ¡°Have I done anything wrong?¡±


    <i>You have. You were being polite. You were a man who exuded confidence and arrogance that pierced the heavens.</i> However, Aeroc couldn¡¯t say that honestly as it would be discouraging Kloff, so he sighed. It was awkward to see him from the sidelines too. It felt strange, but Kloff was still Kloff. He was maintaining hisposure despite his disoriented state of having no memories. That alone was impressive. If Aeroc had been the one with memory loss, he would have been constantly on edge and restless. Kloff was resilient, living his days eating, sleeping, and wandering around. He was still confined to the mansion, but he took every opportunity to flirt with Aeroc.


    ¡°Beautiful angel, please tell me your name.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by angel?! Stop calling me with that spine-chilling nickname!¡±


    ¡°Then please just tell me your name.¡±


    Aside from that cringy attitude, Aeroc didn¡¯t want to tell Kloff so easily. Why did you forget me then? He had remembered Kloff even after dying anding back alive. Everything was his fault. Aeric was not going to teach him until he remembered it for himself.


    In this situation, Hugo was almost dying ofughter. No, this is not funny! Kloff had been stumblingly nervous around Hugo. It was understandable. He must have been tormented many times. What a poor guy. He had only done several dirty stuff with Aeroc, and Hugo would call him arrogant and torment him. Like waking him up early to tend the garden, or repeating his boring moral lessons verbatim.


    Whenever he voiced hisints, Hugo would re at him prickly, with his violet eyes, and there was no one to stop him. Kloff had to endure on his own.


    ¨C <i>This kind of thing is nothing at all.</i>


    Hugo, who had let the perfectly fine gardener go on vacation and then thrown a pair of pruning shears to Kloff whileining about the messy garden, had looked at him with a smug expression. While baring his teeth towards Hugo, Kloff didn¡¯t give in.


    ¨C <i>You don¡¯t have to do this. No matter what others say, you¡¯re my spouse, even if it¡¯s still unofficial.</i>


    ¨C<i> If I step back from here, it feels like I won¡¯t be able to be with you for the rest of my life. Hugo mighte up with some excuse to drive me away. He¡¯s such a stubborn old guy. He should just retire quickly.</i>


    Although Kloff asionally grumbled, he was persevering well.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m a little scared of the butler. When he appears, my heart races, and I break into a cold sweat. Haha. I must have done a lot of wrong things.¡±


    Heughed calmly and showed his sweaty palms. To think that he was under so much stress. Poor Kloff. Unknowingly himself, Aeroc held his hand and blew softly to cool down the sweat.


    ¡°The angel is very kind to me.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I am¡­¡±


    <i>Because you¡¯re my alpha.</i> Aeroc was about to say that, but he closed his mouth. He didn¡¯t want to exin everything easily. He didn¡¯t want to forgive this person who took him forcibly, even after he refused twice, and then forgot everything. Even if he lost everything about himself, how could he lose Aeroc too?


    Five months ago, Kloff had been stubborn to create a puppy in his belly, but now, how could he forget the omega he impregnated with his child? Moreover, Kloff seemed to be confused whether Aeroc was an omega or an alpha. He had imprinted too.<i> It was all a lie! How could the imprinted alpha forget the omega he impregnated with his first child? This bad guy!</i>


    ¡°Angel, will you not be telling me your name again today?¡±


    ¡°Remember it yourself!¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I couldn¡¯t even remember my own name.¡±


    ¡°Forgetting my name is a greater sin than that.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s troublesome.¡±


    Aeroc, who was immersed in reading books rted to memory loss in his study, approached Kloff, who had his bandages removed already. He rarely left the inside of the mansion. He explored himself slowly and carefully, not engaging in unnecessary activities until his memory returned. He was currently flipping through the handwritten titles of thew books with an uncharacteristic nce.


    Was his identity as awyering back to him? Aeroc observed quietly. However, Kloff soon said, ¡°Whoever this person is, they seem to have studied a lot. These books seem quite old.¡± Then he lost interest and moved to another bookshelf. It was somewhat disappointing but also a bit pleasing. It would be disappointing if he remembered thew books first. He should have remembered Aeroc first.


    After browsing through a few books on psychology in therge study, Aeroc found a hint. He read the passage several times that said that engaging in familiar activities and work would aid memory recovery more than causing a big shock.


    Familiar activities. Mostly, it would be them doing stuff that involved their clothes off. In fact, that activity wasn¡¯t too bad, but this foolish guy wasn¡¯t to Aeroc¡¯s taste. Moreover, doing that with this Kloff, who had a polite, cultured demeanor instead of being a cocky alpha who was overconfident and arrogant, somehow felt like cheating, so Aeroc had only held hands with him, he didn¡¯t want to attempt even a light kiss. Besides, he couldn¡¯t always rely on physical interactions.


    Actually, he might end up in despair if Kloff couldn¡¯t remember him even after they did that activity, so Aeroc decided to save that forst. Instead, he decided to spend the mostmon daily time they used to spend together. Aeroc put down the book, stood up, and approached Kloff, who was still flipping through the list of books in bewilderment.


    ¡°Why, Angel?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going out. Suddenly, I feel like buying something.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Kloff gave no particr reaction to his impulse spending. Hmm, maybe that was not enough.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to buy the new paintings and sculptures that just came out.¡±


    He rolled his eyes a little and added. Kloff smiled kindly.


    ¡°Well, paintings and sculptures. It¡¯s an aristocratic hobby that suits you, angel.¡±


    He¡¯s being nice? This is really not it! Even if Kloff didn¡¯t care about paintings, he couldn¡¯t stand statues, considering them utterly useless. He even muttered that if there was one more piece of junk, he wouldn¡¯t stand still. He also added that, if Aeroc was that bored, then he could make him not bored, evading Hugo¡¯s gaze. He then proceeded to shove Aeroc into a corner and took his pants off first.


    ¡°Do you have nothing else to say other than that?¡±


    ¡°Can Ie along with you?¡±


    This beast used to nag a lot and even wanted to make Aeroc pregnant with twins, why was he saying he wanted toe along so innocently now? Given this situation, even Aeroc was stressed. He passed the risky first trimester now, so it wasn¡¯t very dangerous now, but still, this was his first pregnancy! <i>How can that guy who calls himself the baby¡¯s dad walk around smiling so idiotically?!</i>


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.3 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.3 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    On their way to the exhibition, Kloff met the eyes of every passing person and sprinkled them with eye smiles. No one disliked a handsome, well-built young alpha greeting them. No, except for one person.


    Every time he saw that honest smile, Aeroc got mad. <i>Honest? The great Kloff Bendyke is honest? And he even imed to have imprinted! Did the effect of imprinting disappear if you hit your head?</i> The doctor said that wasn¡¯t possible. He exined that due to Kloff imprinting on Aeroc, it was impossible for him to turn his attention to someone else. He also warned that even if Kloff¡¯s head was hurt, it would still elicit a physiological rejection response, so Aeroc should always watch over him to prevent any undue strain. Not knowing how Aeroc felt while watching over him, the foolish alpha leered at a street vendor selling flowers.


    ¡°Hello, beautifuldy.¡±


    ¡°Oh my.¡±


    With a grand attitude and courteous smile, the alpha made her blush with his greeting. She was petite and had faded blonde hair. She wasn¡¯t young, but she was an omega, and she had a sweetness about her. For a moment, his heart sank.


    <i>Don¡¯t look at others¡¯ alphas. He¡¯s mine.</i>


    With clenched fists, Aeroc stood beside Kloff. She smiled towards him as well, but her gaze remained fixated on Kloff.


    ¡°Are you selling this?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll give you a good deal.¡±


    She held the least withered bouquet from a bunch of flowers that weren¡¯t selling well and smiled brightly. Kloff pondered for a moment, but still epted it. Then, he casually rummaged through his pockets. However¡­


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    There¡¯s no way he would have any money. He couldn¡¯t remember the passcode to the safe. Because of that, apart from a few silver coins that Aeroc had secretly hid before, they were penniless. The expenses for the mansion were all calcted with promissory notes and processed at certain intervals, so there wouldn¡¯t be any immediate problems. Hugo managed the smaller expenses. However, if Kloff couldn¡¯t find his memories, Aeroc might have to crack open the safe someday.


    When Aeroc snickered after bing a pauper because of someone, Kloff looked at him with an embarrassed expression. Aeroc could give him one silver coin. But he didn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have it. I don¡¯t even have enough to get a carriage when we return home.¡±


    In truth, the Count¡¯s carriage was supposed toe to pick them up, but he purposely retorted curtly.


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    Disappointed, Kloff handed the bouquet of flowers back to the street vendor. Watching the situation, she sighed as if she regretted it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll visit again next time. Have a good day.¡±


    With a polite farewell, Kloff turned around to leave, but she stopped him.


    ¡°Just a moment, please take this at least. It¡¯s a gift for the handsome gentleman.¡±


    ¡°Is this alright? Thank you very much.¡±


    Kloff smiled brightly as if pleased. The street vendor gazed at him with a dreamy expression.


    Even though Kloff used to say that flowers were just trash when thrown away. His eyes really went crazy for blonde, small-bodied omegas. Aeroc was not even small as an alpha, so Kloff must have been ying with him. <i>This must be the case. What a bad guy. The imprinting must be a lie too.</i>


    ¡°I¡¯m going ahead.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s mood had soured considerably. Just because he had hurt his head a little, how could he do this to Aeroc? <i>He¡¯s a bad guy. A real bad guy.</i> Was Aeroc just an already-caught fish to him? Since Kloff had impregnated him, he must be so sure that Aeroc wouldn¡¯t leave him! There was no such thing as imprinting from the beginning. He¡¯s a mean person. He must have been aiming for my property. This evil person. Aeroc was so angry that he stomped angrily. If Hugo had seen him, he would have gotten severe scolding.


    He hadn¡¯t walked a few steps when suddenly his stomach twisted and tugged. The third presence inside his belly seemed to be annoyed by his suddenmotion.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Without realizing, he embraced his stomach and bent over. Cold sweat formed on his forehead. He might end up falling on the street if he wasn¡¯t careful.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    The distracted yboy, who had seemed to not care and was busy flirting with someone else, came up to him and gave him a concerned look.


    ¡°Yourplexion looks pale.¡±


    He had an extremely serious expression. <i>Yeah. He should be worrying like that. Don¡¯t smile at others. Only look at me. Your child wants your attention as the father. We need your attention.</i>


    ¡°My stomach hurts.¡±


    With a slight grimace, he showed his tightly held belly. He was five months pregnant now, but no one would notice he was pregnant with his only slightly protruding belly, unless they touched his belly.


    ¡°What should we do? Is it better to call the carriage?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it. Please caress my belly.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    When Aeroc¡¯s belly was in pain, Kloff would usually rub it with hisrge hands. Both the baby and Aeroc would quickly calm down with his warm touch. Kloff was really surprised by his demand. Aeroc felt somehow upset.


    ¡°Caress it.¡±


    Aeroc grabbed Kloff¡¯s slightly awkward wrist and pulled it towards his belly. Then Kloff said with a serious expression, ¡°May I?¡± and carefully covered the back of Aeroc¡¯s hand. <i>Why is he being careful here?</i> Aeroc brought his hand and tucked it into his jacket. Aeroc could feel hisrge hand stiffening.


    ¡°Rub it. Like drawing a circle.¡±


    One fortunate thing was that this idiot could follow orders quite well. The tugging feeling quickly eased. Rubbing it back and forth on his own, he said, ¡°Your stomach¡­¡± opening his mouth. <i>Yeah, this is caused by you. Do you remember? Is this it?</i> An alpha¡¯s instinct was indeed strong towards a child. But well, Kloff really liked making babies. Aeroc was a little jealous, but he also felt relieved.


    ¡°This.¡±


    ¡°Did you remember something?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    Deep in thought, Kloff suddenly ced both hands lightly on Aeroc¡¯s shoulders and smiled.


    ¡°Contrary to your appearance, there¡¯s pot belly here. Has the meal we had earlier already been digested? If you need the bathroom urgently, let¡¯s go back home. You¡¯re getting all red like that. You¡¯re so cute and charming¡­ Kek.¡±


    Aeroc kicked Kloff¡¯s shin painfully, imbuing his anger. Kloff jumped on one foot and eximed, ¡°Why all of a sudden?¡± with a sense of injustice.


    ¡°You go back!¡±


    After shouting abruptly, he continued to stomp away toward the nearby art gallery. The tall limping man who followed him was still holding the red rose he had received earlier. Aeroc¡¯s eyes felt sour.


    His mood hit rock bottom. To soothe his low spirits, overspending was the perfect solution. He didn¡¯t really think it was overspending, but at least enjoying the reaction that couldn¡¯t be suppressed from beside him was enjoyable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy this.¡±


    ¡°As expected of the Count. Your taste is impable.¡±


    The manager, who was facing a highly important customer who had appeared after a long time, yed along while ncing at Kloff. Even though their reasons were different, both Aeroc and the manager observed Kloff¡¯s reaction discreetly. However, Kloff didn¡¯t get angry. Even more than that.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful painting. I feel a sense of peace in my heart as I look at it.¡±


    He showed an incredibly normal, and therefore quite abnormal, reaction. The manager was also taken aback.


    ¡°Does it look like it¡¯s worth much or is it going to be more expensive in the future or something like that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not right to impose a trivial value on artwork.¡±


    At this point, they were bewildered. Kloff Bendyke called money a trivial value! He had gonepletely mad! The curator couldn¡¯t even get his mouth closed. The perplexed curator lost his words, and instead, Aeroc restarted shopping recklessly.


    ¡°I like this too. And this. This too. I¡¯ll buy everything on this wall.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    At first, the curator transcribed the orders with pleasure, but then he dropped his pen. The initially indifferent fool¡¯splexion also slowly turned sour. Aeroc selected the most expensive-looking pieces and bought a bunch of outrageously priced paintings and sculptures. If all those things were moved to the mansion, the art gallery might have to close for a while. They couldn¡¯t possibly receive visitors with empty walls.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my money, however, those don¡¯t look like they are worth those prices at all. Maybe, it¡¯s better to restrain¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your money, so don¡¯t concern yourself!¡±


    Kloff was a cobbler who would always go crazy about money. Even Aeroc¡¯s allowance was only a few silver coins. Moreover, he had to fulfill many humiliating demands to even get that. It was lucky that Aeroc hadn¡¯t gotten his heat, he was scared that he would lose his waist conceiving twins to satisfy Kloff. But with the words ¡®don¡¯t concern yourself¡®, Kloff truly shut his mouth. The curator even tried to stop Aeroc, but he didn¡¯t care.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.4 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.4 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    <noscript></noscript>


    ¡°Purchase order.¡±


    With just those words, the curator wiped his sweat, ran off and started hurriedly writing the purchase order. He had bought so many items, so it took quite a bit of time. In the meantime, Aeroc waited for a while on the sofa in the lounge which was only open to important customers. Sitting across from him, Kloff stared at him intently. He was still holding onto that darn flower. He must really want to take it to the grave.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were such a wealthy person.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, which part of me seemed poor to you?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that. It¡¯s enviable that you can have whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°Is there a need to be envious? You can get what you want by just giving a cheap smile. You got a flower from just smiling, if you kissed her, you would¡¯ve gotten the whole bouquet.¡±


    It was quite a nasty sarcasm. Aeroc didn¡¯t think Kloff really intended to do that. At least the rational part of him thought so. However, his emotions wouldn¡¯t allow it. What was good about a flower? It was just amon rose. Although it was a far cry from the high-ss roses grown at the estate, Aeroc couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous of how beautiful that shabby rose was. Sadly.


    Kloff seemed a little shocked. A sharp light flickered in his deep eyes before being overshadowed by subsequent embarrassment. Aeroc regretted saying that.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to say that on purpose.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    Kloff shook his head nonchntly, his strong thumb and long index finger twirling the stem of the flower. The slightly withered red flower fluttered, and its petals spread wide. His gaze was involuntarily fixed on it.


    ¡°I wonder if I ever bought flowers before?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It feels unexpectedly unfamiliar, yet I feel strangely familiar with the repulsiveness at the same time. I wonder what kind of person I was. When I see this red flower, it¡¯s as if someonees to mind.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    Aeroc leaned closer, looking straight at Kloff.


    ¡°There¡¯s a person whoes to your mind when you look at the rose?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure, but someone delicate, slim, with a sad smile¡­ A vague feeling remains, so I can¡¯t recall exactly who it is. It¡¯s someone like this slightly withered flower¡­ Maybe I have given him a flower before. Looking at this, I feel like memories might resurface. Based on people¡¯s reactions, it seems I might have had a quite nasty temper, but surprisingly, I also seem to have romantic memories. Haha.¡±


    As he spoke, he let out a subduedugh. Suddenly, a broken door seemed to appear in Aeroc¡¯s chest. Through it, a cold gust of wind blew fiercely. If losing his memory was a sign of something, what should Aeroc do? He had barely managed to push away the cold, painful memories. But now, if they returned¡­ Kloff must have realized Aeroc¡¯s wavering heart, he suddenly raised his head and looked at Aeroc.


    ¡°Are you in pain again?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ No.¡±


    ¡°Yourplexion is pale.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a bit tired.¡±


    Just right at that moment, the curator returned with the order form. Without even looking at it, Aeroc signed it quickly and then called for a carriage to return to the estate. During the ride in the carriage, Kloff kept ncing at Aeroc. He seemed concerned, and if the carriage jolted even slightly, Kloff would reach out to gently embrace Aeroc, all the while holding the withering flower in his hand. Aeroc rejected the gentle reach of Kloff¡¯s hand and stared out the window.


    ¡°Did your outing go smoothly?¡±


    Hugo, who hade to the entrance to greet them, opened the carriage door himself and inquired about their well-being. However, Aeroc only replied briefly, ¡°Not really,¡± and went straight to his room. The nuance was off, and Hugo could feel Kloff trying to grab him from behind. But it wasn¡¯t in his duty to meddle between them.


    The receipt from the art gallery was ced into the box that Kloff had designated before. He carefully closed the sturdy wooden lid and tears fell onto the back of his hand.


    ¡°People do say that tearse easily when you¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. The pain in his stomach returned. He scolded himself for ming the puppy again.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    He pressed his hands against his abdomen, trying to ease the pain. Tears streaked down his face as he tried to soothe his fussing child, forgetting to wipe his own tears.


    Despite using the excuse of being tired to skip dinner, Hugo didn¡¯t allow him to. Thankfully, Martha was on a short vacation, leaving the mansion. No, maybe it was unfortunate. He wanted to scold her and be sullen with her. If it were Martha, she might fix the fool¡¯s stupid symptom with a hit of her frying pan. But Aeroc didn¡¯t want to disturb her on her brief visit to her family. She should be back in a few days.


    He washed his face and sat at the dining table with an indifferent expression. Across the long dining table, Kloff sat. He used to be discontent with Hugo¡¯s petty grumpiness, but today, they were quite wee. Facing Kloff right now was a challenge. He wanted to eat quickly and leave the table as soon as possible.


    ¡°By the way, Angel.¡±


    While having their meal, Kloff called him. When Aeroc looked up, Kloff smiled gently. He was someone who usually smiled with self-confidence, but at the sight of him smiling very kindly without a trace of aggressive possessiveness, it felt like the blood vessels in Aeroc¡¯s chest were constricting.


    Aeroc had seen that expression before, but he used to smile like that at someone other than himself. A needle pricked Aeroc¡¯s heart deeply. His hand was shaking as he held the juice ss.


    Right, if Kloff had lost his memories¡­ then for him, it was before everything happened. Right now, he was the original Kloff himself.


    Aeroc recalled distant memories that he had forgotten before.


    The natural self-assuredness that absorbed people and his gentle strength. Kloff wasn¡¯t originally the type to be stubborn and greedy. He had undoubtedly changed because of Aeroc, even if he, himself, didn¡¯t know it. Once Kloff regained his memories, Aeroc might have to let him go. This thought hurt his heart. The area around his eyes burned ck. Fortunately, no tears fell down. The hot and burning tears evaporated away.


    Grinning, Kloff set the teacup in his hand on the table and turned to Aeroc, who was drifting away in his newfound realization.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to ask for a while now, but what is our rtionship?¡±


    Suddenly, judgment was thrown at him. Aeroc wasn¡¯t prepared for it yet. From where and how should he exin? Aeroc didn¡¯t know.


    <i>In the past, you should have lived happily with your wife and child. But Imitted a grave sin against them, and I turned a blind eye to it. In the end, you came back for revenge. I faced a death that was appropriate for my crime. But that¡¯s just afort to me, it didn¡¯t relieve your pain at all.</i>


    <i>The merciful gods took pity on your wife and child, who died innocent. They made a miracle and gave you a second chance, but I ruined it. You were separated from the one person who could have brought you happiness, yet I became a cat burr and turned into an omega. Even if I pretended to not like you, when you hovered around me, I seduced you and eventually had a child with you, because you had imprinted on me in a previous life. How shameless can a person be? How far can I forget my own shame?</i>


    <i>Ah, is this his third chance? Poor Kloff. So that he¡¯s able to pursue hisplete happiness. So he can escape from a sinner like me.</i>


    Aeroc¡¯s eyelids grew hot. The half-filled apple juice shook. Even if he tried to endure it, his vision blurred, and his chest was filled with guilt. The puppy whimpered again. It hurt. But he couldn¡¯t console the puppy.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    A bewildered Kloff got up from his seat and approached. He sat down on one knee next to Aeroc, who had his head lowered and was shedding tears silently. Then, he gently wiped away the tears tenderly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but did I ask an inappropriate question?¡±


    Aeroc shook his head.


    <i>I don¡¯t have the right to ept your worries. I have to tell him the truth. Rapiel got married not too long ago and left. I can¡¯t stay by your side just because things didn¡¯t work out between you two. Misfortunes will continue toe. You¡¯ve lost your memories. It¡¯s a chance for you to start again.</i>


    Tears poured out like a torrent, and Aeroc couldn¡¯t look at Kloff properly.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.5 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.5 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    ¡°Shhh, don¡¯t cry. Have I done something wrong?¡±


    It was a warm voice Aeroc had heard in distant memories, a voice from someone else. Even a simple ¡°You¡¯re okay¡± seemed to carry a powerful force that would make everything truly okay. The most powerful and gentlefort in the world was consoling the deep loneliness hidden in his heart.


    As the Count of Teiwind, Aeroc was surrounded by many people. There were always social gatherings, and he participated in various charitable organizations. Even selecting from among the countless invitations that were flown to him took time. Each approach had a purpose. Patronage or friendship.


    There weren¡¯t that many people interested in Aeroc himself, not as the Count of Teiwind. Even if there were, most of them only wanted his appearance, making it difficult to have real conversations. It was fine at first, since he was an orphan and had no close family. He missed his mother terribly and, at times, even longed for his strict father.


    He disguised his cold emptiness with a polite smile. He tried hard to uphold the dignity of the Teiwint Count as his father had taught him. However, even after bing an adult, Aeroc was just a child yearning for his mother¡¯s embrace. That¡¯s why he fell for Kloff Bendyke, who stood in stark contrast to his loneliness. He really hated Rapiel, who was loved by him. So much that he thought if only Rapiel wasn¡¯t there, he might have been able to have Kloff. But he realized that someone who knew love could be terribly cruel.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Kloff tried tofort him, not realizing that his words of reassurance only brought tears to Aeroc¡¯s eyes. His heart ached. There had never beenfort for Count Aeroc Teiwind to begin with. Aeroc had paid a terrible price for it, and yet he still sought what he could not have.


    He barely managed to shake his head and brushed Kloff¡¯s hand away, wiping his tears with his own hand. Kloff smiled in embarrassment.


    ¡°Did we have a close rtionship? Enough for you to be upset because I don¡¯t remember you?¡±


    Instead of answering, Aeroc pressed his lips together and forced back the tears. He tried to bury his tears and find hisposure. He didn¡¯t want to dy this any longer.


    ¡°We¡¯re friends, Kloff. You¡¯re my ountant and property manager, and I¡¯m your client. Nothing more, nothing less.¡±


    ¡°But why are you crying? Why am I staying in this house and receiving Angel¡¯s care?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you got hurt when you visited my house. Regardless of who it is, if someone gets hurt in my house, I¡¯m responsible. I¡¯m crying because I feel sorry for you, who lost your memories. It¡¯s nothing more, nothing less than that too.¡±


    Aeroc tried to speak firmly but was slightly trembling from the tears. Kloff furrowed his brow, then asked, ¡°Is that so?¡± But he didn¡¯t say anything more.


    Kloff stayed in his own room, not far away from Aeroc¡¯s. Although it was referred to as a guest room, it was originally a room used by generations of Teiwind Countesses. At first, Hugo had seemed pleased to have Kloff finally using a different room from Aeroc¡¯s. But when Kloff responded with a polite ¡°Thank you,¡± Hugo looked taken aback. Before Aeroc went to bed, Hugo couldn¡¯t help but let his rare curiosity slip.


    ¡°Will his current condition reallyst for a long time?¡±


    When the reticent butler asked that question, it was a sign of great concern.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not sure. We can only hope for a fast recovery.¡±


    He added that, when Martha returns from her vacation, he¡¯ll exin the situation and discuss how to proceed. It felt like things would be resolved the moment Martha returned. Until then, Kloff¡¯s work was temporarily suspended. Aeroc had sent a letter to the ounting office in advance, exining the temporary break due to an ident. Based on the various discussions they had, it seemed like he hadn¡¯tpletely lost his knowledge and might be able to return soon.


    That night was exceptionally lonely. Therge bed couldn¡¯t be any colder. In a dream, he gave birth to a beautiful puppy. He proudly extended it towards Kloff, who stood not far away, looking at him.


    <i>¡®Our baby. Isn¡¯t he lovely?¡¯</i>


    Kloff didn¡¯t move at all. In the dim shadow, only his cold pupils shone brightly.


    <i>¡®Kloff?¡¯</i>


    ¡®Same¡­ like what you did before¡­ kill it.¡¯


    The warm space retreated, and the surroundings turned into a cold cabin. Kloff reached out with a hand resembling the Grim Reaper¡¯s scythe and snatched the puppy away. Then he disappeared, leaving only Aeroc behind.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go!¡±


    Aeroc sat up, nearly screaming. It seemed like he had almost screamed. Looking around, he realized he was in his usual room. His heart was pounding intensely. He was short of breath. He tried to sit up properly and regte his breath, but it didn¡¯t work. His cheeks grew warm again. Maybe it would be okay if he waited for a moment. This wasn¡¯t an unusual nightmare to him. If he waited a little, he would calm down.


    But his racing heart didn¡¯t calm down easily. It was his first time suffering alone after having a nightmare. Ever since Kloff hade to the mansion, he had always managed to ease his tense self. With a soothing hush, Kloff calmed his adult self like a baby. When he gently stroked his back with hisrge hand, it unbelievably made Aeroc feel better.


    But now, Kloff wasn¡¯t by his side. The space next to him was as cold as ice. Even if he burrowed into the nket, his body still shook like a willow tree. At this rate, the puppy might get scared and wake up. He tried his best to make himselffortable for the sake of the puppy. He took deep breaths and silently sang the luby he had practiced so many times. It was of no use. He was too scared to fall asleep.


    He crouched and trembled for a while. Despite constantly rubbing his hands and feet to warm them, it was futile. Just then, the distant sound of thunder reached his ears. It seemed like rain wasing. He really disliked it. If he fell asleep like this, he felt like he might never wake up again. It might be better to give up on sleep, even though he would get scoldedter. As long as he didn¡¯t get caught, it should be okay.


    He decided to go to the study and read a book. He put on his robe and took his pillow too. The pillow was morefortable than the cushions in the study. He considered bringing a nket too, but refrained. It would be troublesome if he fell asleep there. Hugo would cause a scene, and Aeroc didn¡¯t want Hugo to worry.


    The corridor was dark, with only themp by the door lit. It made the sound of his breathing loud. He tiptoed down the corridor toward the study. The study was at the end of the corridor, but he wanted to pass Kloff¡¯s room on the way. At first, he hadn¡¯t thought of doing that. But he soon became curious about what Kloff was doing. He stopped in front of the firmly closed, heavy door.


    <i>Is he sleeping? He must be sleeping.</i>


    Aeroc was about to knock, but he gave up the idea. He changed his mind and continued walking. However, he had only taken a few steps when he found himself stopping again. He turned his body back and stood in front of Kloff¡¯s door.


    <i>It should be okay to just see him for a moment.</i>


    The night was lonely without his lover, who used to share body warmth with him. He missed him terribly. Despite thinking it wasn¡¯t proper, he opened the door as if he were a thief. And he peeked inside. Unfortunately, due to the darkness, he couldn¡¯t see anything.


    <i>I just wanted to see him sleeping soundly.</i>


    He decided it was best to leave, but his heart had already passed that point. Aeroc stepped into the room. The thought of an aristocrat like him creeping into the Alpha¡¯s sleeping quarters in the middle of the night made him feel as guilty as a teenager doing bad things without his parent¡¯s knowledge. But this was all the fault of a man who had lost his memory in a stupid ident. He shouldn¡¯t have left his pregnant mate alone.


    He walked slowly through the darkness to the bedside. He felt warmth on his fingertips. Cautiously, he felt around the area. After a while, his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He could see Kloff lying still on the bed. His heart raced. As he moved closer, to his relief, Kloff was deeply asleep.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.6 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.6 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    The distant sound of thunder could be heard from outside. It seemed like it was going to rain. The rustling leaves brushing against each other sounded like the whispering of ghosts. Suddenly, Aeroc felt scared. He didn¡¯t feel like going back to the study now. Without realizing it, he let go of the pillow he was holding and climbed onto the bed.


    ¡°What?¡±


    The bed creaked, and Kloff, who had been sleeping, jolted up in surprise. Aeroc, who had quietly sneaked into the bed, was taken aback. Was Kloff not asleep? No, in the first ce, he had wrongly assumed that he wouldn¡¯t be noticed if he sneaked in.


    ¡°Angel? What¡¯s happening at such ate hour?¡±


    After confirming his identity, Kloff sighed in relief. He rubbed his eyes and sat up straight in his seat. Aeroc met dark eyes full of doubt. He forgot what he wanted to say. Distant thunder rumbled and howled like a beast.


    He couldn¡¯t say that he had snuck in because he felt lonely on this night, and even if he did tell so, it would be frustrating since Kloff wouldn¡¯t understand his situation. His fear turned into sorrow. The person in front of Aeroc was Kloff, but he also wasn¡¯t Kloff. Aeroc missed Kloff, even if he was looking at him right now, he missed him even more. He stayed silent as he felt like he would start crying. Instead, he sank back into bed, making Kloff even more confused.


    ¡°Out of nowhere¡­¡±


    He huddled down on the bed, covering himself with the nket. Even after Kloff called him out several times, he didn¡¯t give any reply. Instead, Aerocmunicated through gestures by patting the pillow that Kloff had been using, as if telling him to lie down. In his own way, it was a deration of his unwillingness to leave.


    In response, Kloff remained silent for a moment. Sitting up, he ignored the signal and looked down at Aeroc. After a moment of silence, he went to sit on the edge of the bed, as if he was about to leave. That was expected. No alpha would want to be on the same bed with another alpha. Even though Aeroc was a pregnant omega, the amnesiac fool kept thinking Aeroc was an alpha. He pouted his lips. He nced up at Kloff through the corner of his eyes and thought hard inside his head, ¡®Don¡¯t leave, I don¡¯t want to sleep alone.¡¯


    After a moment of silence, Kloff asked quietly.


    ¡°I thought we were just an ountant and his client?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t wrong, so Aeroc nodded. There was a sound as his hair brushed against the pillow. Kloff tilted his chin. <i>He¡¯s really acting clueless. Why would a real ountant live in someone else¡¯s estate? And simultaneously, Kloff wasn¡¯t even a gardener with a hot body, so why would Aeroc slip into the bed of a dowdy cobbler at night? Of course, they are lovers.</i>


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to speak the truth out loud. It felt forced and childish. If Kloff really had imprinted him, Aeroc wished Kloff could remember it on his own. He wanted to confirm if his love remained even after losing his memory. He was also worried that if any bad memories resurfaced, what would he do? If so, Aeroc must be prepared to let go of everything. Since this had already happened, he had always prepared for it, over and over again. No, maybe he wasn¡¯t prepared. Just the short imagination of sending Kloff away brought tears to his eyes.


    As the silence deepened, Kloff found his own answer. He raised his head slightly and hesitated before opening his mouth. There seemed to be an immoral hesitation in his gaze. <i>What was the essence of his hesitation? Did he really figure everything out? Was this their end? Ah, how to handle this sudden ending?</i>


    ¡°Uh, in order to follow the contract, did I, hm¡­¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to hear any more of it. He covered his ears with both hands. And he hid his tears in the darkness. Finally, it was their end. He needed to gather his emotions. It wasn¡¯t an easy task. His remorse for the unborn puppy blossomed like clouds.


    <i>Poor child. I wanted to give you a perfect home. But it seems that I¡¯m not qualified for that. I¡¯m sorry.</i>


    Kloff leaned closer, whispering softly in Aeroc¡¯s ear. The hands covering his ears were trembling.


    ¡°Did I sell my body to you?¡±


    <i>Yes, we had a rtionship like that of a cursed body selling¡­ Huh?</i>


    ¡°B-body¡­ what?¡±


    Aeroc stupidly blurted out. The tears that had been pricking his eyes disappeared. What did he just hear? What did Kloff say?


    ¡°Otherwise, there¡¯s no reason for you to sneak into my bed secretly at night. In the first ce, why would a perfect angel like you want to be with someone like me?¡±


    The deted alpha was unexpectedly unconfident in himself. Aeroc couldn¡¯t close his mouth. It wasn¡¯t about Kloff¡¯s confidence orck thereof. How did he hurt his head to think of such a scenario?


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have any good property. I¡¯m not quite that handsome. My upation is vague. I don¡¯t even know if I have parents. I seem to have studied something, but I¡¯m definitely still far from getting a title. In short, I¡¯m like a wanderer, so why would such a noble person like an angel do such a thing for some reason? I¡¯m not an Omega, but there¡¯s no other answer than that.¡±


    Kloff Bendyke, the one known throughout the realm, making such weak ims of himself? No one else could have expected to find that pitiful self-loathing in him. He looked so fragile, as if he could copse any moment. There was no way he could even falter and fall into shock. He seemed so weak. He even yelled without realizing it, raising his voice.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t have property, you¡¯re more ruthless than a devil when ites to collecting money. Even if you¡¯re not very striking, you can make people fall for you like a weapon. What about your job? What about it! With the courage to go in yourself and make your own ce, even though your parents aren¡¯t here for you, you still have a powerful older brother who¡¯s never lost a fight despite his cocky personality. Just that. Just because of that, until now, you¡¯ve made fun of me, the Count Teiwind, who even the royal family can¡¯t easily mess with. Why, why are you doing this? You don¡¯t need to lose yourself just because you lost your memory!¡±


    In despair, Aeroc clung to him. The look in Kloff¡¯s eyes, clearly unable to understand his words, was frightening. He believed that nothing could be more terrifying than letting him go. That was a misunderstanding on his part. Nothing could be more agonizing than being erased from Kloff Bendyke¡¯s memory. <i>Even if it was hate, resentment, not love, friendship, or any kind of affection, it was fine. Remember that Aeroc Teiwind has the means to live because of you.</i> His chest ached as if it was burning inside.


    Not knowing that himself, Kloff awkwardly added a forcedugh.


    ¡°Is that so? Haha, I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯re cursing orplimenting me, but somehow I feel spirited. However, I¡¯m still not convinced of the reason why you¡¯re getting close to me like this. Someone like you wouldn¡¯t find me suiting.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to force anything on him. He felt pathetic for attaching selfish reasons. The person who was having the most hard time because of the memory loss was Kloff himself. The world copsed on him, and he suddenly became an abandoned, helpless child. And to think that Aeroc was getting mad at such a person. He should be embracing him instead.


    The doctor had advised not to force the memories back. But now wasn¡¯t the time for that.


    ¡°Kloff.¡±


    Aeroc took Kloff¡¯s hand and ced it on his abdomen. When Aeroc pressed his slightly swollen lower belly, Kloff was surprised. Kloff¡¯s awkward, hesitant gestures were too painful to witness. His eyes grew warm with tears.


    ¡°Do you feel it? Our puppy is here. Your child. A child born of our love. At least¡­ that¡¯s what I think.¡±


    It was unbelievable even to his own ears. No one would believe a person who asked someone to grope their stomach and admitted they were pregnant. ording to the doctor, his memories weren¡¯t gone, they were just stuck somewhere. The slightest trigger might set them free. Aeroc hoped for their puppy to be the key to that. Just like how the mere existence of this one and only baby gave him the sign of his different worlds. He hoped the baby would have a big meaning to Kloff too.


    As expected, Kloff went white as a sheet and couldn¡¯t close his mouth. His eyes widened and he groped Aeroc¡¯s lower belly again and again.


    ¡°How does an alpha get pregnant? No, wait, with my child?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I have to exin in detail for this person who lost his memories. But it wasn¡¯t easy to sound logical while choking back tears. Instead, the words just came out disorganized.


    ¡°Because I met you. Even though I¡¯m an alpha. Kloff¡­ because I met you¡­ I changed. Everything changed.¡±


    Of all things, Aeroc met Kloff and fell in love with him, thus everything had be twisted. He had spent such a horrible time undoing everything. It was impossible to exin it all from the beginning. To exin it all in its entirety was impossible. Just pulling out one small memory would take an entire day.


    His anxiety hadn¡¯t subsided, and when tears finally welled in his warm eyes, Kloff whispered quietly.


    ¡°Was I¡­ a lout?¡±


    ***


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.7 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.7 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    ¡°A¡­ lout?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s eyes, filled with sorrowful emotion, became subtly twisted. Somewhere in between not fully acknowledging and yet not outright denying. Well, that wasn¡¯t a very wise response.


    Although Kloff referred to him as an angel, he had already known his name. From the very first, a wealthy Count aristocrat who had so many employees was not only rare, but with just the slightest tilt of his ear towards someone, he could learn about his name and basic information.


    Aeroc Teiwind.


    The Count Teiwind. A bachelor alpha.


    He might have no personal memories, but his knowledge hadn¡¯t disappeared. He dug a few more times into what little memory he had left. They had no previous rendezvous. Naturally, his curiosity arose. He began to take an interest and observe him.


    After a while, he started to realize that they might have a surprisingly deep rtionship. At that moment, in the art museum, the Count who bought all sorts of art pieces without a care, was conscious of Kloff before signing the purchase order. He could clearly feel Aeroc¡¯s desire to have the rose he held too.


    <i>Desiring a rose held by another alpha?</i> No matter how he thought about it, it wasn¡¯t a simple rtionship. The fact that it wasn¡¯t his misunderstanding was confirmed through various means afterward. The slightest nce and the way the Count treated him. And the breathtaking sexual tension building up as Aeroc acted freely in his private space. The Count¡¯s behavior was overly intimate. Even if he tried not to be conscious of it, his attention naturally shifted to that one side.


    He kept such thoughts confined within himself. After all, it could be hispletely unfounded delusions. He didn¡¯t want to create unnecessary awkwardness and spoil the atmosphere. But as time went on, his imagination grew increasingly more and more.


    If the previous him, before losing his consciousness, hadn¡¯t possessed apletely different personality, he might have undoubtedly felt attracted to Aeroc Teiwind¡¯s exceptional looks. Despite being an alpha, he had the ideal appearance that Kloff envisioned. Slender limbs and well-proportioned shoulders. A slight hint of arrogance, but at the same time, a delicate appearance. With the blonde hairpleting the aristocratic aura.


    Moreover, Aeroc had an intriguing personality and intellect. He didn¡¯t understand half of the conversation Aeroc had with the curator at the museum. While confirming again that he, himself, wasn¡¯t interested in art, he also realized that the Count, even before signing the purchase order, had a higher level of knowledge to the point where the curator, a specialist himself, nodded in agreement. This was not unusual for a so-called aristocratic hobby. The point that was impressive was that, even though he was quite young, his understanding exceeded that of a middle-aged curator who used artwork for a living.


    The Count wasn¡¯t someone who frequently went out. He spent most of his time at home, maybe that was because Kloff was there. He would wake up at a regr time and was impably dressed even when he did not go out. Meals were taken in the dining room, and tea was mainly taken in his study. Additionally, when they were invited to a simple and luxurious tea party, Kloff learned that the Count had more interest in literature than art.


    ¨C<i>I see no reason to keep unread books in the study.</i>


    He had no memories and nothing to do. While flipping through books to see how damaged his memory was, the Count, just from hearing the titles, exined the content briefly. There was no hesitation in Aeroc¡¯s descriptions, no matter what book he picked. When Kloff expressed his surprise, that was the response he received from Aeroc. He wondered what kind of rtionship he had with this beautiful, wealthy, genius Count. His curiosity only grew bigger.


    Amidst his curiosity, the approaching Count took the heavy book in Kloff¡¯s hand and ced it back onto the shelf.


    ¨C<i>Don¡¯t push yourself too hard. While I also wish for your memories to return quickly, it could worsen if you¡¯re not careful.</i>


    And then, Aeroc stroked his upper arm gently. It was such a natural gesture from him. Aeroc even chuckled without being conscious of it. Was this really the interaction between an ountant and a client? Even though he had lost his memories, he wasn¡¯t a fool. Eventually, his memories might return, or he could discover the truth through other means. Maybe one day, the Count would push him against the wall, press his hot lips against his own, and undress him while dering that he couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. As vulgar as it was, he couldn¡¯t deny feeling somewhat ted by the thought of it.


    He had felt so naive, only imagining fleeting secret encounters. Who would have dared to imagine that the Count would suddenly dive onto the bed without any forewarning? Well, up to that point, he could begrudgingly understand it. It was extremely surprising, but other than it being a little too fast, everything was fine. Even though they were both alphas, if the partner was this charming Count, he would have to quickly prepare his unready heart.


    <i>But, what? What was inside his plump belly? A puppy? A puppy in a man¡¯s belly, that is, in the belly of a count who is officially recognized as an alpha because the title is an alpha inheritance, and I, Kloff Bendyke, created it¡­¡­.</i>


    Maybe he was hit in the head so hard that he had somehow arrived in the afterlife. This was a dream shown by God as he was dying. The person Kloff Bendyke had tried to live a fairly decent life, but he seemed to fall short of God¡¯s standards. Hence this crazy dream.


    As he pondered what kind of person he had been and reflected on it, the Count spoke with a very bitter expression. He said that he was an alpha, but then he met Kloff and he turned out like this. It was clear that God had cursed him. No, wait. Was this a curse? Rather, it should be seen as a severe blessing. Whether this or that, he had impregnated a perfectly fine alpha. Just what was he?


    ¡°¡­ Was I¡­ a lout?¡±


    The expression that had subtly twisted sank into a more bitter one. The angelic Count was clearly disappointed. What had he expected¡­ Ah, he hoped Kloff¡¯s memories would return. Despite being an adult Alpha, the guy before him seemed a little wistful, even naive at times. Whether it was true or not, he confessed that he, as an alpha, even had another alpha¡¯s child. The Count must have loved him deeply. And he must have missed Kloff Bendyke terribly. The person before Aeroc¡¯s eyes was the angel¡¯s lover and yet not his lover. It felt like there was a knot in his stomach.


    ¡°You¡¯re not¡­ Kloff wasn¡¯t a lout. I¡¯ll admit that he has a bad personality. I can¡¯t even call him a lout. That¡¯s not his original personality. He¡¯s actually full of kindness and consideration. He gets jealous badly, but that¡¯s because he loves me so much. I think he needs to fix his tendency to resort to violence without restraint.¡±


    ¡°He resorts to violence? To you, angel? That¡¯s impossible. If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s much better if my memories never return.¡±


    Maybe it¡¯s better that way, just to ease the heavy stone that had settled in his chest. Envying an unknown part of himself was a difficult emotion to tolerate.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean at all.¡±


    The angel hurriedly added. Shaking his head vigorously, he reached out and grabbed Kloff¡¯s arm. He tilted his body closer to meet his gaze even in the darkness. His breath brushed against Kloff¡¯s cheeks. This is getting slightly dangerous.


    ¡°I had no choice. That was a consequence caused by me. Moreover, you¡¯re currently recovering now. He has found stability, and as long as I¡¯m by his side, there won¡¯t be any problems. So don¡¯t misunderstand. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s my fault, nor do I feel guilty, considering I have no memories. But I wouldn¡¯t have forcefully done anything to you in my previous self. Because if so, I can¡¯t forgive the other me.¡±


    Kloff tried to reassure him, but it seemed to backfire. Even in the darkness, the angel¡¯s glowing blue eyes began to gleam.


    ¡°I¡­ I made you that way. All the fault lies with me, so don¡¯t resent yourself.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you made me that way. But in the end, it was Kloff himself whomitted the sin.¡±


    The only fault of such a charming person could not be anything other than catching the eye of a bad-tempered alpha. A bad-tempered lout like him would have acted ording to his temper upon seeing Aeroc. Even now, that habit was still here. His cock was already beginning to harden just from the gentle touch of the angel¡¯s soft hand. Really, was he such a lout?


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The angel couldn¡¯t speak any further. Instead, he gazed at him for a long time with a profoundly sad expression. Tears seemed to well up in his eyes and about to fall at any moment. Kloff didn¡¯t intend to make him cry. Was it really necessary tosh out at a man who had lost his lover, who was still alive, but had lost him anyway? Kloff regretted it btedly. Aeroc said he gets jealous badly, that seemed to be true. Kloff didn¡¯t have to be so resentful toward someone he didn¡¯t even know. He could have just listened to the angel¡¯s story.


    The grip on his arm loosened a little. The angel straightened his body. The bed that had been warm until a while ago cooled down quickly. His heart felt heavy at the deste look in the angel¡¯s eyes.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.8 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.8 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    ¡°So what brings you here tonight?¡±


    It was then. The raindrops that had been falling became suddenly heavier, pounding hard against the tightly closed windows. The angel hunched his shoulders in the darkness, like a poor rain-soaked kitten.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep, so I thought I¡¯d read a book in the study.¡±


    ¡°But then?¡±


    ¡°Because the study is past this room.¡±


    ¡°Did youe in to see if I was sleeping well?¡±


    The other person nodded quietly. However, Kloff was concerned about the unfamiliar pillow ced on the bed.


    ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Just as Kloff was about to say that it was alright and that Aeroc should go to sleep, the angel looked at him with an almost desperate gaze. With a short exhale, the angel turned his head away and said, ¡°Sorry for disturbing you,¡± and his shoulders trembled slightly. He made a gesture as if to get off the bed, but he didn¡¯t, and with his back turned, he made a deep appeal with his back. Although Kloff couldn¡¯t understand Aeroc¡¯s exact intention, he had certainly seeded. Of course, he seeded. Even failure would have to turn into sess.


    ¡°Ah, my head is suddenly¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh my, are you okay?¡±


    The angel approached and touched his forehead lightly. His gentle palm felt cool. It was nice.


    ¡°Do you have a fever? Are you feeling dizzy? Should I call a doctor? No, I should call one right away.¡±


    Aeroc started to run out the door, but Kloff grabbed him in a rush.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not necessary. It¡¯s just a slight headache. You don¡¯t need to worry too much.¡±


    ¡°The brain is a delicate organ. You shouldn¡¯t easily overlook any signs.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, really. It¡¯s true. I feel better now that you¡¯ve touched me.¡±


    <i>What a childlike excuse.</i> He chuckled with a bit of humility. To his surprise, the angel had been quiet, but he nodded his head shortly after.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because of that. Perhaps it¡¯s because we¡¯ve had less contact recently.¡±


    Mumbling to himself, the angel tidied up the bed with a determined air of resolve. After moving the pillow to the side, heid Kloff down and opened his arm. Then Aeroc confidently ced his own head on Kloff¡¯s shoulder and embraced him. Kloff felt flustered. This is nice, but you¡¯re advancing too quickly, Count. Even if you¡¯re pregnant, you¡¯re still quite the alpha. How unbelievably passionate.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep here tonight.¡±


    To be precise, it meant that he would sleep in Kloff¡¯s arms. Kloff was a bit frozen, so he hesitated to say that. However, the angel made it clear that he wouldn¡¯t ept any refusal. His hand boldly reached out and gripped the chest of Kloff¡¯s shirt. He could feel the weight of Aeroc¡¯s arms, rxed and hanging naturally above him.


    After wiggling into afortable position, the angel breathed evenly. Even though Aeroc probably hadn¡¯t fallen asleep yet, the small sounds of breathing in the silent hours without conversation made the silence even more precious. He slightly pulled the fingertips that were resting on his solid body and stroked the silk shirt-wrapped back. He patted the angel, who hung on him naturally.


    Kloff had thought of Aeroc as an alpha, but the body touching him was much softer than he had expected. Kloff realized that even if Aeroc had delicate features and a jawline at first nce, he could pass as an omega. Perhaps he looked like a slightly more masculine omega. The belly against his side was as plump as freshly baked bread. He didn¡¯t have much fat on his limbs, but his belly was full. His pregnancy, maybe it was really true. If so, Kloff must have been a massive fool to lose his memory over his pregnant lover. How lonely must the angel have been that he sneaked into his bed at night?


    Kloff grabbed him by faking pain, but in reality, the one who needed the embrace was the angel. He was clinging to him like a statue. It was really cute. How did you manage to capture a lover like this, you amnesiac wretch?


    The sound of rain falling in the distance began to diminish. The air was cool, but it wasn¡¯t the same inside the bed. Both the person who upied the embrace and the one who gave it felt a warm body temperature. It was a peaceful night.


    The morning sunlight illuminated the room brightly. His eyes woke up soon, dazzled by the sun. He rubbed his eye with one hand and realized that he couldn¡¯t feel anything in the other arm. He turned his head. A golden light, brighter than the sunlight, dazzled his vision.


    Ah, he slept with the angel.


    Kloff watched Aeroc sleeping soundly in his arms. His cheeks were a little messy with tear stains from, perhaps, crying in his sleep, yet it made him look so endearing. If they hadn¡¯t been in any kind of rtionship, Kloff had thought of trying to flirt with him. However, in the blink of an eye, they were sharing a bed. It was really great that such beauty was so proactive.


    They were facing each other, and his hand naturally found its way to his waist. Kloff cautiously stroked it. There was a child inside this. Kloff had his doubts about how an Alpha could be pregnant and whether he truly was even an Alpha. Still, Kloff didn¡¯t doubt the fact of his pregnancy. Even if it was a lie, Kloff wanted to believe it as the truth. At the same time, Kloff felt a pang of regret for not remembering the rtionship that they had. Surely, those must have been joyful and blissful moments. Kloff hoped for those memories toe back to him soon.


    To be honest, even if his memories didn¡¯t return at all, Kloff would be fine. This was better, the current himself was cherishing an irreceable lover, unlike that bad-tempered lout. Besides, even without memories, Kloff was young enough to just create new ones in the future.


    Kloff was a bit worried about when he could return to his ounting work. With a child on the way, as a father, Kloff had to provide for his partner and the child. Maybe managing the Count¡¯s estate properly would be enough¡­ but Kloff stopped himself from going down that train of thought as he felt like a con trying to woo a lonely widow. Nevertheless, the angel¡¯s tendency to overspend had to be addressed. With all that extravagant spending, they might end up thrown out of this mansion before the child was even born. It wouldn¡¯t matter if they weren¡¯t in any rtionship, but since they had a child together now, it would be bad if they became broke. Perhaps they should discuss major expenses in the future.


    Kloff lightly stroked Aeroc¡¯s pale cheek with his thumb. He didn¡¯t want to wake him, but Aeroc was just too adorable to resist.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡±


    Kloff hugged him tighter as he snuggled closer, mumbling against the tickle. He seemed to be making a worried expression in his dreams, furrowing his brows a few times. The angel¡¯s fingers twitched over the neatly ced fingers on the pillow. Kloff held onto his hand firmly. His delicate eyshes trembled as he made faint moans. After a moment, teardrops trickled down his nose.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I love you.¡±


    A weak confession escaped his mumbling lips. Kloff wasn¡¯t sure what he was apologizing for, but Kloff knew who he was sorry to. His past self before losing his memory. Just for what reason did Aeroc apologize and express love at the same time? Kloff felt a pang of jealousy as much as he felt pity. This was such a foolish feeling for himself, yet Klopp didn¡¯t know what to do with it.


    Unable to hold back, Kloff left a light kiss on Aeroc¡¯s trembling lips. Despite being lovers, it was undoubtedly a stolen kiss. He felt a sense of guilt for molesting someone asleep, but at the same time, a secretive desire sent shivers down his spine. The pulsating sensation of a living, breathing heartbeat was wonderful. Kloff stole more kisses from Aeroc. Lightly at first, and then deeper. Their lips met, and there were sounds of their lips meeting and separating. Still, the angel remained asleep. Kloff grew bolder and bolder. Using his tongue, Kloff parted Aeroc¡¯s lips and ventured deeper. Despite his pitiful expression, Aeroc epted the kiss without resistance.


    Even with the rather deep kiss, Aeroc only whimpered in his sleep rather than waking up. He exhaled in various colors, releasing a colorful array of breaths. How could a person be so lovely? Kloff pulled Aeroc back into his arms and held him close. He wanted to stay like this for hours.


    During the kiss, his vigorous vitality seemed to be redirected elsewhere. No matter how strong his self-control, continuing until there would be truly a crime. Kloff managed to restrain himself. Instead, Kloff explored Aeroc¡¯s smooth back, his waist, and his agile, tight buttocks. Those tight buttocks fit perfectly in his one hand. Kloff took his time, allowing his fingertips to feel every sensation.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.9 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.9 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    ¡°Haah.¡±


    A sigh escaped involuntarily. Vile fantasies were beginning to take shape in his mind. The thought of Count Teiwind, with his stern and hard-to-approach demeanor, spreading his legs and engaging in lewd movements as an alpha moved between his tight buttocks.


    Even if things weren¡¯t this way, his healthy body was still in the midst of a vigorous morning routine. The fantasies were like detonating bombs. To touch someone sleeping without their consent and get a hard-on, he was being quite the pervert. Kloff was torn between wanting to enjoy the moment and wanting the angel to wake up and free him from these unhealthy desires.


    <i>Should he continue this? No, it¡¯s a terrible thing to do to someone asleep. But he¡¯s his lover.</i><i>An affectionate lover who entered his bed first so boldly.</i> If he showed that much courage, Kloff should at least show the courtesy to undress him first.


    ¡°Um.¡±


    The ominous internal thought turned into a moan, oozing outwards. Contrary to the intense internal struggle, his gestures became unrestrained and took on a life of their own. Without any hesitation, his fingers gripped the thin waistband of Aeroc¡¯s thin robe. With a swift tug, Kloff felt the smooth silk texture slip away, and his hand began to explore the boundary between back and waist. After a brief moment, his hand began to venture towards more intimate areas. Not quite alpha-like, nor quite omega-like, the curve stretched from his buttocks down to his thighs.


    How did Kloff share love with such a person? Tenderly and gently? Or passionately and intensely? Or both. Yes, both would be good. Starting gently and then bing more intense. And then, once again, bing tender as if melting into each other.


    Once Kloff let go of his conscience, his movements became no longer restrained. Kloff gripped his buttocks before sliding down to his thighs. Meanwhile, the scent of Aeroc¡¯s hair reached his nose. With his lips, Kloff brushed over his nose and then found Aeroc¡¯s lips once more. The normally unresponsive tongue twitched as Kloff kissed Aeroc. At some point, the angel¡¯s breathing had grown slightly ragged. As Kloff raised his head, Aeroc¡¯s trembling eyshes came into view.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡±


    Even though Kloff asked, there was no response from the other. Kloff cautiously slid his hand, which had only been hesitating on the surface, between his thighs. They had already made a child together, so this much action was expected. The angel who had been pretending to sleep flinched. His fair hand gripped the pillowcase.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re awake.¡±


    With boldness, Kloff pressed his palm firmly on that intimate area. The angel let out a moist moan and opened his eyes.


    ¡°What are you doing¡­ to someone who¡¯s asleep?¡±


    The voiceced with bitterness was divided.


    ¡°Well, now there¡¯s no longer anyone asleep.¡±


    Kloff said, breaking into a smile, and nted a light kiss. When their lips met, the angel didn¡¯t resist. They shifted positions naturally. As Kloff continued the kiss while cradling Aeroc¡¯s body from above, he tried to press their bodies together. However, Aeroc suddenly raised his knee and identally jabbed Kloff painfully in the diaphragm.


    ¡°Ugh, what are you doing? Even if I don¡¯t seem like it, I¡¯m still a patient.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant. Moreover, I¡¯m a pregnant man carrying your illegitimate child. You can¡¯t be trying to put that bear-like body on top of my belly?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    The belly wasn¡¯t quite visible yet, so Kloff failed to be aware of it. Kloff carefully turned his body to the side to avoid touching his abdomen. Kloff pulled back the sheet that had been pushed away and covered the angry angel, making sure to conceal especially the mess below his lower back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I forgot.¡±


    Kloff apologized to the irritated angel and then proceeded to kiss his forehead. Afterward, Kloff pulled away. He hadn¡¯t been too disappointed this time. There was nothing he could do with the expecting man. Kloffy on his back, gazing at the ceiling. Kloff took deep breaths to calm himself and focused on controlling the half-boiling sensation in his core. It would be better to get up quickly than lying on the bed together. However, his desire to stay by Aeroc¡¯s side was stronger. Maybe if he took deep breaths and silently recited some moral verses to himself, the heat would subside. Kloff made an effort to regain control of his breathing.


    Beside him, Kloff heard a voice filled with discontent.


    ¡°What are you doing right now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ste at night. You should sleep.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s morning. And you just woke up someone who was sleeping with your mischievous hands.¡±


    ¡°If you close your eyes, you¡¯ll go back to slumber again soon.¡±


    ¡°You useless bastard.¡±


    Shocked by the unsuitable profanitying from Aeroc, Kloff opened his eyes. The angel turned over, grunting. Kloff thought Aeroc would leave the bed, or maybe even leave the room. Instead, he rolled over and closed the gap between them. Without looking back, Aeroc wiggled closer, then pressed his back firmly against Kloff.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Sleeping, you fool.¡±


    As if pressing their backs together wasn¡¯t enough, Aeroc then pressed his slightly exposed hip against his groin, yet he still made such a remark. How could he say that while pressing his hip against him like that? Kloff reached out and grabbed his waist, holding him tightly. Kloff pressed his chest against Aeroc¡¯s tense back. His body felt as if it was sculpted to fit perfectly against him. Kloff buried his face in his soft lower back and took a deep breath. It had a clean yet sweet scent. A sense of hunger overcame him. Kloff wanted to devour him right then and there. Aeroc wouldn¡¯t have fathomed his feelings, but the angel obediently kept his legs tightly closed. However, the teasing back-and-forth motion of the wind caused their hips and groins to brush against each other. The heat stimted the alpha in him.


    ¡°Why are you making it hard for me to hold back?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your fault.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is it even possible with a pregnant person?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve only been pregnant, it doesn¡¯t affect my sexual functions. And you¡¯re the one bing impotent because you impregnated someone who used to live a perfectly alpha life.¡±


    ¡°Impo¡­ that aside, what if your belly gets pressed down?¡±


    Kloff wanted to eagerly respond to Aeroc¡¯s daring temptation. However, Kloff restrained himself until the very end. He knew that if he had to stop in the middle, he might as well not have started in the first ce.


    ¡°They said it¡¯s okay as long as you don¡¯t put anything heavy on the belly.¡±


    The snappy tone was adorable.<i> It¡¯s okay as long as you don¡¯t put anything heavy on the belly. Well, let¡¯s try it this way.</i>


    Kloff rolled over and immediatelyy down. He pulled the person lying beside him closer, cing him on top of his waist. In an instant, their positions changed, and the angel seemed slightly surprised, fumbling for words. With a scowl on his face, he said.


    ¡°What kind of violent behavior is this?¡±


    That was his protest, but he didn¡¯t move away. After slightly adjusting his position to alleviate his difort, the angel settled into a morefortable posture. With his legs spread, he gently rocked his hips, brushing against the agitated Alpha¡¯s member. <i>Oh my.</i> Aeroc wasn¡¯t as innocent as Kloff had thought. Well, he was indeed having a lout¡¯s child¡­


    ¡°Is this really okay?¡±


    ¡°I waited five months until stability kicked in. Yet, at the moment I¡¯m ready, you end up getting hurt. I want you to take responsibility.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll take the responsibility.¡±


    Kloff cupped the angel¡¯s chin and kissed his lips. As the angel brushed aside his falling blonde hair, he immersed himself in the kiss. While doing so, he hastily removed their clothes without a second thought. Their heated flesh met, and they thrust against each other fervently.


    ***


    Next update (contains nsfw) will be thest part of this chapter!


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 1.10 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What’s your name? What’s your number?

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 1.10 - Hey, you, beautiful Count. What¡¯s your name? What¡¯s your number?</h4>


    Read the first part of this chapter here (nsfw)


    Enduring no sexual intercourse for five months had been incredibly tough. Normally, three months would suffice, but due to Aeroc¡¯s underdeveloped uterus, they had to wait for five months based on their physician¡¯s advice. Kloff kept pestering their attending physician every time they went for a regr check-up, asking when it would stabilize. Of course, it was for the well-being of his lover and their child. However, both Aeroc and Kloff, as well as the attending physician, Hugo, Martha, and even Vander, knew that it wasn¡¯t just about that.


    A few days ago, Kloff finally received permission from their attending physician. After undergoing numerous check-ups, the physician agreed that it could be done within reasonable limits.


    ¡°Is it really so?¡±


    ¡°Yes. But remember, the Count shall be in charge, not you, Sir Bendyke. If you keep going with your ord, the Count¡¯s body might notst.¡±


    The stern warning fell on deaf ears. All Kloff heard were encouraging sounds saying that doing it was okay. However, that wasn¡¯t the end of the challenge.


    ¡°The Count needs to rest.¡±


    The butler, who had opened his eyes with a sharp re, didn¡¯t give any opportunity for respite. He continued to watch over them even during the night. No, but the doctor said it¡¯s fine, so why is the butler causing such a fuss? However, even Martha said, ¡°<i>Still, it might be better to wait a few more days since the Count¡¯s body is weak.</i>¡± Supporting the butler¡¯s side with her advice, Kloff felt like he was going insane. <i>Why are there so many people meddling in the affairs of grown adults¡¯ bedroom matters!</i> Kloff needed a n, just to have a passionate night with his lover.


    ¡°Martha, I heard your second cousin twice removed¡¯s child got married recently. You should go.¡±


    ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t even know the child¡¯s face.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re still a family member, so shouldn¡¯t you go? I¡¯ve prepared a generous special gift as well. Take this opportunity to visit your hometown. After all, once the baby is born, you won¡¯t be able to take a vacation for a while.¡±


    ¡°Ohoho, that¡¯s true. I¡¯ll happily ept it then.¡±


    With that, he got rid of Martha. After Martha left, Kloff signaled Aeroc with his eyes. Aeroc met his gaze with a cold attitude before promptly summoning Hugo, who was bustling about.


    ¡°I wonder if the baby crib for the nursery is being made properly. Can you check on it this afternoon and let me know?¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t both you and Bendyke personally prepared baby items before?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but I suddenly became curious about the baby crib. Kloff mentioned there was an urgent meeting at the pce. I¡¯m too tired from checkups to go there.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll check on it ande back.¡±


    <i>As expected of my Aeroc.</i> He had handled the oldie beautifully. Kloff would have preferred to get rid of him for a few days, but even just half a day would be fine. They could probably get in on the action three times.


    Kloff left the mansion, pretending to go to the pce. Not from far away, he watched the estate from a distance and returned as soon as the carriage carrying Hugo left. Imagining Aeroc, who would be half undressed in the bedroom, he dashed towards the room. He dashed up the stairs as if flying, and the marble corridor seemed long that day, like a path leading to the continent beyond. His heart was racing. He ignored the sound of the maid urging him from behind.


    ¡°Sir Bendyke, over there!¡±


    <i>Stumble.</i>


    <i>Thud!</i>


    <i>Damn.</i> Kloff didn¡¯t think Hugo would ask the maids to soap the marble corridor on his way out. Thest thing Kloff remembered was the receding view of the ceilings in the estate.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been on it three times already, but again?¡±


    ¡°Are you tired?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the puppy?¡±


    ¡°I think the puppy is fine.¡±


    ¡°Then endure it.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Should I stop?¡±


    With that question, Kloff looked at Aeroc again. He seemed to not be entirely against it, so he slowly approached.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d never remember.¡±


    Aeroc was clinging to him like a child, and Kloff embraced him more tightly.


    ¡°Were you worried?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    The way Aeroc nodded was so cute that Kloff unconsciously smiled softly and kissed him again. Aeroc punched me in the shoulder, seeming angry.


    ¡°Why do you have to trip and fall like a fool?¡±


    ¡°It was a trap set by Hugo. Why would the marble corridor in front of your room be suddenly cleaned, when there¡¯s no n for that?¡±


    Tutting, Kloff gently pushed Aeroc to lie down on the bed.


    ¡°You really didn¡¯t remember anything at all?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Kloff teased his lover¡¯s body with an ominous smile. When he traced his fingertips over the erect nipples, Aeroc emitted a low sound of pleasure.


    ¡°I almost preferred it if you really never remembered.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because you were a polite, sensible human.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for being a rude beast.¡±


    As Kloff said that, he pressed himself closer. He held Aeroc tightly, almost crushing his waist, and whispered, ¡°<i>You nearly drove me to death because I couldn¡¯t have enough of you.</i>¡± He nipped at his neck and nced at Aeroc from the corner of his eye. Blushing, Aeroc turned his gaze away again. Whenever Kloff disyed tant desire, Aeroc would feel embarrassed. Yet, once they entered into action, he would abandon his reservations and eagerly follow. In response to his feeble resistance, which seemed like to confirm Kloff¡¯s affection, Kloff would easily ovee it with a simple gesture, and they would be one again.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you forgot about me.¡±


    ¡°You must have been really upset.¡±


    Kloffforted him with a pat, and Aeroc¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. With a severeck of affection and a habit of bizarre delusions, Kloff wondered what Aeroc had been imagining the past few days. He must have been terribly anxious.


    Aeroc must have had a lot of nightmares, to the point where he¡¯de running to him at night, scared for his life. He wanted to fill Aeroc with love, so he wouldn¡¯t feel anxious, until he fell asleep due to exhaustion. No matter what he did, no matter what happened. Kloff had sworn to pour out his love with all his might.


    ***


    Hugo was boiling, realizing that he had been caught off guard by the Count¡¯s announcement that he would sleep all afternoon. Kloff, who was enjoying his victory with a joyful heart, got ready to leave for his office. However, just as he was about to step out of the entrance, he was suddenly taken aback by the flood of servants and a vast amount of packages around him.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    His mouth gaped open at the sight of a huge hall filled with packages. Seeing his bewilderment, Hugo smirked and extended an envelope. With trembling hands, Kloff immediately snatched it up and tore it open. And then,


    ¡°Aeroc Teiwind! You damned Count! To blow the entire year¡¯s ie from the estate in just a single day! What on earth have you done!¡±


    Kloff couldn¡¯t even run up the stairs to his damned lover¡¯s chambers because the packages on all sides were blocking the way.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have lost your memories then.¡±


    A dazed Kloff could only scream mute at the butler¡¯s exasperation.


    PS.


    The angel whomitted the sin of losing his sense of money was scolded severely to tears by the infuriated demon lord. Although most of the goods were all returned, he managed to keep the few things he really wanted to have after being forced to lobby the devil with various impure bodily actions.


    ¡°This lout! It would have been so much better if you never remembered after all!¡±


    <Side Story 1. End>


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.1 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.1 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    -Written by LENOC ELLIM BENTEIWIND


    My name is Lenoc Ellim Benteiwind.


    I am the eldest alpha and son of Count Teiwind. I know that from hearing my name alone, people would exim ¡®Ah¡­¡¯. That is, if they know Teiwind.


    At a time when the world¡¯s civilizations are advancing and philosophies and politics are revolutionizing, it may seem a bit old-fashioned to emphasize the history of a long lineage, but it¡¯s also not right topletely ignore the deep traditions that have been passed down through the millennia. Especially when you are carrying on the name of a great family whose very existence represents a distinguished spirit. Thus, I learned the teachings of my ancestors from the depths and breadths of the newspapers and more.


    I breathed in the dreadlocks of the ssics, soaked in the essence of fierce schrs. I climbed thedder of a study that has been in the hands of more than a dozen counts until it got deeply coloured. I reached for the ck book with the golden seal that I had longed for since I knew of its existence. A volume I could barely hold in one hand. A weight that I could barely support with two hands. This was the weight of a ssic.


    I climbed down thedder and ced it on the well-refined table. I dragged the chair over before flipping open the hardcover. It was quite a penance to move a big chair as tall as I was, but this ssic was worth it. I climbed onto the chair and sat down on the cushion.


    Today I will find the answer to the greatest adversity of my life. With trembling hands, I opened the solid bookcase. A feast of countless spellings. The one I¡¯m looking for must be here somewhere.


    Ah, the agony.


    Why didn¡¯t this ssic show me the answer? The sea of words, 2,830 pages in all, was so alien to me. I pulled my hair unrealizing. The sight of the dark, bronze-coloured lump of protein in my hand made me angry. His curse had begun. A man without any authority who dared to dominate the Count estate, and also deceived the current count. That wicked man who was bending and shaking the count¡¯s mind, body, and spirit. I was still struggling today to drive him from this house.


    I turned the pages annoyedly. Whatever spell he had cast, there weren¡¯t any legible words in this book. The time was passing, what could I do? Just then, I heard footsteps outside.


    I closed the book in a rush. I needed to disguise my n. That man was quick on his feet. The slightest slip of the tongue would be detected and I would be punished severely. I immediately pulled out arge sheet of white paper and ced it over the book. Then, I grabbed a stubby, rainbow-coloured pencil. My preference was for a heavy, inked fountain pen, but I was not allowed for that yet. The door opened and the man walked in.


    ¡°Lenoc. What are you doing here?¡±


    Heid another pile of receipts and contracts on the hefty desk, as if he were intent on sucking the lifeblood out of the count. Those were important documents that my parental custody, the Count of Teiwind, must see and judge for himself! If the count failed to do so, I, his rightful heir, must do it myself, but this man had usurped his authority because I was not yet of age.


    He ced a heavy ledger on top of it to block my interest in the papers, then stepped aside. I had to act as if I were a 7 year-old child who knew nothing. It felt like a blow to my pride, but it was a desperate struggle to survive.


    ¡°I¡¯m drawing, Father.¡±


    Disgrace. Humiliation. It truly was. The fact that I had to call him father, despite the absurdity of it all, simply because I was born from the sperm he provided.


    I looked at him and smiled. An aristocrat should smile at any moment. He stretched out a hand like a weapon and stroked my hair, as if to feign an innocent cut. He stroked my shiny, glossy chestnut-colored hair, then reached down and gripped my shoulders tightly, before going away. If he added a little more strength to that grip, I would have an immediate meeting with my ancestors. An honorable death is always wee, but this was not the time. I have not yet freed the Count.


    That man watched me draw, his dark chestnut eyes glittering like an old beast. The family crest, the lion. It was a subconscious plea for the power of the ancestors to help me drive out this vile demon.


    He looked down at the painting gravely. Would this work? These sharp ws and whipping mane. And those piercing eyes and ghastly teeth. One day, this lion will set against this evil that has driven absurdity and bring justice. I looked at him confidently. He stared, dumbfounded, overwhelmed by a lion so alive it could roar at any moment. Then he opened his mouth. I waited to see what he would say. Would he be afraid? Would he drive me away? If you have a mouth, say something¡­¡­.


    ¡°What is this, a hairy potato?¡±


    <i>Uhuk¡­</i> This¡­ This evil demon. It was clear that the poison of cruel lies ran through his veins. How could he call the Golden Lion of Teiwind, a potato? I was in pain. My pride was crushed. My hands trembled.


    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s a lion. A golden lion.¡±


    ¡°Ah, right.¡±


    Having crushed the will of a brave man with his cruel words, that person smiled. ¡°Good work,¡± he said btedly, adding more lies before going over to the desk as he sat there. That was a relief. Even if he gave a big bruise to my ego, he didn¡¯t notice the book. That man was extremely wary of me absorbing more knowledge, more information. It must be his instinct to fear that I would be getting smarter and threaten his position.


    I carefully pushed the book aside from under the papers. I intended to wrap it in a picture of a lion and take it to my bedroom. That man didn¡¯t look this way anymore, deeply engrossed in sorting through his books and papers.


    That¡¯s right, it would be very pleasant to feast on the sweet fruit, but it would be short-lived. The moment I finished deciphering this book, the man would be miserable. He would be forced to look up, his big body bowing on the floor, begging for forgiveness and saying, ¡°Mr Lenoc, please forgive me. From now on, you can use as much pocket money as you like. Here are the keys to the safe and chequebook.¡± I smiled a little as I imagined that day toe. It was then.


    ¡°Are you leaving now?¡±


    Ah. I shouldn¡¯t have made a sound. I drew unnecessary attention. I decided not to be surprised and answered as usual.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m supposed to y with Eurea.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost bedtime.¡±


    Busted. I hadn¡¯t thought of the time.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to y with her for a bit and then go to bed.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    He seemed to be in deep thought. I hope he didn¡¯t notice it. I smiled, feeling the cold sweat running down my spine. Fortunately, he quickly returned his gaze to his papers.


    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t stay up toote. It¡¯s not a good habit to get upte in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±


    Phew. I let out a deep sigh of relief and slid off the chair, putting away my coloured pencils and folding the paper in half to secretly wrap the book. I carefully pulled it down with both hands, and then!


    ¡°Lenoc.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Leave the Civil Law behind.¡±


    How¡­ did he know? He still hadn¡¯t taken his eyes off the papers. Did he have eyes on his head? Don¡¯t panic, Lenoc Teiwind. You are the Count¡¯s only hope, a brave man with the spirit of a lion. You can do this.


    ¡°What¡­ is that?¡±


    ¡°The book under your lion drawing.¡±


    ¡°Aaah, this?¡±


    I wondered why, as the legitimate son of the Count, I felt guilty as if I had stolen something from the Count¡¯s study. Was this some dreadful trick of the Demon? In any case, I had to get through the crisis. I acted as if I knew nothing. While struggling desperately with my pride, that man waspletely blindsided.


    ¡°Yeah, that one. Leave it behind.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    This will be a fluffy long chapter from the POV of Kloff and Aeroc¡¯s eldest alpha son, Lenoc!


    Summary: Lenoc doesn¡¯t really like Kloff after witnessing some stuff and thinks he¡¯s a demon in the Teiwind household (+a pic with Lord-Rapiel¡¯s family)


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.2 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.2 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    All my hopes were shattered. I was drowning in a flood of frustration. How could I walk away when I had a spellbook right in front of me that could drive this demon away? A great swamp of despair rose up below my knees. But this is not all. I still have countless hours left. A far longer time than the time granted to the aged demon. There are times when one must retreat for the glory of tomorrow. I must not let go of all hope already.


    Also, this book is not yet decipherable; it may be a premature rush. Even if it was embarrassing, maybe I should havepleted the punishment of and obtained the <Children¡¯s Dictionary>.


    Tsk. I let out a low, serious swear word: ¡°Idiot.¡± Fortunately, he didn¡¯t seem to hear it. I had to turn around, leaving the book carrying the golden key right in front of me. Just before opening the door while carrying my paper and coloured pencils, I asked him, because at least I needed to know the reason for today¡¯s failure.


    ¡°But father, how did you know that book was there?¡±


    Uuuuuk. My way of speech sounded full of sucking up. This must have been influenced by that man¡¯s henchwoman, Eurea. However, using this way of speech had a big effect on that man. He would always reply with full sincerity. I continued my miserable life of selling my pride to survive. He raised his head and smiled at me. He pointed the tip of his pen at the bookshelf.


    ¡°There¡¯s an empty space over there.¡±


    ¡°How can you tell? There are so many books.¡±


    ¡°Because every book on that shelf is mine. I remember what goes where.¡±


    Ah, no way. So that ssic is owned by that man? What a failure¡­ While I stammered in shock, he smiled delightfully.


    ¡°I¡¯m very d you¡¯re interested in thew. You¡¯re my son, after all.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ ahahaha, of course, father.¡±


    Despite my joyful exterior, I was weeping inside. I wanted that book because I had heard the old butler say that it contained all thews of the world. Every injustice in matters between individuals is to be judged by thews contained in that book, and I risked using an unauthorizeddder in the study to drive that man away¡­¡­..


    ¡°This book is far too difficult for you to read when you haven¡¯t even tackled theplete works of children¡¯s literature yet, and you could drop that heavy book and hurt yourself badly, so don¡¯t touch it in the future. As punishment for using the studydder without permission, you will double your spelling memorization today.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡±


    Frustration. Despair. I have lost the will to live. Stupid, idiot me. Why didn¡¯t I realize that there were that man¡¯s books in this study? I walked with my shoulders slumped and my legs dragging, down a path that only hardship could make.


    Double spelling. I have to memorize ten of them today before I go to sleep. He must have wanted to torture me instead of putting me to bed. Wicked demon. He was clearly wary of me growing to be as big as him. Petty. Devious. Unjust. I red at him resentfully. He looked at me andughed again. Was he going to make me more miserable here?


    ¡°Instead, if you memorize the whole thing, I¡¯ll read you five more pages of when you go to bed.¡±


    Tsk. Did he think I was going to fall for that kind of shallow temptation? I looked him straight in the eye, and heughed in a puzzled way. Yes, don¡¯t look down on this Lenoc Teiwind. I¡¯m Lenoc Teiwind, who reads and reads until his bookshelves are tattered just for the fun of it. Did he think reading more pages for me will¡­


    ¡°10 pages.¡±


    ¡°Yes, father. I¡¯ll try my best to memorize those spellings, and I¡¯m sorry for sneaking with thedder.¡±


    ¡°Yes, son.¡±


    Tskkk. It couldn¡¯t be helped. It¡¯s at the part where the golden lion fights a ck dragon. If anyone had stopped just before that, they would have had no choice but to ept the deal. Besides, this man¡­¡­ reads the story with liveliness, and as a demon, he knows everything, so he answers all my questions. Even my own father, the Teiwind Count, can¡¯t do that.


    I closed the door to the study and stepped out. Although I hadn¡¯t started a revolution today, my exploration of the study hadn¡¯t gone too badly. I squared my shoulders and held my head upright as I headed for my room, for I needed to memorize my spellings quickly. Later, in my pajamas, I would find out how the Golden Lion¡¯s adventures had turned out in the warm embrace of that demon.


    It was already a year ago that I learned the true identity of my father, Viscount Kloff Bendyke, husband of my dear mother.


    It was about this timest year, when my youngest brother, Jester, now six months old, was still thriving in my mother¡¯s womb, that I witnessed the atrocious behaviour of the man I had until then revered as my father.


    It was a night full of thunder and lightning. As my sister Eurea, insensitive just like a beautiful old tree in the vast northern country, snored softly and drifted off to sleep, the delicate me was startled awake by a bolt of lightning that crashed across the sky. And I had to go to the bathroom then. I didn¡¯t want to get out of bed because it was cold, but I couldn¡¯t leave a stain on the bedspread as the 6 year-old eldest alpha of the Count, so I got up and went to the bathroom in my room.


    <i>Thump, crank!</i>


    I was surprised as I was urinating. When I rushed to wash my hands and mbered back into bed, I heard shouting outside and sawnterns peeking out from under the doorway. At first, I tried to ignore it ¨C I¡¯d be in trouble if anyone caught me wandering down a dark hallway on a stormy night.


    But with thunder crashing outside and Eurea¡¯s snoring next to me, sleep was hard toe by. I grabbed the storybook I¡¯d left on the table, hoping that my mother, or at least the man I sincerely thought of as my father at the time, was not yet asleep and would read me a story until I fell asleep again.


    It waste at night, so the hallway was dark except for the dim tail light of the stairs. It was so quiet that even Grandpa Hugo might have fallen asleep. At thiste hour, my mother was surely in his bedroom.


    My mother, who finally had been expecting another sibling after Eurea, had been getting tiredtely, so he went to bed early. Just as I was obliged to watch over Eurea at night, my father was obliged to watch over my pregnant mother and unborn brother, so they slept together. While my mother slept, my father stayed upte, so I thought he could read me a story. Naively, I ran to my mother¡¯s room, having no idea what that man was doing.


    As if to foreshadow the day¡¯s disaster, the thunder and lightning never ceased, and, fed up with the howling and creepy sounds of the driving rain and wind, I forgot to knock and opened the door. The thunder rumbled so loudly that the click of the doorknob went unheard, even by me, standing so close.


    It was dark in therge room. All the lights were out, and the huge ss windows rattled against the rain beyond the unclosed curtains. I took a step in, clutching the storybook tightly. I could see a not-so-bright yellow light at the far end of the fairlyrge room.


    In the light of a smallntern on the bedside table, I could see my mother, with hisrge belly and legs spread wide, clinging limb from limb to the so-called my father, tearfully begging for forgiveness.


    It was the first time I had ever seen my mother cry.


    My mother is Aeroc Teiwind, the famous Count of Teiwind. Outwardly, he was an Alpha, but when he met my father, he had fallen in love and changed his body into an Omega. Always grand and graceful, my mother was a high-ranked aristocrat, respected by all, but he was also a person of great beauty and pride, never allowing his emotions to show.


    And that Count was now sprawled under the big man, like a helpless teddy bear, his limbs barely covering his rounded, swollen belly, and sobbing frantically.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ Ngh¡­ Kloff, no more. Aaaah. I can¡¯t. I¡¯m going, to die, ngh.¡±


    ¡°No. Keep holding on.¡±


    ¡°You demon.¡±


    My mother pleaded, his eyes filled with tears, but that man had no mercy and bit him at the nape of the neck like an animal. My whole limbs trembled. Like a demon from a fairy tale, that man had not only bitten my mother¡¯s throat, but he had also ripped through the buttons of his thin nightgown and swallowed his breasts, which held the milk for the unborn sibling, in one bite. I dropped the book as another scream burst from my mother¡¯s throat.


    That¡¯s when he froze. My mother, who had been gasping in pain, also stopped at once, as if he had been cursed. The moment they both turned this way at the same time, I was so frightened that I started running like a coward.


    Ah, unable to save my dear mother, I stumbled back to my room, tears streaming down my face, and hid in my bed, sobbing under my breath. No matter how much lightning crashed outside, and the subsequent thunder pounded my eardrums, all I could hear was my mother¡¯s screams.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.3 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.3 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    After a while, I could see a faint light through the sheets and feel someone moving closer. I thought it was my mother, but the hand on my shivering back was that man¡¯s.


    ¡°Lenoc.¡±


    Even at his gentle voice, I jumped, startled out of my skin.


    ¡°Lenoc. Just now, perhaps, did youe to your mother¡¯s room?¡±


    Somehow I felt that I should lie to that question.


    ¡°No! I was sleeping the whole time!¡±


    My voice was strangely broken from holding back tears, but he didn¡¯t question me. He patted me on the back a few times, and after a while, with a long sigh, he said to himself, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to exin this,¡± and then stood up from the bed.


    ¡°I put the storybook you dropped on the table. Don¡¯t wander around at night.¡±


    He took thentern and left, and I heard the door close behind him. I crawled out from under the sheets, sobbing, and saw the storybook that man had brought with him on the table over there.


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. How could my honourable father torment my dear mother like that, making him cry and bite his flesh like a demon. He was even pregnant! And that man said he was protecting them both, but he was actually tormenting Mother! Bad guy, really really bad!


    Still, I cried all night, ming myself for my cowardice in running away without saving my mother, my cheeks drenched in tears like ss panes in a downpour. The roar of the thunder seemed to shatter my faith in the man I thought was my father.


    As the storm subsided and the morning sun rose, I fell asleep and ran to my mother¡¯s room in my nightwear, my heart pounding. I knocked on the door and was greeted by my mother, who had just woken up. His face was slightly puffy from fatigue, but he smiled with red eyes. My tears were almost welling up, but I held them back.


    ¡°Lenoc, what¡¯s wrong for you toe here in this early morning?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to see you, Mother.¡±


    My motherughed at my clinginess and invited me to join him in bed. As I snuggled into his warm embrace, I saw the bite marks on the nape of his neck and a chest full of red bruises peeking through the slightly open buttons.


    He smiled at me as if nothing had happened. My mother, who was usuallypassionate but unusually gentle today, asked me if I wanted to say anything, but I shook my head. I didn¡¯t want to make him feel ashamed.


    Thatte afternoon, I didn¡¯t go out to see the man off early, using the excuse that I had a stomach ache. Instead, I locked myself in my room and pulled out the notebook I¡¯d received for my birthday the day before.


    And so, this journal began.


    Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.


    I don¡¯t really remember where I heard this phrase. It must havee from that man. Whatever the source, there was no problem in using it. Rather, if there was something to be learnt from another person, it was better to learn it and be a better human being. This, too, was taught to me by him.


    Viscount Bendyke was a highly trusted andpetent economic bureaucrat. Until I was born, he had apparently been a small employee, such as an asset manager or an investment agent, and then he¡¯d formed a family with my mother, who was a Count, and worked hard to be a person as much as he was.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯vee to acknowledge Sir Kloff. He¡¯s originally from an aristocrat, but it¡¯s notmon to get newlymissioned. It¡¯s a testament to his hard work and effort. Although he did get letters of rmendation and consent from many families, from Derbyshire and Teiwind to Westport and Wolke. And the current Crown Prince was very much in favour of him. It was to be expected as Sir Kloff practically revived the national finances that were almost destroyed by the previous foolish war. I think he¡¯s still a little short of being a suitable consort for the Count, but there are very few men of his age who are better than him at the moment. But why are you asking me these things? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get a better idea if you ask the Count or your father directly.¡±


    ¡°I need an objective source.¡±


    ¡°What report are you writing this time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret, but thank you, Grandpa.¡±


    After giving my gratitude to the butler, I quickly grabbed my notebook and ran back to my room. I tried remembering and writing down as much as I could about what he had told me. Hmm, I thought, the butler was cold, but it was still a great result to know how the man came to be granted a rank. That man was always writing and reading and doing things in his study. I wonder if it¡¯s all for the national finances. Someone who does that kind of work could easily outmaneuver even the great aristocratic Teiwind house. I shouldn¡¯t take him lightly. I need to observe him and get more data.


    Next up was Aunt Martha. I originally thought she was about the same age as Hugo, but I got in trouble for calling her Grandmother before. It took an ear-splitting lecture on the importance of calling her Auntie before I was let off the hook. Of all the people who worked for the Teiwind house, she was the most favourable to Viscount Bendyke, holding the important position of housekeeper, and thus one of the key cadres in consolidating his unjust dictatorship.


    ¡°Sir Kloff has always been a great Alpha. Even if he can be a little too shrewd and stubborn, but if an alpha is too good at sensing and has no personality, it¡¯s not quite attractive.¡±


    The small auxiliary kitchen she used now vibrated with the smell of savory sweets. Hungry now that it was almost lunchtime, I watched in a daze as Martha ced the freshly baked treats on a tray. Even though she was the henchman of a viin to be defeated, Martha¡¯s sweets were super delicious that I could eat them over and over again. I wiped the drool from the corner of my mouth and reached out behind Martha, who was just putting the tray away.


    <i>Smack.</i>


    ¡°It¡¯s still before the meal, these are for tea time after the meal. If you eat sweets beforehand, you will have less appetite and not be able to eat nutritious food, and then you won¡¯t be as tall. Do you want to be a petite child for the rest of your life?¡±


    No way. I n to be twice as tall as that guy. Then, I¡¯ll tease him about being a ¡®shortie who can¡¯t even reach my waist¡¯, thus it would be troublesome to not be tall. I shook my head and lowered my reddened hand, and Martha smiled pleasantly, as if she didn¡¯t just scold me.


    ¡°Instead, today¡¯s lunch is grilled salmon. You like it, right?¡±


    All of Martha¡¯s dishes were delicious, but the grilled salmon was the best. It was my mother¡¯s favourite too. Drool was pooling in my mouth again and I swallowed hard, making Marthaugh.


    ¡°Blood really doesn¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Grilled salmon is a traditional dish in your father¡¯s family, and I learned how to make it from scratch. It¡¯s probably not authentic, but the fact that you like it so much means it¡¯s in your blood, right?¡±


    I had no idea. That orange, ky fish hade from the man¡¯s den? A ce somewhere in the north of the country, a ce I¡¯d visited once as a child, and I¡¯d eaten it every day without question. I should have thought it strange. On the subject of fish, it was red and it was so delicious. There must be some kind of magic in it. That¡¯s why my mother also ate it when he was pregnant and was possessed by it¡­¡­. No, I¡¯m overthinking it. No matter what, salmon is just salmon. It¡¯s delicious, so let¡¯s give it a pass.


    As I was muttering, I added ¡®Samon is an exepsion¡¯ in my notebook.


    ¡°What are you writing about this time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not writing! This is a report. Writing is for kids like Eurea!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re only a year older than her, and besides, salmon, you¡¯re spelling it wrong. Salmon. It¡¯s spelled like this. And not exepsion, but exception.¡±


    Martha pointed a finger at the notebook and told me to fix it.


    ¡°I-I know!¡±


    ¡°Ho-ho-ho-ho, of course you do. I¡¯m sure Eurea knew how to spell salmon, too.¡±


    Martha cowardlypared me to that girl again. I was furious, but she didn¡¯t apologise for disrespecting my intelligence until the very end, instead trying to win my goodwill with smoked almonds. I took the almonds, of course, but I don¡¯t approve of it. I left Martha¡¯s kitchen, stuffing almonds into my bulging vest pockets one by one, and on my way back to my room I met another of my nemeses.


    Eurea Elheim Bendyke-Teiwind.


    Unlike me, who had abandoned my middle name, she proudly wore her long surname, Bendyke-Teiwind. Unaware of what the man she believed to be her father was doing to Mother, Eurea still pampered him by calling him ¡®Daddy¡¯. It made me feel horrid. I, the warrior who knew his true nature and wanted to destroy him, had the same dark auburn hair and dark eyes as him, but Eurea, his other henchwoman, had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Mother. I found it bitterly unfair.


    ¡°Oppa, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing something weird by yourself again, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, weird! It¡¯s all for research!¡±


    ¡°Phew. You can¡¯t even spell simple words right. It¡¯s not disrespekful, it¡¯s disrespectful, you dummy. Bleh!¡±


    With a cheeky taunt, even sticking out her tiny tongue, Eurea quickly took off running, her light blue dress fluttering. My two hands were trembling out of rage as I watched the long, swaying blonde disappear into the distance.


    If she wasn¡¯t an Omega, I¡¯d chase her down and give her a smack. If only she were at least a male Omega.


    I went back to my room, to let off my rising anger. I put an X mark on ¡®disrespekful¡¯ and changed it to ¡®disrespecfull¡¯.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.4 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.4 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    The Count¡¯s daily life revolves mostly in a regr routine.


    On weekdays, that man went to work at the government office, usually returning before dinner, but a couple of times a week he would return in the afternoon. When he returned, the first thing he would do was to check on Mother and my youngest sibling to make sure they were okay, then he would turn to me and Eurea and give greetings.


    ¡°Did everything go well today?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dad! I missed you.¡±


    Eurea hugged him, as if she¡¯d been depressed all day without him, when she¡¯d been ying enthusiastically with her dolls without saying a word just moments before. With an abominable smile on her face.


    Foolish as he was, he fell for the witch¡¯s lies and swept her up in a hug, kissing her on both cheeks. Then he opened one hand and held it out to me.


    In the past, I would have run to him without dy and demanded his trust and affection, but not now. Nevertheless, I approached him without rejection and hugged him once, but only to hide my feelings. I clung to his legs as arge hand stroked my hair and then patted my back.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a good job of keeping the family together in my absence.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m an Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, my son.¡±


    Well, even without you, I¡¯m already a 7 year-old alpha male, so I can take care of my mother and siblings. It¡¯s true that I¡¯ve even spread marmde on Eurea¡¯s bread at lunchtime for my mother and Martha are still busy with baby Jester. Give me more pats in the head and morepliments.


    ¡°I hear you¡¯ve been doing some new researchtely.¡±


    At that, I red at Eurea, who smiled as she removed her mouth from that man¡¯s ear while being held in strong arms. Such a light-mouthed minion. There was no way in hell I was going to spill the beans, so I replied with an amused grin that was second to none for the blonde-haired wicked witch.


    ¡°It¡¯s my own secret research.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to tell your father about it this time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡±


    He looked disappointed, but I insisted on keeping it a secret to the end. Of course, I will let you know one day, and by then you will be on your knees before me, apologising, and begging my forgiveness with tears for tormenting the Teiwind Count, and then I will punish you. What punishment should I give him? I have not yet thought of it. I will have to write an entry about it in my journal tonight.


    ¡°Dada.¡±


    Getting his turn now, Jester held out his short arm. My brother, who is still more of an animal that eats, sleeps, and excretes, rather than a human being, looks exactly like the illegal tyrant. Which means that he also looks like me.


    Even though I had dark hair and brown eyes, my nose, the shape of my face, and the size of my mouth were simr to my mother¡¯s. The butler, Martha, and even that man and my mother acknowledged that.


    But not Jester. He was a clone of Viscount Bendyke in every way, except for his blue eyes. Even as a baby, I could already see the resemnce to him. With the traitorous Eurea already born, I had hoped for a loving Omega sibling who would be like Mother, and as cute as he was, it was hard to hide my disappointment.


    Ah. I¡¯m sad. Why is it that the Count¡¯s blood runs in the wrong direction? I¡¯d rather have a pretty, cute Omega with blonde hair and blue eyes like Rapiel of Viscount Derbyshire, as my younger sibling.


    After dropping Eurea off and picking up Jester, that man walked over to Mother, who was standing there with a smile on his face, pulled him into a hug with his other hand and kissed him lightly on the head. Mother had always looked elegant, but he turned into a shy omega when he stood next to that man. He smiled silently, leaned his face against the broad shoulder, and whispered something to him in a low voice. He, too, whispered something softly to Mother, and kissed his forehead again.


    Feeling a lump in our throats and finding it hard to keep our hands and feet still, Eurea and I exchanged nces and quickly moved away. I didn¡¯t get far, of course, because I had to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn¡¯t harass and make Mother cry, so I waited in the next room. Only Jester remained, still unable to walk on his own. Poor Jester.


    Why was it that standing next to that man made Mother look so weak? Of course, he was graceful and strong. But he was a refined and delicate aristocrat, like a fairy of the forest,pared to that man who would be wielding an axe and carrying an unsophisticated bat, like the embodiment of an enormous Elk. Their height didn¡¯t seem to have that much of a difference, so why did they look so different¡­ Was it simply a difference in body size, or a difference in aura?


    ¡°Oh ho ho. You¡¯ll find out why the Count looks so small and delicate, and why the Viscount looks so big and strong, when you grow up and do this thing called dating. Alphas want to look strong in front of their omegas, and Omegas want to look adorable in front of their alphas. With how things are, they don¡¯t usually get to do what they want as an alpha or an omega, so when they¡¯re alone, they try to do their best to be aware of the other person.¡±


    There was some time left after dinner, so I sat in the living room, writing in my journal the questions that had just arisen in my head. And Martha appeared, giggling. I felt strangely embarrassed, my face burning.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look! It¡¯s a secret research!¡±


    Martha, who had brought me warm milk in response to my anger, handed it to me and gave me a wry wink.


    ¡°If you start fancying an omegater, please let me know. Don¡¯t be like the Viscount and sulk around because you can¡¯t tell if the other person is an Alpha or Omega.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    I asked her as I quickly closed my journal and carefully picked up the milk with both hands and drank half of it before offering it to Eurea, who was drawing and ying on the side.


    ¡°There was a time when they were just starting out. Your father, Sir Kloff, was in despair by himself, not realizing that your mother was an Omega. Being the clueless fool that he is, he fell head over heels for him, not knowing what to do because he thought your mother was an Alpha. Later on, he went half-crazy and caught him alive.¡±


    I was stunned by that statement.


    ¡°He¡­¡­ caught my mother alive? How? How is that so?¡±


    I asked urgently, this was very important. If Martha could give a statement, my research could bepleted in one fell swoop. To secure a witness, I rushed over and grabbed her by the hem of her skirt.


    ¡°Oh, my. That is too early for you to know, but you¡¯ll learn when you be a real alpha, ho-ho-ho-ho. Have your milk and put your ss on the tray here.¡±


    Cunningly, Martha held out the empty tray to me, and as soon as I reflexively grabbed it, she scurried away.


    ¡°Martha!¡±


    ¡°I can hear Young Master Jester crying, and I need to change his nappy.¡±


    Not hearing me call after her, she quickly disappeared into Mother¡¯s room. Sneaky old witch.


    To think that what I saw wasn¡¯t that man¡¯s first time doing it. He must have bothered Mother even before that. Perhaps even before I was born. Seven years, seven years of such horrors, what an evil demon.


    But now that I knew this truth, I could tolerate it no longer. This circle of evil must be broken by me, Lenoc Ellim Teiwind, in the name of my ancestors. Therefore, I boldly decided to rebel from this day forward. I decided to take mental revenge on this crude and unscrupulous man by retorting his every word.


    Before going to bed, I would lie in bed with him and listen to him read to me, asking everything, part by part.


    ¡°Why did the golden lion cry here?¡±


    ¡°I think he was sad because he lost his friend.¡±


    ¡°Why would he be sad to lose a friend?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Maybe because he won¡¯t be able to see his friend anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why won¡¯t they see each other?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because¡­¡­. When you lose a friend, it means you won¡¯t be able to see them anymore. And it¡¯s very sad not to see someone you want to see.¡±


    The demon¡¯s expression seemed a little darker than usual as he said that. My heart sank, and I wondered if my intentions had been discovered. After a moment of silence, he smiled kindly and began to read the next sentence. But I didn¡¯t hear that at all and blurted out another question.


    ¡°Father, did you have someone that you lost and feel sad about?¡±


    NOTE: Rapiel has a younger sibling and that sibling married into Derbyshire family, then their child was named Rapiel.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.5 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.5 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    He was just reading a children¡¯s book in a cheerful voice, but then he shut up and looked down at me lying next to him. He didn¡¯t have his usual arrogant expression on his face, but he looked a little wistful, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel my heart sink. Is this the wrong question to ask, is this going to make me lose the demon¡¯s favour, is he going to hate me?


    ¡°¡­¡­No, I don¡¯t have any.¡±


    Soon enough, he smiled. My sadness quickly faded, but my surprise did not. He surprised me! At least tell me the reason!


    ¡°But how do you know you¡¯ll be sad?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. I don¡¯t know if I read it somewhere or heard it, but I know of an Alpha who lost a loved one through his own fault and spent long days in nothing but pain and regret, and I think I can understand a little of what he was feeling.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s terrible, losing someone you love through your own fault.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is a terrible thing.¡±


    His usually confident expression turned sad again.


    I soon regretted asking the question. His stony expression never fully rxed, and his reading voice grew weaker and weaker, pausing too long onmas. Waiting for the next sentence, I looked up and called out, ¡°Father?¡± He smiled apologetically and closed the book.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop at this today. I¡¯ll read you more next time.¡±


    Usually, I would have cried no, but I decided to hold it in today. Even demons have the right to be sad sometimes. He needed someone to be with him when he was sad, and it was clear that someone was Mother. Normally, I would never have forgiven him, but I decided to let him off the hook for today. If he went to do something terrible to Mother, I would have proof. The guilt of taking advantage of his grief lingered, but the responsibility of protecting the Count far outweighed it. Forgive me, demon. I will be cruel today.


    In the bed next to mine, Eurea had already fallen asleep after listening to the story in the thin picture book before me. ¡°Good night,¡± he said, pulling Eurea¡¯s quilt back over her, then lifted thentern and opened the door.


    ¡°By the way, don¡¯t wander around today and go to bed early. We¡¯ll be having an outing together tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Something fishy was bothering me, so I deliberately feigned sleep and waited for the hours to pass. I decided to keep my eyes closed until the wee hours of the night, firm in my belief that I would get some proof today.


    ¡°Oppa, wake up! We¡¯re going on a pic today, and if you don¡¯t wake up now, we¡¯ll leave you!¡±


    I rose up while writhing as the witch leaped onto my bed. My stomach that was stepped on was hurting so badly that tears were pooling in my eyes.


    ¡°Hey! Eurea Elheim,e here!¡±


    Angrily, I immediately jumped out of bed and went to catch the witch. Dressed in her long pajama dress, she ran to her mother¡¯s room, ¡°Daddy! Mommy! Oppa is bullying me!¡± she cried.


    Oh, right. Mother!


    I had to catch Eurea, and I also had to know if my mother was safe through the night since I had unfortunately fallen asleep. We both burst into Mother¡¯s room almost simultaneously, and as I ran frantically to the bed, that man looked up, put a long finger to his mouth, and said, ¡°Shhh.¡±


    My mother was still in his arms, not yet awake. He was unharmed except for his closed eyes being slightly red, but there was something strange. Neither of them were wearing nightwear, and their bare shoulders were exposed. Of course, I couldn¡¯t see everything, as they were only bare above the shoulders and covered by sheets below, but I could tell from their pajamas lying by the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but will you bothe back in a moment? It¡¯s still early and your mother is sleeping.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Daddy. I¡¯m sorry for barging in so suddenly. Let¡¯s go, Oppa.¡±


    Eurea grabbed my stiff wrist and hauled me out the door. ncing back several times, that man pulled my mother close and stroked his sheet-wrapped back. It seemed like he was whispering something, but the way he looked at Mother was softer than ever.


    Pics were always something to look forward to. We used to have them often, but rarely since Mother was pregnant with Jester. There were times when Eurea and I would y at the Wolke house, but this would be the first time my mother and biological father would go with us.


    ¡°Is Siouxing?¡±


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯sing. Ss and As will be there too.¡±


    That¡¯s what my mother said to Eurea, who was excitedy eating breakfast. At those words, Eurea and I let out a heavy sigh at the same time.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    That man asked, looking up from the mashed potatoes he had just fed into Jester¡¯s mouth with milk. Before I could open my mouth, Eurea spoke up.


    ¡°Those twins are too mischievous.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because they like you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t. I¡¯d rather go to Rapiel¡¯s house.¡±


    At Eurea¡¯s words, my mother¡¯splexion changed slightly as he sipped his tea in silence. I poked Eurea on the side, and then she made eye contact with Mother, putting on a happy face.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s okay because Sioux ising! Sioux oppa is nice and cute. Unlike my oppa, so it¡¯s good! I¡¯m looking forward to it. Right, Oppa?¡±


    She was being so obvious about it and I wanted to ask what she meant by Sioux not looking like her own oppa, but for my mother¡¯s sake, I put on my best-excited face.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d like to meet Sioux, too. The twins are so busy and annoying, but they¡¯re cute. Their eyes look like they¡¯re going to pop out. I can¡¯t wait to meet them.¡±


    The two of us giggled and quickly spread jam and butter on the toasted bread. I handed it over to Eurea, who quickly popped it into her mouth and chewed, saying in a very loud voice, ¡°Thanks, Oppa! You¡¯re the best!¡±


    ¡°Do you want to see Rapiel?¡±


    Mother asked in a soft voice, and we both shook our heads in anxiety.


    ¡°Not at all. I want to see Sioux, Sy and Aty way more. I don¡¯t even remember Ray¡¯s face anymore. Right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Father, you don¡¯t remember Ray either, do you?¡±


    I quickly pulled him into the conversation. I was desperate for help now. But cowardly, he said, ¡°Well, I¡¯m¡­¡­.¡± and looked at my mother and said, ¡°Maybe we can all meet together next time? We didn¡¯t make ns early this time, so it couldn¡¯t be helped.¡±


    Aargh, you insensitive fellow, and yet you are my mother¡¯s husband. My mother would get depressed all day long whenever he met Rapiel! Though I have no idea why.


    You wouldn¡¯t know because the day after ourst meeting you didn¡¯t return home for two days, two whole days, on the pretext of a business trip, and when you finally came back, my mother had greeted you with such enthusiasm! Eurea and I stared at each other like goldfish in a fishbowl and gaped at each other. Even Grandpa Hugo and Grandma Martha were too! And he wanted us to see him again!


    ¡®You, how will you take responsibility?¡¯


    I red fiercely at the culprit. ¡®I¡¯ll take care of it,¡¯ Eurea replied, realizing the error of her ways.


    I really don¡¯t understand how this incarnation of Elk from the cold northern cedar forest managed to earn a title. He couldn¡¯t read the mood at all, but ratherughed, as if to mock Mother a little.


    ¡°You¡¯ve always had a soft spot for Rapiel. Both Big Rapiel and little Rapiel.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re pretty and cute.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s all they are.¡±


    Elkughed, the corners of his mouth lifting, and Mother narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Hmph, you¡¯re talking about yourself.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you were the one who made ns for today.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you keep asking us all to have a pic together. I would have loved it too if it were just with our family.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s just our family, the two of us won¡¯t have even the slightest time to be alone. Their family must have wanted this too for the same reason. Nothing else.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re just making an excuse.¡±


    ¡°It seems like you haven¡¯t had enough confirmation from yesterday. I¡¯ll see youter alone, then.¡±


    That man stared at Mother, and he blushed a little. Giving him a small p, Mother said, ¡°Don¡¯t say that in front of the kids. You¡¯re such a jerk.¡±


    What? Confirmation from yesterday? Something must have happened for my mother to call him a jerk. Stupid me, why did I fall asleep? Moreover, I shuddered at the thought of this vicious man trying to harass my mother even when we were all on a pic together. I will definitely not leave my mother¡¯s side today.


    I eagerly devoured the bread, juice, and eggs offered to me. When I had finished the milk, I red with all my might at the demon, who took his doppelg?nger baby on his knee and fed him little by little with baby food.


    ¡°Lenoc, instead of ring at me and urging me to be faster, I think you¡¯d better go and get ready for the pic. Besides, Jester and Eurea haven¡¯t finished eating yet.¡±


    ¡°Oppa, go to Grandma Martha and ask her for my hat. I don¡¯t know where it is.¡±


    ¡°Lenoc, please get Jester¡¯s shoes, too.¡±


    I left the table in a huff, having unwittingly run my mother¡¯s errand too. As I walked briskly down the street in search of Martha, I had a sudden thought that something didn¡¯t feel right, and I regretted it btedly. Oh, no. I should have stayed with my mother!


    What a terrifying demon. To get rid of me like this.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.6 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.6 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    The pic spot was a cottage not far away. Of course, we don¡¯t y in the cottage, we really take a pic basket and a rug and go to a small forest nearby. Not long after arriving at the cottage with Martha, who helped Mother everywhere, another carriage pulled in. As soon as Eurea saw it from the window, she ran outside.


    ¡°Sioux!¡±


    ¡°Eurea.¡±


    The carriage door opened and Sioux jumped out. Even though he was obviously a boy, Sioux had ck hair down to his waist and wore two red bows to hold it in ce as it flowed freely. To top it all off, he wore a bright silver dress that came to his knees,ce socks, and the kind ofced shoes that girls wore. No matter how you looked at him, he looked like a girl. I know he¡¯s an Omega, but he really dressed like a girl!


    The first time I met him when we were small, I didn¡¯t know anything and thought he was a girl. As an alpha male, I was always running away out of people¡¯s eyes, especially Eurea, to y football and climb trees. I remember being annoyed when Sioux, who was an omega, a few months older than me, and a little taller, followed me around asking to y with me.


    I didn¡¯t mind ying inside the house with Sioux, but it would be troublesome if he fell and scratched himself while ying in the garden. To be more precise, I was worried about Sioux¡¯s father more than Sioux himself. I¡¯d rather y alone than get in trouble, so I tried to run away, but he kept following me with his skirt up to his knees.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a wee-wee, so stop following me!¡±


    I think that¡¯s what I yelled. The surprise cameter.


    In a fit of frustration, Sioux lifted up his skirt, pulled down his underwear, and said, ¡°I have one,¡± and showed it to me. Shocked, I dropped the ball in my hand. After he showed it to me, Sioux burst into tears and ran away without pulling up his underwear, and his father saw this happening.


    I shall not go into details, but that day I learned the identity of his father, Linus Wolke. And that in exchange for my life, I would have to be his underling for the rest of my life. And that I would never be able to defy Sioux ever again.


    Haaa, my life is a tiny boat in a storm.


    Eurea and Sioux had been on good terms and they were happy to see each other. They came over toward this side, hand in hand, but the booming voice that had called out to Eurea just a moment ago had disappeared, and he could barely look up.


    ¡°Oh, hi. Lenoc.¡±


    ¡°Hi, Sioux.¡±


    I greeted him as usual. Sioux was annoying, but it¡¯s not that I disliked him.


    Two more kids appeared behind Sioux. Two annoying kids, one blonde, one ck-haired. Ss and As. They were still looking like babies before, but it had been a while since I¡¯d seen them, and they seemed to have grown quite tall. They looked like most boys, and their personalities were unusually busy, but they were alright. It was just that unlike Sioux, who had blue eyes, it was a little creepy to have four glowing silver eyes pointing in this direction at the same time.


    ¡°Lenoc hyung!¡±


    ¡°Hyung!¡±


    They both shouted excitedly as they rushed towards me. I thought my ears were falling off. And my arms, which they both grabbed at the same time. But I held on. They were useful tools to defeat the witch Eurea. Besides, with the twins around, Sioux wouldn¡¯t bother me. These kids were Alphas, so a few scrapes and bruises wouldn¡¯t make the ¡®Lord¡¯ mad. It¡¯s a good thing for omegas to y with omegas, and alphas to y with alphas.


    ¡°Hey, Lenoc. I see you¡¯re having quite a hard time.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Uncle Rapiel.¡±


    ¡°You guys, don¡¯t bother Lenoc hyung too much. Listen well to him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mom.¡±


    After giving a warning to the twins, he soon went inside. Before, I called him ¡®Mister¡¯ and then Uncle Rapiel said, with tears in his eyes, ¡°Am I that old?¡± After that, I chose an age-independent title and called him uncle. I had called him Marquise, but he said he didn¡¯t like it because it felt distant. I wondered why adults are so sensitive to how they are called. This was something I¡¯d have to research someday.


    After a while, he appeared. Marquis Linus Wolke, the man who had given me the twins¡¯ brilliant silver eyes, my other opponent, and sometimes, arade who could hold my hand.


    ¡°I see you¡¯re alive and well, you must haven¡¯t done anything stupid.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern. Marquis Linus Wolfrake.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t concerned.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it when I thanked you, so don¡¯t make such a serious face.¡±


    ¡°What a hateful guy.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Oh, I meant it this time.¡±


    I red at him, undeterred. It happened that all my enemies were so tall that it hurt my neck to look up. He looked down at me with his truly eerie silver eyes, qualitatively different from the twins¡¯, and then held out his hand, which I dly epted for a handshake.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any special orders for you today, so I¡¯ll spare your life as long as you don¡¯ty a hand on Sioux.¡±


    ¡°In my case, I hope for you to be responsible for making sure Sioux doesn¡¯t get on me, Lord. I don¡¯t want to have to be responsible for Omega already at my age.¡±


    His grip on my hand tightened. It hurt, but I smiled through it.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing bad in my son, you damn kid.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s so pretty and cute, why aren¡¯t you interested?¡±


    ¡°Because I like blondes, and I also don¡¯t like boys wearing skirts.¡±


    ¡°You little redhead. Real beauties have ck hair. ck hair is the best. Besides, he looks cuter in a skirt.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that without seeing yourself? Don¡¯t put your son in skirts or ribbons on him because he¡¯s cute! Besides, Lord, you married a blonde.¡±


    As the two of us were having a spirited fight, Uncle Rapiel and Mother came out from the other side and called out to us.


    ¡°What are you two doing there? Really, this is interesting. You two are getting on quite well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because Lenoc has a bit of silliness in him.¡±


    I scowled and withdrew my hand, and Lord immediately brushed it off too, gave me a sour look, and stalked away.


    Once inside the house, the Lord and that man exchanged a polite handshake, then Lord took off his jacket and together we began to move Martha¡¯s pic set. Martha only followed us to the cottage. She had packed his lunch and other supplies and liked to spend the rest of the day rxing in the house. The pic grounds were not far from the cottage. It was a beautiful day and everyone was getting stuffy about taking the carriage, so we decided to walk.


    Jester was carried by his mother or Uncle Rapiel, and the two adult alphas walked, each carrying a heavy pic basket. I was in charge of the rug. Eurea and Sioux, the oldest by birthday, only had to walk because they were Omegas. No matter how much of a distinguished Alpha I was, I couldn¡¯t handle two rugs just yet, so I handed one over to the twins. They were almost half dragging it.


    ¡°Wow, this ce has always been nice.¡±


    Uncle Rapiel had just handed Jester to Mother and looked around at thendscape. This was the site of an old castle, long since fallen. Now covered in green grass, it was gently rolling hills that were a bit strenuous to climb, but from the highest point, you could see our cottage in the distance, as well as other brick buildings, woods, and paths. I loved climbing up here too. It felt as if I was taller. When I spread my arms and closed my eyes in the cool breeze, it made me feel like I was flying.


    ¡°Lenoc, what are you doing up there? Please get the rug.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±


    I was just developing my sensitivity and yet, he interrupted me again. But I made nothing of it, smiling and grabbing the rug.


    I quickly unrolled it and opened the pic basket. Martha was so skillful that we all took out all the items from the basket.


    ¡°So that¡¯s why it¡¯s heavy.¡±


    ¡°This is heavy?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Hoho, the Demon made the first punch today. I don¡¯t know how he is in other things, but I do know about his stamina. He could work all day on little sleep and never get sick, and still have the strength to torture Mother at night. Byparison, the Lord looked a little shabby. That¡¯s not to say he¡¯s weak. It¡¯s just that an elk and a wolf are different in physiques.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.7 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.7 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    It took quite some time for us to walk and our hunger came. I didn¡¯t know how it was at home, but at a pic, it was all him and the Lord who were in charge. They began to set up on the rug, pulling out tes and cups and other food and drink.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Sandwiches. Don¡¯t bother unwrapping them. It would be better for everyone to take one and eat by themselves.¡±


    ¡°And the wine opener?¡±


    ¡°Inside there. Why don¡¯t you go find a fork and knife first?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t order me around, civil servant.¡±


    ¡°Then be more useful, unemployed.¡±


    Leaving the fight between the elk and the wolf behind, Mother and Uncle Rapiel took Jester for a walk, while Eurea dragged Sioux, who kept trying toe towards me, saying she saw a rabbit over there. I went down the other side of the hill to sightsee, and the twins, who had just followed me, heard Eurea¡¯s voice and ran off in that direction.


    Thank you, Eurea, and may you rest in peace.


    ¡°Eek! Don¡¯t kill the rabbit!¡±


    ¡°Mom, I caught a rabbit!¡±


    The blonde Ss rose up, holding a bundle of fur. That rabbit must have already given up on life for some reason to be caught by those guys. I wondered what kind of life it had lived to make him feel that way, so I hurried over to him.


    Ss wanted to hold the rabbit by himself, and next to him was As, who wanted to hold it too. Behind him, Eurea was getting angry at him for letting it go, and Sioux was looking like he was going to cry. I was also a little curious about the stupid rabbit that Ss had caught, so I took a closer look.


    During the whole incident, Sioux kept saying, ¡°Let go of the rabbit. It has a family waiting for it.¡± and sobbed. But the twins, the offspring of rampaging carnivores, were not listening at all. They squeezed their captive, pulling at its ears, hands, and feet. The rabbit even squeaked.


    ¡°Hyung, I got a rabbit.¡±


    Ss held it out proudly. I sighed as I looked at Eurea, who was yelling, ¡°Let it go!¡± and Sioux, who was now really starting to cry. If Sioux cries here, it¡¯ll be annoying. I sighed heavily and said.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a rabbit.¡±


    ¡°Huh? It¡¯s not a rabbit?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a mouse.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°A rat. Rats are so big here because thend is so big.¡±


    ¡°Ew! No!¡±


    The blonde alpha kid held the rabbit out to his dark-haired twin brother, who was backing away in disgust despite having insisted on holding it himself just moments earlier. Ss panicked and eventually held it out to me. Then he said, ¡°Ew, I hate rats! They¡¯re gross!¡± and they both ran off in another direction. I picked up the rabbit, walked a few steps away, and tossed it in the grass. Startled, the rabbit scurried away.


    ¡°Is that really a rat?¡±


    Eurea asked btedly, and I was about to lie and say that it was, but then I saw Sioux and changed my mind. It would be really troublesome if he fainted.


    ¡°I lied. It is a rabbit.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m d.¡±


    Sioux wiped his tears with the back of his hand and smiled. Even as an Omega, he was weaker and more tearful than Eurea, who was one year younger. He was honestly cute, he had ck hair, but his eyes, nose, and mouth were a direct copy of Uncle Rapiel¡¯s. However, Eurea was also cute. Honestly, Sioux was not dislikeable, he was just troublesome for me.


    ¡°Lenoc, bring Eurea, Sioux, and the twins.¡±


    I heard my mother calling from a distance. Already hungry, I quickly headed in that direction. Eurea held Sioux¡¯s hand as we walked, and after a few steps, Sioux, who was close by, grabbed my hand. I turned around and saw Sioux smiling shyly, his cheeks as red as the ribbon in his hair.


    ¡°Sioux, just what part of my brother do you like?¡±


    ¡°H-He¡¯s cool.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, what¡¯s cool about that nerd?¡±


    I felt hateful towards my sister who said that, but I didn¡¯t pretend to hear it. But Sioux didn¡¯t think so and said in a low voice, ¡°Lenoc isn¡¯t a nerd. He¡¯s smart and nice.¡±


    ¡°Which part of him?¡±


    ¡°Which part of me?¡±


    Sioux hesitated, unable to answer to us, siblings¡¯ simultaneous questions.


    ¡°I¡¯m smart, yes, but I¡¯m not nice. I did what I had to do under duress or by contract.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already a lie from the part where he¡¯s smart. Martha told me you wrote ¡®samon¡¯ for salmon.¡±


    I knew that they were in cahoots, to think that she told Eurea again. Unforgivable, Martha. I¡¯ll tell Hugo all about it when I get home. Still, Sioux shook his head the whole time. And then he looked at me with a twinkle in his really blue eyes. I honestly think he has beautiful eyes. They were as blue as Eurea¡¯s, no, as my mother¡¯s. Uncle Rapiel and my mother were said to be distantly rted, so that wasn¡¯t strange.


    As we were reaching our parents, I tried to shake off Sioux¡¯s hand, but it was too firmly attached to mine to pull away. The twins who had taken their seats before the three of us arrived here didn¡¯t pay any attention to us, but when the eyes of the other four adults were drawn to us, I honestly felt a sense of crisis.


    ¡°Oh my, Sioux. You¡¯ve seeded today.¡±


    Uncle Rapiel smiled in amusement. The Lord, seated next to him, red at me with his gleaming silver eyes as if to kill me, but the corners of his mouth quirked up. It was clear that he didn¡¯t like the idea of me getting close to Sioux. Still, he seemed pleased that Sioux had been recognised by me. I hated that so much that I wanted to shove Sioux¡¯s hand away, but I couldn¡¯t turn the Lord into a full-blown enemy when I already had my biggest enemy, so I just smiled politely.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise Lenoc had be close with Sioux.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because our Sioux is beautiful.¡±


    That man scoffed at the Lord¡¯sment. It¡¯s moments like this that I¡¯m grateful to have my gene donor speak for me.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been working on some kind of secret researchtely. I hope it¡¯s not research for dating, like what to write in a letter to Sioux. It¡¯s a little early for that.¡±


    You damned demon, you make me want to rip all your genes out of my body! As soon as the words left his mouth, Sioux¡¯s little mouth dropped open and his eyes sparkled as he looked back at me.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not! I¡¯m definitely not writing about a crybaby like you! It¡¯s a study on the condition of the vicious elk.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡±


    At my outburst, Sioux quickly lowered his head and sobbed. At that moment, everyone¡¯s eyes were on me. Even my mother, who was holding Jester, looked at me as if he didn¡¯t like what I did. The other two adults aside, I could tell by the way the Lord¡¯s eyes firing up and his mouth set that he was going to have to nail me to the coffin lid sooner orter. Damn it. One mistake and my life is over, without being able to even save my mother.


    ¡°Lenoc, that was such a rude thing to say. Apologize to Sioux.¡±


    My mother¡¯s cold words shocked me and I turned to look at Sioux. He was already crying, and the mood from everyone around us waspletely cold, with Eurea saying, ¡°You¡¯re really mean,¡± and treating me like I was a devil. All the while, Sioux didn¡¯t let go of my hand.


    ¡°Lenoc has a personal life too, it¡¯s just a misunderstanding. Maybe he¡¯ll write a card for Sioux¡¯s uing birthday instead, right?¡±


    Uncle Rapiel stepped in and saved the day by trading me for a card. I nodded quickly, since I could easily write a card.


    ¡°See, Sioux. Lenoc will write you a card.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Promise then.¡±


    I¡¯m a man of my word, so Iced my hand with Sioux¡¯s outstretched pinky. ¡°That¡¯s my son,¡± said the man who had caused all this, with an inexplicable pride. The corner of the Lord¡¯s mouth twitched.


    There were three kinds of sandwiches, grilled chicken, sds and fruit, and a huge assortment of sweets and pies. Martha wrapped everything up as best she could. After eating my fill and drinking some sweet and sour juice, I felt full and a little sleepy.


    The crockery was cleared away and the adults, who were drinking tea, quickly paired up and dispersed. I somehow ended up holding Jester and staying put. Eurea was being chased by the twins, screaming and running everywhere. I seriously considered trading Jester for the twins, but decided against it. I don¡¯t really like noise.


    Sioux, who had been by my side ever since I ate my lunch, was still sitting next to me. I couldn¡¯t help but notice that he was looking at me like he really liked me. I sat Jester on myp and held his hand, then asked him.


    ¡°If you¡¯re a boy, why are you wearing a skirt?¡±


    ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t think it¡¯s pretty?¡±


    ¡°More like weird.¡±


    At that, Sioux suddenly became upset again. I quickly looked around to see if the Lord was nearby. He was over there with Uncle Rapiel. Our distance was safe enough.


    ¡°You said it was pretty before.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were a girl then.¡±


    Sioux¡¯s face twisted slightly.


    ¡°Not long ago, even when we were looking at picture books together, you said you liked Omegas in a skirt.¡±


    ¡°Not long ago? Ah, the one we read together some time ago. That¡¯s because it was a female Omega. Besides, the main character was a princess, but you¡¯re not.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡­ but¡­¡­ grandpa, grandma and dad said it was cute.¡±


    Sioux gripped his skirt, not knowing what to do.


    ¡°Those people would still say you¡¯re cute even if you were covered in ck charcoal.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like me wearing a skirt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not really that I hate it. But it¡¯s not that I like it either. It¡¯s just weird.¡±


    Her face lit up when she said no, but it quickly turned sour. Sioux was silent for a long time as he crinkled the hem of his skirt.


    ¡°Would you like it better if I wore pants instead of a skirt?¡±


    Rather than I would like it more, I would dislike it less, but I didn¡¯t think it was necessary to say that outright. It would be troublesome if he cried.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Sioux gave a smallugh at that.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.8 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.8 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    Quite some time had passed, and I was getting sleepy, so I gently ced Jester, who was already struggling to hold his head up, back in the baby carrier andy down next to him. Siouxy on the other side of the bass and looked over here.


    I wonder why Sioux likes me? Of course, I am a great Alpha, handsome, intelligent, high-ranking, and with good manners, but I have never been able to be swayed by love. I would only be willing to sacrifice small things for the greater good. Besides, even if Sioux was cute, there was nothing about him that made the world lose its colours and recede backwards making one stand out in total natural colour, like what Mother said. Sadly, Sioux is not the one for me. Maybe one day he¡¯ll realise that, but for now I¡¯ve decided to bury those thoughts. As I was very sleepy.


    ¡°All three of them are sleeping.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    I could hear my mother¡¯s and that man¡¯s voice in my ear. They sat not far away. I wanted to open my eyes, but I couldn¡¯t. I tried to stay awake, even in my vague consciousness, for fear of what that man would do to my mother.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t realise Sioux liked Lenoc.¡±


    ¡°Rapiel said Sioux grew to like him when they spent the summer togetherst year.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine as long as he keeps his mouth shut, but I don¡¯t think he¡¯s old enough for an Omega.¡±


    ¡°Lenoc is popr, even Derbyshire¡¯s Rapiel likes him.¡±


    ¡°Really? That kid is only four years old. Kids are fast these days.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s honestly not surprising, he¡¯s the heir to Teiwind. I had a lot of Omegas growing up, too.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    That man chuckled. Then there were some wet sticky noises. I heard my mother¡¯s little snort.


    ¡°Speaking of omegas, do you remember that female Omega, with the green dress, red lipstick, and veryrge breasts?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Who is she that you¡¯re emphasizing the size of another Omega¡¯s breasts in front of your spouse?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about myself, she was the omega you brought to the dinner party.¡±


    ¡°Me? I don¡¯t remember such a person.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t evade it. You have a good memory. What is your rtionship with her?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a littlete to bring her up now?¡±


    ¡°My mate¡¯s past is always a problem, there¡¯s no statute of limitations until we break up.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if we break up?¡±


    ¡°Sure. But we¡¯re not breaking up until we¡¯re dead, so don¡¯t change the subject.¡±


    With that, the rug was pushed back a little. My mother¡¯s voice came from somewhere lower, a stifledugh that sounded like it was crushed under something heavy.


    ¡°Who knows. What rtionship did I have with her? I¡¯ll say this again, I was popr. I¡¯m a handsome, wealthy aristocrat.¡±


    ¡°So you don¡¯t suppose there was some sort of thing that happened which will make me go looking for her?¡±


    ¡°You always say that when I tease you a little. You¡¯re just not confident in yourself, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, I guess you hadn¡¯t cried enough yesterday. Even if you cried like you were going to die.¡±


    ¡°Can you please try to impress me with something other than your body?¡±


    ¡°No way. I use my brain all the time, so I don¡¯t want to use my brain too when I¡¯m with my mate.¡±


    ¡°At least make an effort. Or you¡¯ll regret itter.¡±


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡±


    ¡°If you think so, I¡¯ll be grate¡­¡­.¡±


    Mother¡¯s voice trailed off. It was followed by a low chuckle and the sound of something snapping. Mother, who sounded verbally angry, thenughed softly and said, ¡°It¡¯s ticklish.¡±


    ¡°Someone ising toward here, so stop. We can continueter tonight.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no night for you. I¡¯m an alpha traumatised by my beloved mate¡¯s past and I¡¯m mad now, so I¡¯m sleeping in my room.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s a holiday tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a holiday, so I¡¯m going to stay up all night studying the different ways to impress you, as you said.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really just going to sleep?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve been tiredtely.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never said that before.¡±


    ¡°Well, everything has a beginning.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s alright if we don¡¯t do anything, juste to my room. I have my mate with me, so I don¡¯t want to sleep alone.¡±


    ¡°I said I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m mad now.¡±


    Mother¡¯s voice wavered a little at his words.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°Eurea ising here. Eurea!¡±


    No matter what Mother said, he continued to say the same thing. The voice calling out for Eurea grew more distant as he moved to find his henchman.


    ¡°Bastard. A very, very mean guy. I can¡¯t even remember that woman¡¯s name anymore.¡±


    His voice trembled slightly as he swore. I felt very sorry for Mother, but I was pleased that he was getting closer to the truth. Yes, Mother, Kloff Bendyke is a very, very bad man. Iughed in my sleep.


    I woke up in aplete heap and opened my eyes to find Sioux, already awake, somehow lying closely right next to me, smiling happily. Startled, I sat up.


    ¡°Are you awake now? We should probably get back now, can you help me clean up?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I started rolling up the rug while Father sorted out the bowls and put them in the basket, and Sioux joined us. Awkwardly, I nced over to the Lord, who was tidying up over there.


    ¨C<i>You slept with him, now take responsibility. Or I¡¯ll throw you a burial in secret.</i>


    I could definitely read the shape of his mouth as he spoke slowly, one word after another. The word ¡®burial¡¯ sent a shiver down my spine. I had been kidnapped by the Lord once before and taken to a cabbage patch at night. I remembered being horrified to see the necks of those who had been buried alive among the cabbages sticking up above the ground.


    I can still hear the Lord¡¯s eerie voice whispering, ¡®You have a small head, so I¡¯ll nt you in the turnip patch.¡¯ Aack. Is this really the end now, will my fate end up in a turnip field. Aaaaaaaargh.


    ¡°Lenoc, let¡¯s get the rug folded.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father, I¡¯m folding it.¡±


    I smiled and eagerly folded the rug.


    On the way home, Eurea was tired and fell asleep. Father carried Eurea and Mother carried Jester, so the empty, light basket was carried by Uncle Rapiel. The rug and other basket was carried by the Lord instead, and I had to walk to the cottage holding Sioux¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we spend the night here?¡±


    Sioux grabbed the Lord as he turned to go. I looked at the Lord desperately. If we spend the night here, Sioux might actually crawl into my bed, and I don¡¯t want to make that happen, so please, Lord.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t prepare enough to spend the night, and tomorrow your maternal grandfather ising. We have to go back immediately.¡±


    ¡°Hiiing.¡±


    Sioux clung to the Lord¡¯s legs and began to squeeze him. At that, the Lord¡¯s body stiffened and his expression grew serious.


    ¡°Daddy, hick. Sioux wants to sleep here tonight.¡±


    Looking at Sioux, whose shoulders were shaking a little, the Lord was speechless, and that¡¯s when Uncle Rapiel stepped in and lightly pped Sioux¡¯s forehead with his hand.


    ¡°Stop that trick. No is a no. We have to go back today.¡±


    He spoke firmly, and Sioux nodded, his shoulders drooping.


    ¡°Yes, Mom.¡±


    ¡°I almost fell for it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too weak to Sioux.¡±


    A light scolding from Uncle Rapiel left the Lord speechless.


    After my parents finished putting Jester and Eurea to bed, I followed them to see the Marquis Wolke off. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Sioux swooped down on me as I stood in the doorway waiting for the carriage to arrive. He then nted his lips firmly on my startled lips. Huuuuh!


    ¡°You muste for my birthday. It¡¯s a promise.¡±


    ¡°Ca¡­ Ca¡­¡­ Card.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you an invitation card. Then, goodbye.¡±


    Sioux waved quickly and ran off to his parents. The Lord¡¯s eyes shed sharply, but fortunately, my parents were standing behind me now. For once, I could rely on the big demon.


    ¡°Goodbye, see you againter.¡±


    ¡°Be careful on your way back, Rapiel.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    The Lord nodded slightly, and the demon raised his hand as a sign of goodbye.


    ¡°Hyung, let¡¯s y again at another time!¡±


    ¡°Me too!¡±


    As the twins waved enthusiastically, Sioux stuck his head out the window and said, ¡°Bye, Lenoc.¡± After a quick wave, the carriage pulled away.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s finally quiet. I¡¯ll be in the study now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yeah.¡±


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.9 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.9 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    By afternoon, the cheerful mood had cooled a bit. Even as my mother was upset, the evil demon seemed to revel in his pain. He was a real mean guy. However, I was too distracted by the tender feeling on my lips to focus on anything else.


    After a quiet evening, when everyone else went to bed early out of exhaustion, I woke up again in the middle of the night with the need to pee, and after feeling around the walls, I remembered that the cottage had a toilet outside my room. Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I went to the bathroom and saw a light shining from the far end. I couldn¡¯t see much, but it was probably my mother in his nightwear. I stood there dazed, and he was standing in front of that man¡¯s room, knocking.


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    The door opened slightly, but I couldn¡¯t see him from this side. More light leaked in and my mother said something, half hidden by the door. I don¡¯t remember exactly, but I think it was something about how good it felt to have a lovere directly to Alpha¡¯s room like a concubine.


    With a low, evilugh, long arms wrapped around Mother¡¯s waist, and with little resistance, he was carried away. I was sleepy and hadn¡¯t realised what a concubine was, so I went back to my room after my mother had gone into his room.


    ¡°Oh, right. I have to keep an eye on him so he doesn¡¯t torment¡­¡­.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t beat my drowsiness. My dreams were a mess of my mother crying sadly, the demon bullying him, and Sioux and a rabbit or something pecking at my lips.


    ***


    It was not easy to protect someone without their knowledge. Especially if you were an aristocrat with a delicate ego like my mother, the very fact that he was being protected by someone could be problematic. So sometimes I observed that man¡¯s side. Like now.


    ¡°Jester is frowning.¡±


    ¡°I see he has made a mess.¡±


    He stood up from his papers. His eyes still on the papers, he rushed over to Jester before he could cry, scooped him out of the crib, set him on the small baby table beside him, and changed his nappy with dexterity. I grimaced and took a few steps back when I caught a whiff of the human¡¯s nature smell, but that guy didn¡¯t bat an eye.


    My mother wasn¡¯t home today. He was off to his regr recital as a member of the Royal Society of Music. He would probably be backte. In his ce, the Demon had been home all day today.


    Ever since Jester was born, he had been staying at home from time to time to take care of him so that Mother wouldn¡¯t get too frustrated. Of course, he was supposed to be teaching me and Eurea in our studies at the same time, but for me, he was just a nuisance. There was no reason to stay with him except to keep an eye on him. I needed to know as much as I could about him to find his weaknesses, so I used my spelling lessons as an excuse to stay with him.


    Jester, who was always with my mother, must have been pleased with that guy¡¯s touch and smiled. The man who looked just like the baby alsoughed foolishly, and soon Martha appeared and gave that guy a baby bottle.


    ¡°I have an emergency right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, don¡¯t lean on me for childcare. I¡¯m going to get some rest today after all this hard work.¡±


    With that, Martha walked away, and he gave a short sigh before picking up Jester and beginning to feed him milk. The mostly silent little brothery in thep of the adult male, who looked exactly like him, and looked up at him, stirring his little hands. The demon would then take those hands and rock them like a very doting father.


    No matter how I thought about it, Jester seemed to be on the Demon¡¯s side. I couldn¡¯t let this go on. I already had Eurea as an enemy, losing Jester to him would put me at a disadvantage. I stood up from my painting.


    ¡°Dad, I want to feed him milk.¡±


    ¡°Really? You can try.¡±


    He beamed at my offer and sat me down on the floor, cing Jester on top of me. Lying on my folded legs, Jester grimaced in difort, but when I supported his head, he sucked vigorously on the bottle again. All the while, his eyes kept rolling over to look at that guy. Sitting at the table on the other side, he nced over, smirked, and went back to his papers.


    My baby brother soon rolled his blue eyes and looked at me. Then he also peeked at Eurea over there, who was drawing a picture. He looked curious. When he was full and no longer trying totch on to the bottle, I called that guy here, and he sat Jester upright and patted him on the back. Soon there was a loud, unbaby-like burp. From the other side, Eurea giggled.


    ¡°What are you drawing, Eurea?¡±


    ¡°Please guess it.¡±


    At that guy¡¯s question, Eurea held up the drawing she¡¯d just finished. Three brown circles, two yellow circles, and a few jagged ck sticks, I realised it was a new species of ghost clown mushroom. I¡¯d seen them in the books.


    I kept my mouth shut, inwardly anticipating what the man would say about it, after calling my Golden Lion a hairy potato. At the very least, his answer might be a caterpir squashed by the rain.


    ¡°This is me, this is your Mother, and this is Jester, Lenoc, and you.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s right!¡±


    Ergh. How are those things us? And why did he manage to guess it at once?!


    Feeling unnecessarily resentful, I grabbed my drawing book and a pencil. I could draw my family members easily too. I quickly showed him what I had drawn, painstakingly and with quick, deep strokes, like a master¡¯s touch.


    ¡°So you like nts, Lenoc.¡±


    ¡°No! This is Father, this is Mother, and these are my younger siblings.¡±


    ¡°Ah, is that so? I thought they were trees and wilted flowers¡­¡­ I¡¯m sorry for not recognising them.¡±


    Aaah, you wicked demon, you must have done it on purpose! Mother had guessed them correctly right away.


    When Eurea came closer and saw my drawing, she chattered happily.


    ¡°Mom told me once that I have a talent for drawing, but I guess Oppa doesn¡¯t.¡±


    I was already feeling discouraged, but her words hit me like a ton of bricks. It couldn¡¯t be true. Every time Mother looked at my drawings, he would stare at them for a long time.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°No. Ask Momter when hees back.¡±


    Eurea let out a wickedugh. I looked around in despair, until the demon walked up and tapped me on the shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re just like me.¡±


    <i>Is this the Demon¡¯s fault, too, that I have no talent for art because of his curse running through my body? Just what do I have? If I can¡¯t even draw a single picture, I am worthless as an educated person. I will forever be an aristocrat who draws hairy potatoes.</i>


    ¡°Instead, you excel atnguages and maths, which are also talents.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­¡­?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Especially maths, which your mother wasn¡¯t skilled at, so don¡¯t be disappointed if you can¡¯t draw.¡±


    I wanted to scream at him that I didn¡¯t want to hear that, but somehow I couldn¡¯t help but feelforted.


    Disappointed, I decided not to draw. Instead, I read a children¡¯s book and secretly wrote in my journal. Iy down on my belly, stuck my paws in the air, and scribbled all about that guy¡¯s behaviour today. Even though we had a rug, ying on the floor was a privilege that could only be enjoyed in that guy¡¯s presence. Mother hated lying on the floor.


    After ying for a while and having some snacks, I felt sleepy. Jester was already sleeping soundly in a nearby crib, and Eurea was sprawled out on her stomach somewhere. I could no longer hold my pencil and drifted off to sleep as I listened to the constant sound of paper being turned over.


    I felt myself floating through the air in my sleep, and I smelled books and ink. I couldn¡¯t identify where the familiar smell wasing from because I was in a dream, defeating the painted monster using numbers.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.10 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.10 - My honowable defianse toward confronting the disrespekful illllegal inhabitant</h4>


    When I opened my eyester in the evening, I was lying on the bed in my room. Even my clothes had changed into pajamas. I rubbed my eyes and got up, but Eurea was nowhere to be seen. Yawning, I wanted to go to the bathroom and left the room. The hallway was well-lit, so the time must have been not toote.


    ¡°Are you up?¡±


    I went to the study where my family often gathered and found my mother sitting on the couch. Normally, I would have given a polite greeting, but I was currently sleepy and didn¡¯t feel like it. I walked over and put my arms around him. He smelled good.


    ¡°Mom. I love you. I missed you.¡±


    I soon heard my motherugh.


    ¡°You¡¯ve suddenly be a baby. I love you too, Lenoc. I missed you too.¡±


    He pulled me into his arms and patted me, then asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡± I thought about it, and yes, I was hungry. I nodded, and he stood up. He took my hand and we left the study. As I followed him barefoot, I kept rubbing my eyes. Soon, I was fully awake.


    We had arrived at Martha¡¯s small kitchen. This was where that guy used to cook for his mother. Eurea was already sitting at the small kitchen table, and across from her was Jester in a baby carrier.


    ¡°Lenoc.¡±


    That guy was cooking, wearing an apron. When Jester was still in Mother¡¯s womb, that guy would always cook something every morning and give it to Mother. Sometimes he gave it to me and Eurea, too, and honestly, it tasted fine.


    We sat down at the table and Mother soon brought out tes and sses. Mother took out a bottle of milk and poured it into my ss and Eurea¡¯s ss, while that guy put the egg dish on our tes. The steaming yellow mass looked very tasty.


    ¡°Mom. Please give me a spoon.¡±


    ¡°Here. Lenoc, too.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    On my mother¡¯s te and his, too, there were other saut¨¦ed vegetables along with the egg dish. I didn¡¯t really like vegetables, but I¡¯d be scolded if I didn¡¯t eat healthily, so I did what I could, starting with the carrots and green beans.


    ¡°This smells good.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll taste good too.¡±


    My mother picked up a knife and fork.


    I don¡¯t know if other families are like this, but my mother and that guy enjoyed this small-town atmosphere from time to time. The alpha would cook and the Omega would set the table.


    I¡¯d seen it asionally in storybooks, but I learnt from Lord that it was rare in aristocratic families. Perhaps it was my mother¡¯s way ofpensating for that guy¡¯s rural upbringing. s, I didn¡¯t interfere much, as Mother was very fond of that guy¡¯s crude cooking, and besides, this was the only table I could sit at in my pajamas and unwashed face.


    Mother cut off some of the egg dish and put it in his mouth, then chewed. The demon waited for his reaction. I, who had already eaten three or four bites, thought the egg dish was delicious. Eurea, who was bent on eating without speaking, would probably agree. I knew my mother would say it was delicious.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Suddenly, my mother made a face, covered his mouth with a napkin, and jumped to his feet. Eurea and I were shocked, and the demon was even more surprised as he followed him out the door. As I slid down from my chair, he looked back and said quickly.


    ¡°Watch over your siblings.¡±


    Worried about what was happening, Eurea and I remained frozen. Eurea, who had just finished scooping up her eggs, let go of her spoon and I did the same.


    Suddenly, the quiet estate became bustling. Martha appeared and entered the room where my mother was, and she told Grandfather Hugo that they needed a doctor. Eurea, hearing that, grabbed my hand. Normally, she would never have done that, but she seemed scared, so I didn¡¯t pull away. Because, honestly, I wanted to do so too.


    ¡°Father.¡±


    ¡°Lenoc. Eurea. Where¡¯s Jester? Oh, no.¡±


    He hurried back into the kitchen and came out carrying Jester. My baby sibling, who had just been taken away from his bottle, grimaced and almost cried.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay, just hold on. Lenoc, take Eurea back to your room.¡±


    ¡°What about Mother?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine.¡±


    I went to fetch the doctor, and he said it was no big deal. And the look on the demon¡¯s face when he said it was serious. I started to question him, but Eurea stopped me.


    ¡°Oppa. Let¡¯s go to your room.¡±


    Worried that Eurea might cry, I nodded. That guy picked up Jester and brought us to our room, and then he put Jester into my arms.


    ¡°Wait here for a little while. Here¡¯s a bottle. You know how to feed him, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. Don¡¯t go anywhere else, wait here.¡±


    His tone and expression were so serious that I became frightened. I hope it was really nothing. Eurea climbed into my bed, and I couldn¡¯t tell her toe back.


    As I held Jester on myp and fed him milk, I was ovee with anxiety. I held the baby¡¯s hand without saying a word, wondering if Eurea felt the same way.


    I remembered my mother¡¯s horrific scream on the day my youngest sibling was born.


    Soon after, I heard another flurry of activity outside. I wanted to run out immediately, but I couldn¡¯t because of my younger siblings. As the oldest son and alpha, I had a duty to protect them.


    After finishing his milk, Jester coughed loudly. I was surprised and picked him up, patting him on the back. Mother had once told me that if I didn¡¯t do this, the baby would throw up. However, Jester hupped and threw up.


    ¡°Yuck. Oppa!¡±


    Something hot trickled down my shoulder as my sister screamed. Jester hupped once more, then threw up again. Eurea screamed, ¡°Is Jester going to die too?!¡± and screamed.


    ¡°He¡¯s not dying, he just threw up. Calm down and go to the bathroom over there to get a towel.¡±


    ¡°Mom. Dad. Martha. Hugo.¡±


    Shaking her head, Eurea looked like she was going to run out of the room at any moment. At any other time, I would have told her to go get someone, but not now.


    ¡°Eurea, calm down!¡±


    I shouted, and she jerked away.


    ¡°Go soak a towel in water and bring it here.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡±


    Eurea, who looked like she was going to cry, quickly ran over and did as I asked, while Iid the vomited-up Jester on the clean floor. He wasn¡¯t dirty except around his mouth. The problem was my clothes and my bed sheets.


    ¡°Here, Oppa.¡±


    Eurea held out a wet towel and I wiped Jester down. I picked him up again, this time carrying him to Eurea¡¯s bed. Then I stripped off my clothes, found a fresh pair of pajamas in my drawer, and pulled them on. I pulled my soiled bed sheets off and bunched them up at the foot of the bed.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, they said that babies throw up a lot. He¡¯s breathing fine, right?¡±


    Eurea nced at Jester and soon nodded.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s no problem. Let¡¯s all sleep in your bed tonight.¡±


    ¡°What about Mom?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine when we wake up.¡±


    Iy down, even though I couldn¡¯t sleep. Iy down with Jester in the middle and pulled the covers over me, and after a moment, Eurea spoke up.


    ¡°Can I hold your hand?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I continued to hold her hand until Jester fell asleep, followed by Eurea. But I couldn¡¯t sleep all night. I was very worried about Mother.


    It wasn¡¯t until muchter that someone opened the door. I looked up quickly and realised it was that guy. Instantly, tears welled up in my eyes and I called out, ¡°Dad.¡± He came over.


    ¡°Is everyone okay?¡±


    ¡°Jester threw up, and I didn¡¯t get him to burp quickly enough. Once he was cleaned up, he seemed fine, so I put him to bed.¡±


    ¡°Really? Good job.¡±


    A big hand stroked his hair.


    ¡°What about Mom?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine, as I told you earlier.¡±


    The demon¡¯s expression was better than it had been earlier. Maybe it really was nothing. He picked up Jester and stayed with me until I fell asleep. I held Eurea¡¯s hand with one hand and held that guy¡¯s hand with my other. I didn¡¯t feel resentful of him. I was just relieved. Like I had be a baby, I wanted him to stay with me. It was unfortunate that I was still too young and needed him.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.11 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.11 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant</h4>


    Early in the morning, Eurea and I opened our eyes at the same time and sprinted like nobody¡¯s business toward my mother¡¯s room. He had just woken up and was still in his nightgown, his face set as if he had been having a serious conversation with that guy. Though Mother quickly rxed when he realised we were there.


    ¡°Lenoc, Eurea.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    Eurea ran over and crawled onto Mother¡¯s bed, clinging frantically to his neck and asking, ¡°Are you not hurt anymore?¡± I was curious about that too, so I quickly crawled onto the bed. Wrapping his arms around both of us, heughed softly.


    ¡°I just need to rest for a few days. Just a little tummy ache, sadly.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say sadly, Mom. You shouldn¡¯t be sick.¡±


    Eurea said what I wanted to say, so I just clung to my mother¡¯s arms, but strangely, he seemed a little disappointed, like he was really sorry. Inparison, the Demon, who was carrying the youngest, looked at peace.


    ¡°I see that you haven¡¯t given up yet.¡±


    ¡°I will achieve everything one day.¡±


    At Mother¡¯s firm reply, the demon sighed heavily. Grumbling that he didn¡¯t understand why Mother was so obsessed with six children, that guy told me and Eurea to go wash our faces. We didn¡¯t want to leave, but not wanting to bother our tired mother, we both meeklyplied.


    As we left the room, I nced back and saw Mother standing out of bed and hugging the demon from behind.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want at all?¡±


    ¡°I told you before, I can¡¯t live without you. And you have to think of the children you¡¯ve already delivered. Stop being greedy. There¡¯s no point in taking unnecessary danger.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­Yeah.¡±


    Mother, who had buried his head in the demon¡¯s back, nodded. Then that guy sighed, turned, and pulled him into a hug. They pressed their lips together.


    ¡°I was happy at first. However, it¡¯s not like you¡¯ve lost the children that were already born, so don¡¯t be so sad.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was so angry earlier.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    He wrapped his arms around Mother in a wide embrace. After whispering something inaudible over and over, the demon picked Mother up andid him back down on the bed. He stroked Mother¡¯s hair as he had done for me, then kissed his forehead and stood up.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t tell what he meant. Instead, heughed softly at Mother¡¯s words.


    * * *


    It was my mother¡¯s birthday week. I call it birthday week, not birthday, for a simple reason. Birthday parties happen all week long.


    The servants in this house were really busy. The house was deep cleaned inside and out, and all the curtains and tablecloths were changed for the party. Martha¡¯s maids have been busy preparing the bedrooms for the guests, and Hugo¡¯s footmen have taken out all the silverware and polished it with abrasive. Besides that, the gardens had to be tended and great quantities of ingredients had to be prepared. There was a lot of busy work. Of course, Eurea and I were no exception.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much, you¡¯re going to need new clothes.¡±


    I¡¯d already outgrownst year¡¯s suit. Eurea¡¯s dresses wouldn¡¯t button up in the back. Mother asked Martha to call in a tailor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it would be better if you went out rather than calling him?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It would be better to buy them in secret.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get caught anyway, so I think it¡¯s better to put it off untilter.¡±


    Mother nodded at Martha¡¯s words. Then he looked at me and Eurea and said, ¡°Shall we go outter?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Wow! I¡¯m excited!¡±


    We jumped up and down with excitement. It had been a long time since we¡¯d gone out without the Demon. With him, we always saw what we needed to see and always ate what we needed to eat. But without him, it was a different story. We could have anything we wanted, eat anything we wanted, see anything we wanted, hear anything we wanted.


    ¡°Please take care of Jester.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The young master will be in good care.¡±


    Martha said, looking at Jester, who was sleeping soundly in his crib.


    Eurea and I rushed to our rooms and started pulling on our robes.


    We excitedly rode the carriage. We were a bit hungry as it was just before dinner, but we decided to go quickly as we didn¡¯t know when the demon would return. Of course, we also nned to eat ice cream and chocte cake.


    This was the third time I stopped by the high-end tailor¡¯s shop, but I couldn¡¯t remember the first time. As soon as we entered the shop, we were quickly greeted by a clerk, followed by an older tailor, around Hugo¡¯s age. He had a friendly face and said hello when he saw us. He struck up a conversation with Mother, while Eurea and I looked at the colourful fabrics and costumes hanging in the shop.


    ¡°How do you like this fabric?¡±


    As if on cue, the tailor pointed to a shiny pink fabric that Eurea had just touched. When Eurea nodded, he smiled and called out to the clerk.


    ¡°Anything you like, young master?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Alphas aren¡¯t supposed to wear just anything, De¡­¡­ Father said.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, we shall go with your father¡¯s favourite fabric.¡±


    The words stung. Outwardly, I was the eldest child of the Teiwind Count. Did he mean he would show my mother¡¯s favorite fabric? My mother was the most good-looking person I¡¯d ever seen, but it would be different to suit someone with blond hair and blue eyes than it would be to suit someone with dark brown hair. Still, I didn¡¯t say anything and watched as the tailor walked away.


    The tailor soon brought out a few fabrics, most of which were dark navy blue or darker colours. Not exactly what Mother, who prefers bright colours unless it¡¯s a ck suit, would have liked. When I looked at him puzzled, the tailor added kindly.


    ¡°This is Viscount Bendyke¡¯s preferred colour. I think it would suit the young master well, too.¡±


    How did he know he was my biological father? I asked in surprise, ¡°How do you know?¡± The tailor looked puzzled at first, then smiled.


    ¡°He¡¯s an old regr. Your father has beening to our shop since he first graduated from college. After having you, young master, the Count has started to visit here as well.¡±


    Hugo said that there are some tailors that the sessive counts have been doing business with for generations. Since this was the only shop I remembered, and it was the same tailor who always came to the manor, I assumed he was the one Hugo was talking about. Why did Mother change his tailor? And this was the tailor that guy used.


    ¡°The count told me that once, when he went to his regr shop, he was berated for his dull-coloured clothes. I don¡¯t know if what he said was true, because the Count doesn¡¯t dress in a dull colour.¡±


    My sophisticated mother was, and still is, the envy of many omegas. But to be berated by his regr tailor because he was dressed in an unttering way? I didn¡¯t understand. I would have to find out moreter.


    ¡°How dare they disrespect the Teiwind Count. I will not let them continue.¡±


    ¡°Haha, young master, you¡¯re just the same as your father.¡±


    ¡°And which part of me is like him?¡±


    ¡°Your father has said the same thing. That tailor shop is long gone, but you can ask your father why.¡±


    The demon again. Just because he was older and taller, how dare he do all those things first! Frowning, I handed the cloth he had selected to the clerk and gave him detailed instructions.


    After chatting with another clerk, my mother soon called me and Eurea over, specified the fabrics to the tailor, and ordered two suits for me and two dresses for Eurea.


    ¡°Did you have a colour in mind?¡±


    ¡°This one.¡±


    ¡°This one for me.¡±


    After seeing our selections, Mother gave his approval. We were delighted to have a total of three new outfits. As expected, the biggest holiday in the Count estate was the week of the Count¡¯s birthday.


    After leaving the tailor, who was delighted to receive so many orders at once, we left the shop and went to a nearby shoe store. Again, we ordered two pairs each and then headed straight to the hat shop. I hadn¡¯t reached the age of adulthood yet, so I couldn¡¯t wear a silk hat. Maybe when I got to college, I¡¯d be able to wear one, but for now, I could only imagine it. Using it would make me look taller.


    Instead, Eurea ordered two wide-brimmed hats to match the colour of the dress she had just ordered, and Mother looked long and hard at the ones that were a bit big for him, then ordered one.


    ¡°I want them delivered to the estate by the beginning of next week.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Of course, Count.¡±


    Having ordered everything he needed in one fell swoop, our mother led us out of the shop and into a carriage that slowly followed, taking us out of the quiet upscale shopping district and into one that was now lined with delicious confectioneries. Upon arrival, we debated which one to go to. Motherughed and said we could stop at any of them.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.12 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.12 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant</h4>


    ¡°Look, they sell both ice cream and sweets. Let¡¯s go there, Oppa!¡±


    ¡°Where? Oh, I found it!¡±


    We ran, making sure our mother followed behind. The owner of the sweet shop was a middle-aged woman, an Omega. She looked a little younger than Martha, and her body reeked of sweet sweets.


    ¡°Wee, my dear. What can I get you?¡±


    ¡°Chocte ice cream! And strawberry ice cream too.¡±


    ¡°Me too, and hot chocte too, please!¡±


    We said as soon as we were seated at an empty table, and Mother, who was seated next,ughed and ordered ck tea.


    ¡°Your teeth will rot if you eat that many sweets.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ll let us off the hook today, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°But only if you don¡¯t boast to Kloff about your new clothes, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    We exchanged nces and giggled as if we were conspiring tomit a crime. While we ate our sweet ice cream and hot chocte, Mother ordered a couple of more cakes and we reveled in the good fortune of filling our bellies with a snack rather than a meal.


    After eating until we were full, there was still time before we needed to go back. After some deliberation, my mother said to himself, ¡°It¡¯s not toote yet, so we can go to the gallery.¡± Eurea and I, not wanting to go home yet, nodded in unison.


    ¡°I wonder if Jester will cry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s eating well and sleeping well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mother. Jester is a good baby.¡±


    ¡°Then shall we go?¡±


    With the enthusiastic approval of his aplices, my mother, who was no longer in the least bit worried, took the two of us to the Royal Gallery of Fine Arts, near the Royal Pce. Unlike our earlier visit to the sweet shop, my mother was the most excited person in the carriage.


    ¡°There¡¯s an exhibition of a famous painter this time. Do you remember thendscape painting in the study?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know. It was Father¡¯s favourite painting because it sparkled and shone, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The painter ising, and I hope we can meet him today.¡±


    Mother hummed with delight. We were very excited about the idea of sneaking away.


    In front of the gallery, my mother gave us a firm warning. He insisted that we stay quiet and unobtrusive, no shouting, no jumping, and no running, because children don¡¯t usuallye here. Eurea, unrivaled in pretense and reservedness, and I, too, knew what was proper behaviour as the prestige son of the Count. We walked lightly, with heads held high and shoulders squared.


    The gallery¡¯s caretaker saw Mother and bowed stiffly to him, then to the rest of us. Eurea and I bowed politely and followed our mother into the gallery.


    There were quite a few people inside the gallery. The famous artist must be very popr. Most of the paintings on disy werendscapes. I¡¯ve been told many times that I have no talent for art, but it¡¯s pathetic that I don¡¯t even have a good eye for it, so I followed my mother around and admired the paintings.


    Unlike my adult mother, Eurea and I had to stand a few feet behind to get a good look at the tall paintings. As much as I hate it, I¡¯m Eurea¡¯s guardian in these cases, so I hold her hand. Eurea naturally took my hand as she had always been strictly taught. My mother looked at a painting for a long time because he liked it very much. The Royal Gallery is not open to the public and there are guards everywhere, so we didn¡¯t have to worry about getting lost. We were soon off to see other paintings.


    In addition tondscapes, there were portraits, still lifes, and bizarre paintings. Eurea and I had a small argument about which paintings we liked and which we thought were weird, and when we came out of the huge gallery, my mother was still standing in front of that painting, and next to him was an Alpha I had never seen before.


    At first I thought it was just an acquaintance. My mother was talking to someone else, so we didn¡¯t interrupt him, so we looked at the painting again from a little distance away and had a small argument about how I could never draw something like that.


    ¡°Oppa, you could never draw that.¡±


    ¡°Neither can you, you mushroom spore.¡±


    ¡°Did you just swear? I¡¯m going to tell Mom.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a swear word, you single-celled animal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s definitely a swear word, and I remembered all the times Dad told you not to call me that.¡±


    Ouch. I¡¯m going to get in trouble for this. I threw my hands up and quickly grabbed Eurea, who was about to go to Mother.


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°Shhh, we¡¯re in an art gallery,¡± I cautioned, quickly covering her mouth. Luckily, Mother wasn¡¯t looking this way.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Eurea pointed with her hand. I looked too.


    My mother was talking to an alpha standing next to him, looking very happy, and the alpha casually put his hand on my mother¡¯s shoulder. Whether he realised it or not, he took a step back to look at the painting, and it fell away, but the Alpha quickly narrowed the gap and ced his hand on my mother¡¯s back. That¡¯s my mother, where is he touching him?!


    Eurea¡¯s eyes and mine lit up, then we rushed over.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­ Dad, aren¡¯t we gettingte?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ Mom will be waiting for you at home, and so will the baby.¡±


    I squeezed in between him and my mother as Eurea took Mother¡¯s hand and led him to the door.


    ¡°You guys. What¡¯s with the sudden rudeness?¡±


    My mother¡¯s words stung, but I didn¡¯t back down. I red at the alpha with a very hostile gaze. He was ugly, swarthy, sandy-haired, and dirty. It was beyond me that he dared to flirt with the Teiwind Count when he wasn¡¯t even worth the demon¡¯s fist if he was here.


    ¡°I beg your pardon, Mr B¨¹lt. These are my children.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I have heard that you have three children, Count. Hello, my name is B¨¹lt.¡±


    ¡°B¨¹lt?¡±


    ¡°Lenoc, you¡¯re being rude!¡±


    Mother scolded me, and I quickly apologised. I could see why Mother was so amused. B¨¹lt was the painter who was opening the exhibition. I was in trouble. My mother, who has an infinite love for art, had let his guard down simply because he was his favourite painter. A rude hand brushed against his shoulder and touched his arm, yet he didn¡¯t stop him. I was in a panic. I squirmed in my seat and thought maybe I should even cry. I exchanged a quick nce with Eurea.


    ¡°I¡¯m sleepy, I want to go home.¡±


    Eurea, who was a master at using her pouts to her advantage, stood up.


    ¡°Suddenly?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I want to sleep. I¡¯m sleepy.¡±


    Rubbing her eyes and squatting down in her seat, Eurea buried her head down. <i>Well done, my sister!</i> That¡¯s how you do it.


    ¡°This is awkward.¡±


    Motherughed embarrassedly, then gave his greetings to B¨¹lt. Then she scooped Eurea up off the ground and carried her. Now that I¡¯m all grown up, I was jealous of getting carried by my mother, but I held it in. I grabbed Mother by the hem of his jacket and followed him out the door. I looked back and saw B¨¹lt looking here wistfully. Too bad for him.


    Just as I reached the estate and changed into my indoor clothes, that guy arrived home. I rushed out.


    ¡°Father!¡±


    ¡°Oh, Lenoc. This is unlike you. Why are you so excited to see me?¡±


    ¡°Why are you home sote?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? I think I¡¯m a little earlier than usual.¡±


    The demon said as he handed his hat to the butler. I was about to tell him what had happened earlier, but I didn¡¯t get the chance because Mother appeared and greeted him. When asked if everything was okay, my mother said that nothing happened. Gosh, Mother was lying. Something happened, something that the devil would be up in arms about if he knew. Mother nced at me as he kissed his husband lightly on the lips when he returned. I didn¡¯t expect this. Mother was deliberately trying to hide it.


    Why, why? Did Mother hate the Demon now because he tormented him?


    As I stood there in shock, Eurea appeared and was picked up by the stupid demon, who was oblivious and enjoying himself. Then, without a word, Mother took my hand and brought me to the dining room for dinner. That day, all of my favourite dishes were on the table, but I couldn¡¯t tell if the food was going into my mouth or my nose.


    * * *


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.13 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.13 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant</h4>


    <i>Aaah, this family is having a crisis. How could this have happened?</i>


    Even with that guy¡¯s heavy surveince, Mother was doing stuff beyondprehension. First, as soon as the demon went out, Mother would put Jester to bed early and then he¡¯d use all kinds of excuses to go out on his own. Hugo and Martha, who had no idea what had happened on thest outing, assumed that Mother was just simply frustrated or bored. But I knew it was different.


    While remembering his slimy gaze and disrespectful touch, and seeing Jester putting on a grunting expression, I decided to not stay still in the room. I ran out of the room.


    ¡°Mother, Jester¡¯s nappy needs to be changed!¡±


    ¡°I can hear you without yelling.¡±


    Mother came over from looking at Eurea¡¯s drawings in the next room. He expertly changed Jester¡¯s nappy, then picked him up in his arms, caressed him, and gave him a bottle. Swaddled and fed, Jester would soon fall asleep. Then Mother¡¯s outing would begin, and this time I would have to intervene first.


    ¡°Please help me with my studies this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I have to go out for an appointment.¡±


    <i>What appointment?</i> I desperately clung to him. I ranted and raved about what a life loser I would be if I didn¡¯t finish my schoolwork by the end of the day, following Kloff Bendyke¡¯s view of education, but Mother gave me a dark look and ced his hands on my shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to let you go to the slums because you can¡¯t spell twenty words today, so never, never! Don¡¯t you ever say that again.¡±


    It was the first time Mother had ever given me such a stern look and tone of caution, so I was stunned, and for a moment tears welled up in my eyes. Soon I was in his warm embrace, but my frightened heart could not be calmed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about your studies so much. You will be a Count in the future, and no one can hold you back even if you don¡¯t go to university, so don¡¯t worry, my dear son.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother.¡±


    I replied in a sobbing voice, and Mother immediately kissed my forehead and smiled.


    ¡°Shall we go out again today, to take revenge on the wicked viscount who tormented you with such homework?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    I hadn¡¯t meant to, but I had gotten what I wanted most. Eurea, sleepy and nodding off, wanted to follow us, but we made do with bringing back chocte cake and strawberry rolls for her.


    Contrary to my expectations, Mother first went to the shop where he had ordered his clothes and tried the fit. I had tried the fit myself, but Eurea¡¯s clothes didn¡¯t need fitting, as it was made a little loose since she was still growing like a pig. We stopped by the shoe store and finally received the finished hats. A pink one with a pretty flower on it, and the owner packaged it in a pink box that matched the colour of the hat.


    ¡°Eurea will love it.¡±


    We stopped at a sweet shop, buying chocte cakes, strawberry rolls, and other not-so-sweet treats. Only the demon liked them. Normally, I would try to ruin those treats in some way, but today I decided to cut him some ck. When I thought we were going home, the carriage turned into the gallery again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be as rude as you werest time.¡±


    After a firm warning, my mother took my hand and we went inside. It was a little early, so the gallery was deserted, but that man, B¨¹lt, was there.


    ¡°Wee here.¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, Sir B¨¹lt.¡±


    Mother took his hand, smiling a bright smile he had never shown anyone outside of his family. I wanted to knock his hand away right away, but I couldn¡¯t reach it with Mother¡¯s firm grip. I gritted my teeth and red at him. Without alerting my mother, of course. I don¡¯t know why he was flirting with the supposed Alpha Count, but even if he knew that Mother was an Omega, I couldn¡¯t forgive him for being so disrespectful even when the Count¡¯s son¡¯s eyes were so clearly ring at him.


    When Mother deliberately asked me to see another painting, I followed with a frown, but at the same time, that person also followed her. The two of them talked about the paintings in great depth and enjoyed the conversation immensely. Then the conversation took a strange turn.


    ¡°Is the Count a bachelor?¡±


    <i>No. Two sons and a daughter. He has a spouse who is alive and well.</i> I was about to shout that out loud when Mother beat me to it.


    ¡°For one, I don¡¯t have a wife.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±


    B¨¹lt nced at me and smiled. Even though he¡¯s a famous painter, he¡¯s slow on the high society gossip. To think that he¡¯s excited about the Teiwind Count not having a wife. Hasn¡¯t he heard that he has a husband instead of a wife?


    ¡°You¡¯ve been paintingndscapes all your life in the country, and now that you¡¯re in the city, it must be quite chaotic.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s noisy and crowded, but cities have their charms.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it certainly does.¡±


    B¨¹lt looked at Mother and blushed. Mother was indeed one of the city¡¯s great charms, but you didn¡¯t have to like him too.


    ¡°I don¡¯t paint portraits, but I¡¯ve suddenly developed a bit of an interest in themtely.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s interesting, have you found any good subjects?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Perhaps so.¡±


    I hoped it wasn¡¯t my mother, but looking at this guy, it seemed unlikely to not be my mother. As a humble country painter, it¡¯s natural to be swept away by someone as beautiful and sophisticated as my mother. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t have worried. He had many admirers, but most of them never even became friends. He had his own standards. But not now. To be honest, I was beginning to worry that the Demon King¡¯s position was shaking.


    Lenoc Taywind¡¯s only real enemy is the Demon Lord Kloff Bendyke! I can¡¯t have Mother falling into the hands of a fool like that!


    He seemed to be close to asking my mother to model for a painting, and if he asked for a nude, there would be a bloodbath. I decided to summon the demon at this point.


    ¡°Father, I need to go to the bathroom for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where it is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child, I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Leaving him and my mother behind, who was somehow pleased, I pretended to go to thevatory and soon made my way to the gallery¡¯s caretaker, where I borrowed a paper and pen and wrote a letter. Then I rushed out of the gallery to the waiting coachman, asking for it to be delivered to the Royal Pce for Viscount Bendyke, saying that it was urgently from the Teiwind Count.


    After the carriage had driven away in a cloud of smoke and dust, I re-entered the gallery, where I found Mother and B¨¹lt, seated side by side in chairs on one side of the gallery, engaging in earnest conversation at a very intimate distance.


    ¡°The Count¡¯s aesthetic is remarkable.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that.¡±


    The conversation was too harmonious. Just a moment ago, I would have squeezed between the two of them, even if it meant getting a scolding. But not now.


    Slowly looking around the painting, I waited for the time to pass.


    Just as I was getting a little bored, Mother stood up.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe the time is thiste already.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    My mother wistfully shook hands with B¨¹lt. Judging by the time, he was nning to return before the demon¡¯s curfew. Aaah, this would be troublesome. What is that Elk doing on its long legs right now, why is he not here yet? Should I be happy that the two of them are parting ways as they are, or regret that this couldn¡¯t be rid of at once? While I was torn between my thoughts, the entrance to the gallery suddenly rumbled. Oh! Finally!


    There were more people than when I first arrived at the gallery, and they were all whispering something at the entrance. And there he was, pushing through the crowd as if there was an invisible force.


    Oh, my gic provider, the most powerful man in the kingdom, and at the same time the partner of the beautiful man whose hand was being held by the clumsy painter who couldn¡¯t see past me, Kloff Bendyke strode over on his long legs. His whole body was a storm of fire and ice at the same time.


    He looked over here, its eyes zing as if it had a sulphurous fire inside its eyeballs. I felt a chill run down my spine. In response to his wordless questioning, I unknowingly raised my hand and pointed in the direction of my mother and the man. The demon¡¯s gaze snapped to them.


    ¡°Kloff?¡±


    Mother¡¯s eyes widened in surprise btedly. B¨¹lt, who knew nothing, stood by Mother¡¯s side.


    Standing behind them, I could even feel the immense rage that the demon emanated, nothing more needed to be said of those in front of him. B¨¹lt was bleached white, his favorite colour in his paintings.


    ¡°What a coincidence, Aeroc. I never expected to meet you here.¡±


    The demon¡¯s voice was so cold that it sent a shiver down my spine. Perhaps I had overdone it in my letter, I thought with some regret. B¨¹lt¡¯s face and neck had turned white, and his fingertips were trembling slightly. He looked like he was really weak, as weak as an alpha could look. But my hands were shaking too, so I could forgive him.


    ¡°I would have thought you would be working by now, but it turns out you have time toe to an art gallery.¡±


    As expected of the Count of Teiwind. Only Mother could be so nonchnt when everyone else was avoiding this area. Contrary to my expectation that he¡¯d beat B¨¹lt right away, the demon willingly closed the distance and approached Mother. Meanwhile, B¨¹lt slowly began to widen the distance. <i>Is he trying to get away?</i> Although I was scared, I quickly approached and spoke to him, feigning innocence. The demon said that a loose cannon must be stepped on at once.


    ¡°Mister B¨¹lt, have you finished talking to the Count? Does he really want to model for you?¡±


    ¡°Huuuuh? W-What model?¡±


    At that, the demon¡¯s eyes bore into him. B¨¹lt flinched as if his hand touched fire.


    ¡°I really am curious to what kind of model it is. Oh, I¡¯mte to introduce myself. I¡¯m Kloff Bendyke. An unimportant civil servant.¡±


    Not daring to resist the outstretched hand, B¨¹lt shook it and barely managed to introduce himself as a painter.


    ¡°I understand you are famous for yourndscape paintings, B¨¹lt? I have purchased all the spring and winter paintings in your series of four seasons, and I understand that autumn is due out this year.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t tell me. You¡¯re Minister of Finance, Viscount Bendyke?¡±


    B¨¹lt¡¯s face, as white as an old oil painting, was cracking. Apparently, the Demon¡¯s position was not good-for-nothing. With my hand, I covered theughter that leaked out of my mouth.


    ¡°The autumns are already out there. I¡¯ve made a reservation, and they will be delivered to the estate when the exhibition ends.¡±


    When Mother said so, the demon nodded silently. ¡°I would like to hear the exnation for the autumn from the painter himself,¡± he said to B¨¹lt. B¨¹lt nodded, keeping a safe distance from Mother.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.14 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.14 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant</h4>


    Gone was B¨¹lt¡¯sid-back, disrespectful demeanour, and he stiffened like a frozen ice sculpture, his voice quivering as he spoke of autumn. The demon listened with an intrigued, <i>Hmm</i>. Then he casually wrapped his arm around Mother¡¯s waist, which Mother tried to shake off with a frown, but that guy wasn¡¯t one to back down. He didn¡¯t care if anyone else saw them or not, he just pulled Mother right up next to him and casually listened to B¨¹lt¡¯s story.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right, the four seasons are only meaningful if you collect them all.¡±


    ¡°Summer and autumn are mine, so don¡¯t covet them.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re hanging in the study we share anyway.¡±


    The demon dragged Mother towards the other paintings. Mother¡¯s interest was waning a little as he¡¯d already seen them all, but Mother¡¯s eyes quickly lit up when the demon said that if he could buy the paintings that Mother took a liking to.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you today?¡±


    ¡°A birthday present.¡±


    At that, Mother¡¯s eyes widened a little and the corners of his mouth lifted.


    ¡°Bear in mind that you didn¡¯t put a limit on the number.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­ Alright.¡±


    Being hit back, the Demon made a little sour face, but he didn¡¯t say anything more. In fact, he seemed very calm from earlier, maybe because they were still outside, or maybe because he didn¡¯t think it was a big deal. In any case, the name B¨¹lt had already been erased from Mother¡¯s mind, so I decided not to bother anymore.


    As the demon took Mother to see the gallery, B¨¹lt, still frozen and unmelted, stared nkly behind him. Just in case he hadn¡¯t understood it correctly, I decided to check in with him.


    ¡°Father said earlier that he doesn¡¯t have a wife, right? He doesn¡¯t have a wife, but he does have a lover. Do you see my face? Doesn¡¯t it look like someone?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­ I see.¡±


    B¨¹lt stuttered in shock. He really must have had no idea.


    ¡°You should have suspected something else when even an alpha is that attractive. Youck observation and imagination for a painter, perhaps because you only paintndscapes. In any case, give up using Mother as your model, and I suggest you don¡¯t travel alone in the future. Viscount Bendyke holds onto a grudge more than you think.¡±


    That should be enough to get the point across. I smirked and brushed him off, then walked over to my parents in the distance. I squeezed between them, admiring the demon¡¯s brazenness in exuding personal intimacy even in a crowded art gallery.


    ¡°Lenoc?¡±


    ¡°Father, let¡¯s go home, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    I ignored the demon and turned to Mother.


    On the carriage ride home, neither the demon nor Mother showed any signs of distress.


    ¡°But how did you know? Is it really a coincidence?¡±


    ¡°I heard that the autumn was booked, so I came in a hurry.¡±


    It was a shameless lie. Mother made a face and looked first at the demon, then at me, but I just said, ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait to eat my strawberry roll,¡± like an innocent child who knows nothing.


    When I got home, Martha and Hugo were a little surprised. They hadn¡¯t expected us to return with the demon. They quickly scattered under the re of the de facto ruler of the house.


    The rest of the evening went on as usual without any problems. Eurea and I shared the cake from the bakery, and the demon tucked the youngest into bed. As he told us to go to bed earlier than usual, I didn¡¯t question it, only happy that I was able to skip my spelling lesson.


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night, you mustn¡¯t wander around at night.¡±


    The demon watched us siblings sleep, then left the room. Beyond the closing door in the distance, I could see Mother waiting for the demon, looking a little nervous, but I quickly forgot about it as I dozed off.


    For the rest of the day, Mother rested in his room, unwell. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have called the demon to the gallery. Worried, I went to Martha.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe he provoked an imprinted alpha, no matter how lonely he was. Sometimes I admire Sir Aeroc¡¯s courage. His back is hurting, that¡¯s why he needs to rest all day.¡±


    <i>It takes courage to provoke an imprinted alpha and it hurts your back?</i> I raised a question mark. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it, it¡¯s a grown-up thing, you¡¯ll understand when you be an adult,¡± Martha shrugged.


    ¡°But what¡¯s an imprinted alpha, anyway? Is he strong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called imprinting when you only look at one person, like your father.¡±


    My heart started pounding in my chest. Was the Demon King an Imprint Alpha, giving him powers that no one else could match? If so, for me to grow taller wasn¡¯t important right now. I had to know.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡­ He¡¯s indeed strong, but.¡±


    Martha, who had just finished stirring the cake batter, stared at the distant ceiling and scratched her head.


    ¡°But?¡±


    Would I finally learn the identity of the demon, and what evil spell Mother had fallen under? The tension was palpable. My thumping heart threatened to jump out of my mouth. I gripped the table with both hands and waited for her next words. Martha, who had just finished whisking, leaned down and whispered in Lenoc¡¯s ear.


    ¡°He¡¯s under an evil spell, and if we break that spell, we¡¯ll all meet a terrible end.¡±


    ¡°Uuugh!¡±


    I was shocked. Martha said, ¡°Ho-ho-ho, an imprinted Alpha is scary, so go and do your word homework, or you¡¯ll get in trouble.¡± And with that, she stirred the dough again. My skin crawled. <i>Homework is not important. Magic! I have to write it down in my journal!</i>


    Imprinted. What kind of evil magic was bothering Mother so much? This needed to be investigated urgently. Mother was bedridden and Eurea hadn¡¯t been seen since morning, as she went out to y in the garden. Jester was in Martha¡¯s care. The demon had traveled to the pce and would be back soon. Now was the time.


    I ran to the study. The evil spell would be hidden in an inconspicuous space. I will definitely find the evil demon¡¯s grimoire.


    I balled my fists and stood before the bookshelves. The most likely candidates were thew books the demon had used since college. Somewhere in there, the secret of the demon must be hidden. I had to find it quickly.


    The demon¡¯s bookshelves were veryrge and tall. No fool would hide secrets within reach, so I was suspicious of the old book at the very top. I took the studydder and ced it in front of him. Even at its highest point, I couldn¡¯t reach it. I raised my heels up. It was still about an inch short. <i>Is the milk I¡¯ve had so far not yet enough?!</i>


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to stack more.¡±


    I quickly climbed down thedder. I took out the thickw books andid them out on the floor. I ced the studydder on top of them and climbed up. Thedder wobbled.


    ¡°Uwah!¡±


    I grabbed the bookshelf with both hands and hung on. I took a moment to catch my breath. Luckily, I managed to keep my bnce. You¡¯re doing great, Lenoc Teiwind!


    I carefully stretched my arm out. The book on top was very old and thick at the same time. It took a lot of strength to pull it out with one hand. But as the eldest alpha heir to the Count, I must not lose to a mere book. I gritted my teeth and pulled it out. I quickly flicked through it and found it to be an ordinaryw book. Of course, I wouldn¡¯t find it in one try. I put it back in its ce. It was harder to put it back in than to take it out. I was sweating profusely.


    ¡°The book must be enchanted.¡±


    I pulled out the second book. It was a bust. The third, too.


    ¡°Uh, ugh.¡±


    Twelve books remained. But with how much strength I had left, I could only carry two of them. The books were too heavy, and the poor Count¡¯s young master was still too young. There must be a quick-growth spell in the grimoire. If I was as big as a demon, I wouldn¡¯t have this much trouble. It was not fair that he alone was big.


    More busts followed.


    It was almost time for the demon to return. It was better to try again next time. Except for one more thing. There was a particrly worn and tattered book perched on the edge. The spine was peeling and the title was barely visible. The threads that held it together poked through the frayed edges. Let¡¯s take a look at that one. I grasped the thick hardback cover, heavier than any other book, and tried to pull it out, but it was so worn that the contents were separated from the cover.<i> Oh no!</i>


    I strained my fingers and gave it a little tug, my heeled feet straining. Thedder tilted slightly. With my other hand, I gripped the shelf tightly. Just a little further would be enough. I tried again and again, and finally, the book started toe off. <i>As expected! Just a little more!</i>


    That¡¯s when it happened. The tilteddder gave a loud crash.


    ¡°Aack!¡±


    Scared, I clung to the shelf.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The heavy books fell backward with a heavy thud. It should have stopped there, but the recoil sent it tumbling forward, sending a chill down my spine.


    <i>Crash.</i>


    A few books fell to the floor. My worry grew along with the shadows that slowly fell over me. I¡¯m really going to get in trouble if I don¡¯t die. I¡¯m sorry, Mom¡­ and¡­¡­ I squeezed my eyes shut.


    ¡°Lenoc!¡±


    <i>Thump.</i>


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 2.15 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 2.15 - My honorable defiance toward confronting the disrespectful illegal inhabitant</h4>


    There was a loud thud. I thought I was going to fall off thedder and crash into the bookshelves, but it didn¡¯t hurt as much as I thought it would. When I opened my eyes, there were books everywhere, and I could see thedder that had fallen, but I wasn¡¯t on the floor. My shod feet were wobbling. I saw an arm across my chest. When I looked up, I saw the other arm supporting the falling bookshelf.


    ¡°Here we go.¡±


    The demon simply pushed the bookcase back. The bookshelf, spilling all its books, was easily put back in ce. As the shadow disappeared, I was suddenly blinded. I felt a pang in my heart and tears formed in my eyes. My lips quivered. The demon, who had been standing directly in front of the bookshelf, lowered his gaze.


    ¡°Are you not hurt?¡±


    Arge hand stroked my hair. Suddenly, I felt a rush of sorrow. And despite being the eldest alpha of the family, I found myself crying like a baby.


    ¡°Aaaaah.¡±


    I wrapped my arms around his big body and hugged him tightly, like a baby monkey in the picture book. It had been a long time since I¡¯d given up hugging him to my younger siblings because I¡¯d grown up.


    I left my younger siblings, went to the study alone, and used thedder without permission. I¡¯m going to get in trouble. No one needs a crybaby, troublemaking firstborn alpha.


    But to my surprise, instead of scolding me, the demon simply smiled and carried me up.


    ¡°My son, you¡¯ve suddenly be a baby.¡±


    I looked at him in surprise, and heughed. It was obvious he was mocking me, but I wasn¡¯t angry. Tears kept streaming down my face.


    ¡°I told you not to use thedder in the study because it¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just d you didn¡¯t get hurt.¡±


    The demon¡¯s forehead rested against my head. He always smelled of books and ink. And the smell of a big man. My panicked heart calmed a little.


    ¡°The studydder is off limits.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I nodded like a baby, not really answering, feeling unnecessarily embarrassed. I heard a low chuckle. I wrapped my arms around his thick neck and leaned my forehead against his broad shoulder. My nose snorted and I hid in his shoulders.


    The demon walked over to a nearby couch and sat down. As I sobbed, still in his arms, he soothed me.


    ¡°You must be very scared. It¡¯s okay now.¡±


    He took out a handkerchief and wiped my nose. I could have stopped crying, but I just wanted to cry some more. I gritted my teeth and squeezed out more of my drying tears. Heughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re strangely interested in my study, why don¡¯t you tell me what you¡¯re curious about?¡±


    I was taken aback by his sudden question. A sniffle escaped me. As I sniffled, he wiped my nose with his handkerchief again.


    ¡°The way you keep sneaking around, you must secretly want to know about something. You¡¯re very curious, just like me. You¡¯re persistent, and I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll stop until you find your answers. But I don¡¯t want you to do anything dangerous again, like you did today. I hope you can tell me what you want to know right now, I¡¯ll teach you as best I can.¡±


    The low voice was very gentle. And so, foolishly, I blurted out a secret that should never have been revealed.


    ¡°Are you under a bad spell? Or are you hiding something like an evil magician¡¯s grimoire?¡±


    ¡°What? Magic? What do you mean, all of a sudden? It¡¯s allw books in there.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not under a curse or something, are you?¡±


    Tears welled up in my eyes. In the glimmery sight of mine, I could see his surprised face. I was scared.


    ¡°Who says I¡¯m cursed?¡±


    ¡°Granny Martha, h, said you¡¯re an, imprinted alpha~ hc, so you¡¯re making Mother sick, h.¡±


    ¡°Oh, dear.¡±


    The sad smile on the demon¡¯s face made my heart sink. I wanted him to tell me it wasn¡¯t true, that he was just messing with me. That he wasn¡¯t under some weird spell. That even though I called him a demon, he was nothing of the sort.


    He always said he had to protect my mother and my siblings, but that must be his lies! He¡¯s so bad! I hate him!


    ¡°Hc, tell me it¡¯s not true.¡±


    I mmed my fist into the demon¡¯s shoulder. However, his unyielding attitude hurt me more.


    ¡°Hurry up and say no. H.¡±


    ¡°Shhhh. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    I heard a low chuckle through the soothing voice. He didn¡¯t say no until the end. He must really be a demon king. I was born with a demon¡¯s blood. A pair ofrge hands cupped my cheeks, wiping away my tears. He smiled as he wiped the tears from my eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise my Lenoc was such a crybaby. I thought you were so much like me, but it turns out you¡¯re just a mama¡¯s boy.¡±


    ¡°No! I look like the demon king!¡±


    ¡°The demon king? Hahaha.¡±


    Heughed out loud, making me embarrassed. He ran his hand through my hair, messily stroking it.


    ¡°A demon king is a bit cooler than an evil with a cane. I like it.¡±


    My crying stopped. I wasn¡¯t sure how to react to his casual affirmation. As I stopped crying and sniffled, he kissed me on my forehead.


    ¡°Listen, Lenoc. Your father imprinted on your mother.¡±


    Lenoc¡¯s eyes widened. My tears welled up again, and the demon tenderly wiped them away again.


    ¡°Some people call imprinting romantic, but it¡¯s really not. It¡¯s more like, right. It¡¯s a terrible curse, as Martha said. Anyway, it¡¯s not a very good thing. It changes your personality and makes you do bad things.¡±


    His lips quivered sweetly. I didn¡¯t want to see him smile sadly. He always looked so confident and evil. Why would he be sad?


    ¡°When you¡¯re imprinted, you can¡¯t see anyone else but one person. I never realised what that meant before. I thought it was a good thing as long as I was with Aeroc, but since you were born I¡¯ve realised it¡¯s not. I love you so much, you, Eurea and Jester. I love you all so much that it makes me happy just to look at you. But¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    The demon paused for a moment.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t live without Aeroc, do you know what I mean?¡±


    I stared at him, still. Suddenly I remembered how he hadn¡¯t cared for us on that dreadful night when Mother had fallen ill.


    ¡°Even if I am here? Even with Eurea and Jester?¡±


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re there. Even with Eurea and Jester.¡±


    My face burned, and my tears began to flow. The demon swept my hair back. My wet cheeks ached against his palm.


    ¡°That¡¯s what imprinting is. Even if you have your lovely child, there¡¯s no point when your partner is not with you. Yes, I am under an evil curse, and I can¡¯t help it. It¡¯s no one¡¯s fault, it¡¯s just the way it is.¡±


    He hugged my stiff body tightly. His stroking hand was heavy. My heart was pounding with fear. <i>I don¡¯t want to hear anything. Just tell me this is a dream.</i>


    ¡°If anything happens, please take care of your siblings.¡±


    ¡°B-But I¡¯m just a kid!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re old enough. Enough for this father to believe in you.¡±


    I stared nkly at the beaming smile.


    ¡°Though I wish you could stay my baby forever.¡±


    He sighed for a moment, then rested his chin on the crown of my head. My head felt like it would crumple under the grave weight.


    ¡°As you can see, Aeroc is weak. I¡¯m very worried.¡±


    I shook my head. Mother is healthy, and the demon will always be in this house.


    ¡°So, Lenoc, it¡¯s time to stop ying.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You need to grow up, defeat the demon, and save your siblings. Of course, you have to find someone that you love too.¡±


    I wanted to scream no.


    <i>I don¡¯t like not having the demon.</i>


    <i>Because the truth is, I love him extremely.</i>


    <i>Because Lenoc is the Demon¡¯s son.</i>


    ¡°Until then, I will protect you.¡±


    <i>Not until then. I¡¯ll always be the Demon¡¯s, Daddy¡¯s son. I¡¯m sorry I called you the demon, so don¡¯t say that.</i>


    My lips trembled, but no sound came out.


    ¡°I love you, my son.¡±


    <i>Lie!</i>


    <i>That¡¯s a lie¡­¡­.</i>


    When Mother found out that I had used thedder in the study and tried to knock over the bookshelves, he scolded me sternly.


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed in the study from now on.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s harsh. Lenoc is all grown up now. He should be reading.¡±


    ¡°But he could have been hurt if you hadn¡¯t arrived in time. Haa- it¡¯s terrifying just to imagine that.¡±


    ¡°But Lenoc is fine, and he would have learned by now, right?¡±


    The demon stood beside me, offering support. But I didn¡¯t want to meet his gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯re being too easy on Lenoc.¡±


    ¡°Kids grow up making mistakes.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re special. I almost burned the house down once.¡±


    Mother raised an eyebrow at that.


    ¡°Lenoc, don¡¯t burn down the house.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s stop and go eat. I¡¯m starving. Eurea¡¯s waiting.¡±


    As he led Mother, who was still angry, the demon sneaked a nce out of the corner of his eye. I should have acted cheerful when he saw that, but I stupidly turned a blind eye.


    * * *


    In an estate with a beautiful rose garden live a Count, his lovely children, and an evil demon. I, Lenoc Ellim Teiwind, have been sent to protect the Count from the evil machinations of the demon ¡­¡­The demon is actually a fool. He is under an evil curse. I have confirmed with several people that there is no way to break it. Even Lord, who was not on good terms with the demon, was sympathetic when it came to the imprint. Furthermore, I¡¯ve tricked the imprinted demon naively into telling me how to defeat himself.


    Bing an adult.


    I decided to study spelling. I¡¯ve decided to go to the National Capital University to be an outstanding adult. There, I might get to learn about the demon¡¯s traces and research him. It might take me a long time to defeat him, but I won¡¯t give up.


    Unfortunately, the journal is on hiatus for the time being. I¡¯ve also decided to stop calling him a demon. I can¡¯t keep doing childish things like that forever.


    Until then. Goodbye.


    P.S. I really, really, really hate imprinting! Something like that would be better if it didn¡¯t exist! I would never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever do that!


    <Side Story 2 end>.


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 3.1 - Lucid dream

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 3.1 - Lucid dream</h4>


    A cold breeze blew in. With his eyes closed, Aeroc groped for any warmth beside me. The bed was t. The sheets were untouched.


    Doubt made Aeroc open his eyes. The loneliness was heightened by the soft, yet cold feel of the silk. At the same time, Aeroc wondered where he could have gone.<i> Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­.</i>


    Before Aeroc could think anything bad, his night vision provided the answer. Aeroc could see his shirt, glowing blue, on the armrest of therge one-seater sofa a short distance from the end of the bed. Perhaps he hadn¡¯t slept.


    The angle made it hard to make out Kloff¡¯s figure. His hands were resting neatly on the armrests, unmoving. Aeroc wanted to get closer, but he hesitated. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to interrupt his solitary contemtion. Then he changed his thoughts. If he was sleeping while sitting up, it would be better to lead him to the bed. Aeroc cautiously approached the sofa.


    The curtains were loosely drawn, half revealing arge balcony window. Bright moonlight poured through the window. Sitting there in the pale, fly-like light, Kloff was surprisingly awake. He just stared out the window with a nk expression. Outside, he could see the rose garden.


    Ah, this room was originally Mother¡¯s room, so it had the best view of the garden.


    Following his gaze, Aeroc stared out the window as well. The cabin, as if preserved by magic, and the thorny garden that surrounded it. Aeroc had spent a terrible life inside there. It was a terrifying, sickening ce that made him want to end his own life rather than go back in there. And that¡¯s what Kloff was looking at.


    Was he pleased to see a sinner pay for his crimes, or was he sneering and contemptuous? Aeroc didn¡¯t want to know, but his feet moved without realising it. Slowly, like a shadow, he turned around in front of the couch and faced the man who was as stiff as a statue.


    Kloff was stiff like a bronze statue withering away from life. His tightly closed lips showed determination, his half-open eyes showed solitude. The moonlight falling on his hard shoulders made him look even colder. Aeroc reached out to him. Gazing into the distance, his unmoving gaze slowly drew to the sad man. There was no life in those steel-like eyes. Aeroc¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°Kloff.¡±


    Aeroc unrealizingly called his name. He reached out and stroked the back of Kloff¡¯srge, veined hand. His hand was still warm, even though it looked cold. The gypsum-like fingers suddenly twitched. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, the long fingers curled around Aeroc¡¯s cold fingertips.


    ¡°¡­..Ae¡­¡­roc?¡±


    The voice was rough, the deep emotion in it a familiar fear. His eyes, slowly widening, were coloured with rm. His tightly clenched jaw loosened slightly, and he spoke once more, his voice vicious.


    ¡°Ae¡­¡­roc? Is it really you?¡±


    Something was wrong. Aeroc instinctively took a step back. Just as Aeroc was about to further the distance, a strong hand grabbed his wrist. The heavy chair rattled and Aeroc was pushed backwards. He tried to pull his hand away, but it was impossible. The other man¡¯s strength far outweighed his.


    ¡°It hurts.¡±


    ¡°Aeroc. Aeroc.¡±


    Kloff didn¡¯t hear any of his words. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Aeroc. No, it was more like he trapped Aeroc in his arms. The arms wrapped around him like shackles.


    A heavy head dropped to the nape of his neck. His hot breath scorched his skin, and his spine stiffened. His heels lifted involuntarily. He was getting off bnce, but Kloff stood firm, taking the full weight of Aeroc. The position slipped further and further, and Aeroc couldn¡¯t help but fall into him. He held his breath, unable to make a sound. His shoulders felt damp.


    ¡°Haha¡­¡­ I thought it was a dream, a terrible nightmare. You, how dare you, leave me behind. You can¡¯t do that, you still owe me something.¡±


    A sharp de made of ice plunged into Aeroc¡¯s skull. It took his breath away. Aeroc knew this day woulde, but he didn¡¯t think it would be today.


    The blissful illusion was finally over. Everything would return to its rightful ce, and Aeroc would return to his ce, to the cold garden in the distance.


    Kloff gently stroked his stiff body. A low chuckle escaped him.


    ¡°I have no intention of letting you go, and you shouldn¡¯t abandon me either. You¡¯ve turned me into a terrible monster.¡±


    Then Kloff lifted his head. His kind eyes were gone. In their ce were dark orbs, filled with all sorts of emotions. One arm gripped his trembling waist, the other wrapped around the nape of his thin neck. Aeroc¡¯s vocal cords were frozen, he couldn¡¯t even let out a moan. The cruel man¡¯s expression was as ecstatic as ever.


    Dry lips ovepped. It wasn¡¯t a deep kiss, just a quick peck. After a few breathless pecks, Kloff brought their foreheads together. The hand that had been caressing his neck stroked Aeroc¡¯s terrified cheek. A warm thumb brushed his cheekbone.


    ¡°You win, you vile human. It¡¯s your win.¡±


    The smallugh came again. Even as Kloff proimed his own defeat, he seemed immensely pleased. He kissed Aeroc again, as if he couldn¡¯t be happier. Deeper than before. The hot tongue touched Aeroc¡¯s dry lips. He breathed in Aeroc¡¯s breath. It was a silent kiss, not even a breath to be heard. The only sound was the pounding of his heart.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go anywhere now. You don¡¯t even have to go to the garden. Stay next to me, right here.¡±


    Kloff never waited for an answer. He scooped Aeroc up in his arms, refusing to tolerate any argument or disagreement. Kloff didn¡¯t seem to struggle at all, even though Aeroc wasn¡¯t naturally slender and had gained quite a bit of weight since his pregnancy. Aeroc felt dizzy when he was suddenly lifted, but his head was already spinning.


    ¡°Your body is cold.¡±


    <i>You have to stay warm</i>, Kloff said, and carried Aeroc to his bed. Gently, he pulled back the sheets andid him down with care, as if he were handling a cracked ss doll. Then he sat down at the bedside. The demented tyrant could not have been more gentle, touching Aeroc¡¯s cold hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even winter, and you¡¯re so cold. Perhaps it¡¯s better for you to wear gloves.¡±


    With that, Kloff was about to turn and leave. He mumbled something about needing to light the firece. However, Aeroc couldn¡¯t let him go, what if he went outside and woke up as another person.? What if all the disturbed magic shattered and there was a loss of order,? Aeroc dreaded to think what would happen.


    Aeroc¡¯s numb hand gripped Kloff¡¯s sleeve. He turned around. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he barely managed to speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ go.¡±


    ¡°However.¡±


    ¡°Stay next to me.¡±


    After a moment of silence, Kloffughed again.


    ¡°You¡¯re clever, aren¡¯t you, caving in as soon as you get the upper hand. Your


    personality never changes.¡±


    However Kloff interpreted his intentions, he sat back down on the bed, looked at Aeroc for a moment, and then climbed in beside him. Patting the pillows and straightening the sheets, he pulled the dazed Aeroc into his arms. Aeroc could see Kloff¡¯s muscled neck from his slightly loose shirt. Aeroc buried his face in it, feeling the touch of hands on his back.


    ¡°It¡¯ste at night. It¡¯s better for you to go to sleep early for your health.¡±


    Aeroc reached out and grabbed his cor. One of the hands on his back reached up and covered his prominent knuckles. Hot tears welled up in his eyes at the gentle touch. Was it from regret, or maybe remorse, maybe sadness, also relief. For some reason, Aeroc didn¡¯t know why he was tearing up.


    ¡°Right, even the devil had tears.¡±


    Aeroc closed his eyes. His tears rolled down the bridge of his nose. The back of Kloff¡¯s hand, the one that used to leave blue bruises, reached up and brushed against the cheekbones. Aeroc was surprised by that action. The arms around him tightened again, and with a low sigh, he pressed a kiss to Aeroc¡¯s sweaty forehead.


    ¡°And I love this devil.¡±


    What?


    ¡°It¡¯s a fitting phrase for a man who has be the worst kind of monster.¡±


    What again?


    Aeroc stared up at him, stunned. Aeroc knew Kloff had imprinted on him. But imprinting was not love. Kloff was angry that he had imprinted on someone he didn¡¯t love, and he was dying in agony. Why had he been so foolish as to do such a thing?


    Kloff med the imprinting for his unnecessary arguments when they reunited, for his courtship of Aeroc when he actually liked someone else. One part of his heart broke, the other leapt for joy. Like a satellite following a, Kloff would forever hover around Aeroc. But did Kloff love him before the imprint? This me?


    He answered this unspoken question.


    ¡°Even if you have sinned, there is no reason for me to do so. You did what you did because you can¡¯t forgive me for turning my back on you. You can condemn me. You can do whatever you want to me until your anger dissipates, but I¡¯m not going to ask for forgiveness. And I also don¡¯t intend to forgive you.¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t hope¡­¡­ for that.¡±


    There was a raggedugh, followed by a deep breath. Aeroc burst into hot tears. Kloff no longer wiped them away. Instead, he kissed Aeroc¡¯s forehead, his hair, constantly.


    Last side story of this volume, followed by a short side story continuation, then we move on to Volume 5!


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 Vol. 4 Chapter 3.2 - Lucid dream

    <h4>Vol. 4 Chapter 3.2 - Lucid dream</h4>


    ¡°You¡¯d better get some sleep. It¡¯s going to be hectic starting tomorrow. Ray, Jester, Seth, ine, and Yohn and Ivide. I have to introduce you to everyone. It¡¯s going to be crazy, so you better get some sleep.¡±


    For the first time, Aeroc finally learnt them. The names of the gem-like children. <i>He would introduce me to them?</i>


    The man who called himself a monster brushed a stray strand of hair off his forehead gently.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough now.¡±


    Kloff¡¯s voice sounded a little tired. Had he thought of stopping before? If Aeroc hadn¡¯t run away in despair that day, could the ending have been different? Aeroc held his breath as he imagined the impossible.


    ¡°Devils are best with monsters. I knew this would happen eventually. You win, Aeroc. It¡¯s my loss.¡±


    Despite his deration of defeat, he seemed somehow amused, or maybe even happy. d the horrible ending was a dream, Kloff pulled Aeroc closer. <i>I won¡¯t let you go now.</i> He repeated it over and over until he fell asleep.


    <i>Poor man. To imprint on something like me and end up falling in love.</i>


    Imprinting, the stuff of romanticised romance novels, was a remnant of an instinct that had almost disappeared. A hormonal disturbance developed by pregnant omegas to ensure their alpha¡¯s care. A few hundred years ago, when raising a child alone became possible, albeit with some difficulty, imprinting slowly disappeared, and love took its ce as the bond between alpha and omega. Their instincts became blurred between reason and emotion.


    It was usually those who had spent a long time with an Omega who became imprinted, so imprinted Alphas were mostly older people who had been with an Omega their entire lives. It was rare for someone to be imprinted at a rtively young age, but not unheard of. There were vague records of those with weak pure bloodlines who were unusually sensitive being imprinted in a fraction of the time. But at least for Klopp, he hadn¡¯t imprinted at first sight. He had definitely imprinted because he was in a rtionship that left him with unhealed mental pain.


    Like a person under a powerful hypnosis, the imprinted person became obsessed with a particr partner. If his needs weren¡¯t met, he was prone to serious violence, sometimes even self-inflicting. Therefore, hemitted sins he didn¡¯t have tomit. By his own admission, he had be a monster. Aeroc¡¯s heart ached.


    In the midst of Aeroc¡¯s sadness and pity, his joy slowly grew. It was selfish and cowardly of him. How many innocent people had he sacrificed, and yet he found himself rejoicing that he had finally won Kloff¡¯s love.


    A devil unable to shed a tear, and unworthy of it.


    That was who Aeroc Teiwind was.


    * * *


    The hot sun hit him in the face.


    He rubbed his sore eyes and pulled himself up. There was no strength in his limbs. Aeroc looked around and realised he wasn¡¯t in a room. He was alone on a bench in a marble gazebo in the middle of a garden filled with the dizzying scent of roses. Just a moment ago, that all-knowing man had been beside him.


    Aeroc¡¯s legs were shaky. His mind was foggy. But he didn¡¯t want to be alone in this rose garden. This was a ce that held too many memories. He had to get out before he was buried in them.


    Aeroc stepped on stone after stone. The scent of the roses seemed to grab his ankles. He could barely keep up with the heavy steps. A nearby estate gleamed in the distance.


    He stepped into the quiet entrance hall. He stood in the dark until his pupils dted again. When his vision cleared, he took in a familiar sight. Arge foyer and a staircase leading to the second floor. Intricate carvings and framed photographs of ages.


    Despite having a red carpet, the estate was silent enough to hear footsteps. The passing sights echoed vaguely in his eyes. His mind told him it was a ce he remembered. But nothing was familiar. It felt foreign. It was like a dream curtain had been drawn.


    <i>Who is that person here?</i>


    <i>All-knowing?</i>


    <i>Or unknowing?</i>


    Aeroc was in arge estate with the sound of air flowing loudly, and the only thing moving was himself. Maybe that person wasn¡¯t here, that would be the saddest thing imaginable.


    Somehow Aeroc found himself in front of the study. He could have gone to his mother¡¯s room, he could have gone to his own room, but it was the anticipation that drove him here. If he opened the door, maybe one day he p would see the sturdy back of a man studying a painting like he had seen in his dreams. Hopefully, it wasn¡¯t his vain hope.


    The door slid open without a sound and he could see into the study. Aeroc nced at the paintings, The Four Seasons, hanging in front of him. As he expected, that person wasn¡¯t there.


    The study felt strangely alive. Everything that had always been there, in its usual ce, had a strange liveliness about it, as if it coulde to life at any moment. It was strange. Aeroc looked around. The books were still left on the shelves, and the nibs of the pens on the desk still looked as if they had been glued together. Nothing had changed, so why?


    He stepped onto the creeping carpet. He made his way to the other side of the desk, to therge couch with its back facing the door. His favourite tea set was on the table, its end barely visible over the couch. As he rounded the corner of the couch to check the tea set, Aeroc saw a sight he couldn¡¯t believe.


    That person was there.


    Dressed in a shirt and vest, Kloff was sleeping on a small cushion. He was so tall that he was cramped on arge sofa that could easily seat three people. His ridiculously cute cloud-patterned nket was curled up in a bundle, barely covering his huge torso. Nevertheless, Kloff was fast asleep, unmoving and breathing regrly. His front hair was dishevelled on his t forehead. His sleeves were haphazardly rolled up and his arms were crossed, and his face, which was usually quite serious, was slightly dishevelled. He must have fallen asleep while working, documents were scattered on the floor.


    Aeroc had to get back to where he was before Kloff woke up. Or else he might get another terrible punishment, but his feet couldn¡¯t leave.


    When else could Aeroc observe Kloff sleeping like this? All he could imagine was Kloff waking up and seeing him raging like a cruel judge. But that was not who he really was.


    Kloff was a gentle man who kissed his beloved¡¯s fingers one by one.


    The man whoughed softly and whispered his love.


    A kind man who would stand by him more than anyone else.


    Aeroc¡¯s greed for another¡¯s love broke Kloff, but Aeroc finally had him in his hand. It was the result of an obsession he couldn¡¯t let go of after living for a second time.


    Aeroc reached out and touched his cheek. His head tilted naturally into his palm. Something hot red in his chest.


    ¡°¡­..Uhm¡­¡­ Le¡­¡­.¡±*


    The mumbled words were clearly the first letters of someone else¡¯s name. It was sad. How painful it must be to be around someone you don¡¯t want when you¡¯re still unconsciously missing him. I have to let him go. But I feel like I¡¯ll burn to death if I let you go. Not for a second time¡­¡­ Even if I can¡¯t hear your confession even as a lie.


    <i>You can call me selfish, but as long as you¡¯re here, I won¡¯t waste my second chance.</i>


    Aeroc dropped to his knees. And then he stole the lips of a beautiful man in his sleep. So that the curse would never be broken. May they live forever together, just the two of them.


    Naturally, Aeroc¡¯s hand moved up to his chest, and just as he felt warm lips on his, something moved beneath his hand. Aeroc turned his gaze down, startled. A tiny thing moved, and a tiny hand emerged from the nket.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    The fumbling hand pushed the nket away. Something made a series of ufortable gasps. Aeroc pulled the nket back.


    Ah.


    Unlike what Aeroc had imagined, a baby with dark chestnut hairy on top of arge body. He had one hand in his mouth and was sucking on the other, but then he lifted his head and looked at Aeroc. He blinked for a moment, then smiled.


    ¡°Ma.¡±


    Arge spear plunged into his chest.


    <strong>*</strong>Trantor¡¯s note: in korean, Rapiel(????) and Lenoc(??) start with the same letter ?. Kloff was calling for Lenoc here, but Aeroc thought he was calling for Rapiel.


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 Vol. 4.5 Chapter 1.1 - One fine evening

    <h4>Vol. 4.5 Chapter 1.1 - One fine evening</h4>


    After a few years of giving birth and frantically raising children, the sound of theirughter filled the spacious mansion with beauty. Like a sunken masterpiece, the once stark space sparkled like a new coat of colour.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°For giving me a treasure.¡±


    Aeroc stood beside Kloff and took his hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s usually said by the alphas, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Outwardly, I am an alpha, so save yourints. A thank you is a thank you.¡±


    Aeroc kissed his lover¡¯s lips lightly, which were pouting with interest and maybe a little displeasure.


    Lenoc and Eurea had filled his heart, but two children were hardly enough to fill the estate. However, they had agreed to remain childless for the time being. There was nothing wrong with Aeroc¡¯s health. When he objected, Kloff made vile threats that he would keep Aeroc locked up and impregnate him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already got three ticking time bombs running around under my nose, and I¡¯ve got enough on my te as it is, so I¡¯m going to have to politely decline the offer of a freakishly pretty angel who cries, eats, and poops once every two hours.¡±


    Was childcare that exhausting? Of course, Aeroc was exhausted too. Martha helped, and Hugo lent a hand during the day. But Martha had never broken her solemn promise to rest at night, and Hugo¡¯s help was rejected by Kloff.


    As an imprinted Alpha, he hated the idea of leaving Aeroc and the two children in the hands of another Alpha, as they were considered ¡®his territory¡¯. In fact, after Martha, Kloff was the only one who was more nurturing than Aeroc. Ever since Lenoc was born, it had been his job to carry the children and put them to bed.


    Sometimes it made Aeroc jealous, so he would asionally take the child and curl up in Kloff¡¯s big arms. Despite the weight, he neverined and stayed with Aeroc and the child until they fell asleep. At the same time, he maintained an active public life.


    Ever since he began working at the Treasury, Kloff¡¯s influence had grown with each passing day. As sessful as his life had been for a viscount without a title, Kloff was never satisfied.


    ¡°I will get a title.¡±


    ¡°A title? Isn¡¯t the Count enough?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not mine, it¡¯s yours.¡±


    ¡°What is mine is yours.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different.¡±


    No one could break Kloff¡¯s stubbornness. Thanks to him, the Teiwind house (nicknamed: Fearsome Captain Bendyke and three VIPs) was getting better after plowing through rough ice.


    Rapiel, who travelled abroad frequently, had recently returned home and set up his family at Wolke Vi, not too far from the Teiwind estate. Kloff had gone to visit him, grasping at straws indeed, and had left the two important kids he couldn¡¯t be bothered to worry about to be gone for a week. When Aeroc half-jokingly used him of selling out his children, Kloff was nonchnt.


    ¡°Lenoc likes Sioux and wants to sleep there. And so does Eurea.¡±


    ¡°Lenoc likes Sioux?¡±


    Aeroc repeated in disbelief, remembering his own son who frowned and looked as if he would be in trouble when he were Sioux.


    ¡°He¡¯s hating him because he likes him.¡±


    ¡°Well, considering Lenoc is your son, I suppose I can understand where thates from.¡±


    Aeroc felt a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu as he listened to Kloff spout off his logic. Firstborn sons take after their fathers. It made sense, somehow, that Lenoc would be like that. Still, it was the first time he¡¯d ever been away from his children for a week, and he was really worried.


    Without them, the estate suddenly felt like a tomb. Out of loneliness, Aeroc hovered by his spouse¡¯s side, but that man, minding his own business, didn¡¯t pay much attention to Aeroc. Aeroc knew Kloff was dealing with something really urgent, so he wasn¡¯t about to throw a childish tantrum. Instead, he plopped down on a nearby couch and opened a book. As Aeroc flipped through the pages in a bored manner, he suddenly spoke up.


    ¡°I wonder how Lenoc and Eurea are doing.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them. They¡¯re going to do fine no matter where they go.¡±


    Kloff was currently sitting at his desk in the cool, breezy study, still wrestling with papers. Because of Aeroc¡¯s brilliance yet utter uselessness when it came to money matters, he was in charge of the Teiwind count¡¯s ounts, amount of almost rivallingpanies, and all decisions regarding the general living and education of the family. He was also the primary caretaker of their children. Dealing with two children and chasing them around, he barely had time to keep up with all the paperwork and bills, and as soon as he did, he abandoned his spouse and went back to money matters.


    Kloff had said that if he had more time to himself afford it, he wouldn¡¯t have dropped the kids off at someone else¡¯s house. Aeroc believed those words. Already a decent enough partner, Kloff also wanted to be the perfect father. Sending the children away was not an easy decision, even for him. And to send them to the hated Wolke Vige?


    Kloff had a pile of receipts that threatened to get the house paralysed if he didn¡¯t deal with them. The butler, the cook, and even Martha¡¯s weekly sry were overdue. No one would be able to handle Martha¡¯s rage for not getting paid.


    ¡°Last month¡¯s bills are still piling up. This has no end.¡±


    Kloff grumbled and sorted through the receipts. It was bad enough that the Count was a spendthrift, but there were receipts for all sorts of supplies consumed at the estate, inquiries and letters from his vast estate,rge and small amounts, and the investment business he¡¯d started himself, as well as those from his enormous staff. From light decisions, to others that needed to be pondered deeply, everything demanded his attention.


    ¡°A week won¡¯t be enough.¡±


    The Teiwind Count, the real owner of the house, wanderedzily around Kloff in the midst of all this busyness. He was seated at a small tea table by a window withce curtains fluttering, absorbed in his reading, and sipped his strong tea with the same leisurely manner as if he were mocking Kloff. The sunlight bounced off his faded blond hair, reflecting it in an opalescent glow. Kloff worked diligently on his paperwork, asionally stealing nces at the beautiful man who used a chandelier to illuminate himself.


    ¡°Hmmm. The tea is just the right temperature, it smells wonderful.¡±


    Aeroc took a seat in the breeze and sipped the red liquid. He deliberately swirled the teacup slowly to spread the aroma and make sure he was heard. He didn¡¯t realise the money-grubbing cobbler was getting off from his heavy arse.


    Bulb farming was all the rage this year. Aeroc smiled wryly as he watched the beautiful, colourful flowers bloom in clusters. He hadn¡¯t always been that into gardening. Buttely, he had been having a lot of fun in it. Strangled the viin, following those words, Aeroc literally strangled the phallus of Kloff. Not realising that he got carried away with spending money, he had been buying up rare bulbs at international flower markets.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re not doing a soir¨¦e this year, or I¡¯d be dead in my papers by now.¡±


    The man with his nose buried in papers grunted. Aeroc nced at Kloff surreptitiously and twisted his lips.


    He nned to hold a nightly soir¨¦e when summer arrived and the flowers were in full bloom. It would be wonderful to y nocturnes on piano, violin, and cello. But even that would not be easy. For some reason, the cobbler, who controlled the house¡¯s finances, didn¡¯t like the idea of holding soir¨¦es, among other artistic activities. At one point, Aeroc prodded.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t object to buying paintings, why do you hate soir¨¦e so much?¡±


    ¡°A painting is a tangible thing. A soir¨¦e is a one-off. It¡¯s useless.¡±


    ¡°What a cheapskate.¡±


    In short, Kloff said, a painting or sculpture is an investment, but a soir¨¦e is not. Later, he told Aeroc that he wouldn¡¯t discourage him from attending recitals, and that Aeroc could feel free to buy tickets. But it was also important to y music yourself. Kloff didn¡¯t understand that rich emotional experiences are essential for children growing up.


    ¡°ying in front of a crowd builds confidence and a sense of responsibility for the event, and I can¡¯t have children who will seed the Count without practising putting themselves out there in public.¡±


    ¡°I, myself, turned out just fine without ying recitals.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re talking as a cheapskate cobbler.¡±


    ¡°Emotional experiences can¡¯t be bought by money, they¡¯re nurtured by running around in the great outdoors. That¡¯s what city kidsck.¡±


    ¡°Aha. Since I¡¯m from the city, so you¡¯ll have to take the children to the great outdoors yourself.¡±


    Kloff was silent. He was not in a position to take time off from the Treasury right now. When Aeroc red at him, he said something else to distract himself.


    ¡°Read a book. Get a poetry collection. Have a recital.¡±


    It was the least expensive presentation a damn hillbilly coulde up with. Aeroc bought the book, of course. But literature and music are two different things. No matter how many times Aeroc repeated to him that it was important to have an abundance of musical stimtion from an early age in order to be a good yer, his ears wouldn¡¯t listen. He¡¯d always known hecked musicality, buttely he¡¯d been secretly worried that he might be deaf.


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 Vol. 4.5 Chapter 1.2 - One fine evening

    <h4>Vol. 4.5 Chapter 1.2 - One fine evening</h4>


    ¡°I finally feel like I¡¯m alive now, without those children. Every time I work, I¡¯m afraid they¡¯ll cause an ident, so I have to put my ears open wide to their yroom.¡±


    ¡°The yroom is a long way from the study, but you can still hear them?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    The way he said it, with no particr tone, seemed to be honest. It was clear that he heard what he wanted to hear, as he was able to tune out the children on the other side of the house. He must have naturally urring earplugs in his ears.


    <i>Bad guy.</i>


    Something had to be done. As much as Kloff had adapted to being a wealthy count, Aeroc had adapted to the habits of a cobbler. Aeroc had to learn how to get exactly what he wanted, and the special ¡®pestering¡¯ move was the best and most efficient tool he had at his disposal. He couldn¡¯t devalue that action by using it too often. He needed to invent new methods.


    In the past, Aeroc would have beenpletely against sending Lenoc and Eurea to Wolke Vi, iming that he could never be away from them. But not this time. He had been waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of the situation, and Kloff also knew that.


    When Kloff¡¯s eyes met Aeroc¡¯s as he looked up from his tea, he smirked. But he didn¡¯t let go of his pen. Nor did he lean in and attempt a light kiss. Kloff was more patient than Aeroc thought. It was more like foolish stubbornness at times like this.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you didn¡¯t object to sending the kids away. What made you decide so?¡±


    ¡°Because sometimes you need a break, too.¡±


    There were other reasons as well. Rapiel also loved music, so Aeroc was nning to give him a simple soir¨¦e to thank him. The guests would be as limited as possible, about thirty people. There were plenty of flowers in the garden, so Aeroc could decorate the table with them, and for champagne¡­¡­ There were some at the warehouse, but he¡¯d have to woo the cobbler again, and he¡¯d need candles for thete night. Aeroc used up thest of his candles the other day. If he asked Kloff to buy a new box of one hundred¡­¡­ that cobbler would go on a rampage. What should he do¡­¡­.


    Setting the second cup of tea on the table, which had cooled in his contemtion, Aeroc nced towards the desk.


    Kloff, who had been so intently engrossed in his calctions a moment ago, was now leaning back in his chair, sound asleep.


    ¡°You were talking to me fine until just now.¡±


    Therge leather chair leaned back a little under his weight. The corners of the backrest, which generously supported hisrge frame, were slightly curved forward to make it easier to rest his head. Kloff rested his forehead against it and breathed regrly.


    ¡°Kloff?¡±


    Aeroc called softly. Kloff said he was sensitive to the sound of the distant yroom, but the current man made no response. His eyes were closed and hisplexion was unusually pale. It must be because he hadn¡¯t slept muchtely. With children and other household work, his days were already short, and when he had to juggle finances, he naturally got less sleep. At one point, Aeroc asked him if he could take a break from finances.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be just a countess.¡±


    Kloff stubbornly insisted. Aeroc asked why he needed to be on equal standing to his spouse.


    ¡°I hate the attitude of taking your superiority for granted.¡±


    The grumbling was quite sincere. Aeroc suspected he had something else up his sleeve, but he didn¡¯t say anything. Aeroc wondered why he suddenly felt the need for a title. It didn¡¯t feel like it was just a desire for status. It was his gut feeling, albeit without any base.


    In any case, it was a choice Kloff had made himself for secret reasons, and he rarelyined about it. Even now that he had a family, he tried to take care of things himself. Kloff Bendyke was an independent alpha. But it would be nice if he sometimes leaned on the Teiwind Count.


    Aeroc rose from his seat and approached the desk. Kloff, frowning and deeply asleep, looked oddly vulnerable. Aeroc felt very weak at this rare sight of him. His heart tightened. He wanted to reach out and touch him, to feel everything about him, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel the pity in the normally confident man¡¯s tired expression.


    Aeroc loosened Kloff¡¯s ck tie a little and unbuttoned his cor. His wellbed hair was slightly disheveled. Normally, when Kloff worked, he rolled up his sleeves to avoid getting ink on them. His arms resting on the armrests revealed well-developed muscles. Suddenly, the scene before him turned lustful.


    Even Aeroc, who was originally an alpha, didn¡¯t have such a fluffy body. After getting a hobby of gardening, his body now had some muscle. But it was qualitatively different from Kloff¡¯s. His slightly tanned muscles were like those of a mythical hero. His thigh muscles, especially those that showed through his well-tailored trousers, were like those of a stallion. Stallion¡­¡­. Aeroc licked his lips with his tongue as he mulled over the word he hade up with. This defenseless man belonged to him. Aeroc took pleasure in making sure of that, whenever he could. Now was no exception.


    Aeroc went quietly and locked the study door. It was unlikely anyone would stop by the study this afternoon, but just in case. Returning, Aeroc carefully crawled onto his alpha. Spreading his legs, he sat down on the firm muscles of Kloff¡¯s thighs. The chair creaked under their weight. Feeling the adult Alpha¡¯s weight on his leg, the other slowly lifted his eyelids. The moment his sleepy,nguid eyes met Aeroc¡¯s, Aeroc felt a shiver run down his spine. So this was the pleasure of corrupting an innocent soul, though in reality, it was more like holding the leash of a ferocious beast.


    ¡°What¡­¡­.¡±


    Still dazed, Kloff croaked in a hoarse voice. His lips, usually curled into a wicked smile, were adorable at the moment. Aeroc stole a kiss on those lips, cupping his hand around Kloff¡¯s angr jaw.


    ¡°Sleep more. We¡¯ve got plenty of time.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡­.¡±


    Continuing to nt small kisses on the alpha as he closed his eyes again, Aeroc undid his shirt buttons a little more, revealing a strong neck. Supported by massive pectoral muscles that swelled and sank with each breath, the neck writhed with life. Aeroc bit down lightly on the vampirically thick neck, and his opponent¡¯s hand on the armrest of the chair twitched slightly, a warm palm brushing against Aeroc¡¯s thigh. Kloff seemed to wake for a moment, then settled back down.


    Between the extra kisses, Aeroc undid Kloff¡¯s vest and waistband, and pulled his shirt out of his trousers. Aeroc ran his fingers along Kloff¡¯s abs, which had a more familiar curve than his own. At the tickle, Kloff flinched a little, but didn¡¯t wake up. He must have been very tired, and Aeroc felt a little sympathy for him, but Aeroc also wondered how he could be so unresponsive to his flirting. But Aeroc wasn¡¯t angry. Up until now, it had always been Kloff who had taken the initiative for sex. His lover¡¯s passionate acts always brought Aeroc to a satisfying climax. Sometimes, though, he wanted to explore his mate on his own. He wanted to stroke him, to bring him to climax with a look of distress, and this was his chance to do just that. The corners of Aeroc¡¯s lips raised up and he whispered in his lover¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Stay still, I¡¯ll make sure you get plenty of love.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡­.¡±


    Aeroc licked and nibbled at Kloff¡¯s ear, moving his hands more boldly. Aeroc started to caress his lower abs, then slipped his hands underneath. It was a little ufortable as his arms were slightly twisted, but Aeroc continued to kiss Kloff¡¯s jaw, his hand sliding down to stroke the thick, long, and almost as handsome part as the owner¡¯s face. Lush pubic hair tickled his wrist.


    Even when he groped in earnest at the vital nub, Kloff only frowned more, stubbornly refusing to wake up. Aeroc licked the corner of Kloff¡¯s lips with the tip of his tongue. A moan escaped Aeroc¡¯s lips as the thing in his hand grew harder andrger.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    Aeroc had originally wanted to disarm the highly effective and terrifying weapon of ¡®Abacus flick¡¯ at the sleepy Kloff, to somehow get a bottle of champagne out of him. However, that original purpose was long gone. The pleasure of initiating it himself had lost its light. All he wanted to do now was swallow Kloff and move his hips until his head was a mess. Soon, his ass was getting damp.


    The truth was, when Kloff was tired and busy, they were less likely to be avable for a proper sexual rtionship. When he was busy, Aeroc had to look after the children. Then, at night, he was all exhausted and knocked out. Aside from his boundless love for his children, it was physically draining.


    Sex was always satisfying, but the problem was the frequency. Aeroc couldn¡¯t even remember thest time they had good sex recently. As if being an imprinted Alpha and Omega weren¡¯t enough to keep them busy all day, they were overwhelmed with kids and chores, unable to fulfill their obligations as lovers. Aeroc wasn¡¯t the only one with an unsatisfied desire. Without proper stroking, the Alpha¡¯s towering penis had already stood out like a sore thumb. A few strokes and he was fully erect. Aeroc licked his lips with his tongue as he stared at the bulge that threatened to rip his trousers off at any moment.


    Kloff¡¯s brow furrowed a little deeper. It must be hard for him to get an erection in his sleep, and even if it wasn¡¯t, it would be very ufortable to have that huge thing crushed by his trousers. Aeroc had to quickly make himfortable. It was his duty as a spouse. Aeroc swiftly slid down the chair.


    He felt strangely guilty. He wondered if he was doing something immoral. However, unlike his mind, his trembling hands refused to back down. His fingertips, cold with nervousness, gingerly withdrew the thick, veined pole. Aeroc swallowed hard at the sight of the red tip of the monstrous penis towering above him, which seemed to have been waiting to be released. Aeroc hesitated, wondering if he should use his hand, his mouth, or¡­¡­ when was his heat cycle again?


    As he hesitated, the scent of an erect Alpha grew stronger and stronger. The familiar heat of his scent sent a shiver down his spine. Aeroc¡¯s downside was soaking wet, and he was painfully erect.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped, I swear to God, I can¡¯t help it. It¡¯s not my fault I can¡¯t remember when my heat cycle is, it¡¯s all the fault of a cobbler who didn¡¯t do his best as a lover.¡±


    With no one listening, Aeroc muttered a futile excuse, shucking off his shoes and socks, then his trousers and underwear, and crawling back on top of the appetising alpha.


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 Vol. 4.5 Chapter 1.3 - One fine evening

    <h4>Vol. 4.5 Chapter 1.3 - One fine evening</h4>


    Read the first part of the chapter here (nsfw)


    * * *


    Orange light poured through the window. It was clearly early afternoon just now, but the sun was already setting. Sprawled out on the desk, Aeroc cast anguid nce at the w nibbling at his thigh. Sprawled between his legs on the desk, Kloff was exploring him with the same seriousness with which he¡¯d dealt with the papers earlier. Aeroc didn¡¯t know how many times he¡¯d already climaxed. It was Aeroc who was squeezed away everyst drop.


    ¡°Are you tired already? I would love to have another go.¡±


    ¡°You animal.¡±


    Aeroc closed his thighs around Kloff, trapping the hand that was rubbing deep inside him, and nudged the tip of his strong chin with his toe. Catching the paw rubbing against his chin, Kloff smirked and nibbed Aeroc¡¯s thumb with his teeth.


    ¡°What do you want this time? A hundred boxes of candles for a night party?¡±


    Of course. The cobbler already knew what Aeroc was up to.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be enough.¡±


    Aeroc pulled out the toe that had been bitten. His foot rubbed against the hard muscles of the alpha¡¯s chest and stomach, which were dangerously exuding masculinity in the aftermath of their sex. As the toe slowly moved downward, reaching the beginning of the thick pubic haid, Aeroc rubbed his other leg against the alpha¡¯s thigh.


    ¡°Thirty bottles of wine in the cer.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­.¡±


    When Aeroc added that they could be auctioned off in 10 years, Kloff mused. It would have a deeper vour then, but it would also be fine to enjoy the lighter vours than the richer ones.


    It was Aeroc who ended his opponent¡¯s hesitation. He pushed through the bush, his foot pressing down hard on the roots of the solid member.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Gritting his teeth in agreement, Kloff swatted at the foot rubbing against his lower part.


    ¡°These damn legs.¡±


    Spitting profanities, Kloff spread Aeroc¡¯s legs and wrapped them around his waist. He red fiercely at his smirking mate.


    ¡°Brace yourself.¡±


    ¡°Do what you want.¡±


    Aeroc smirked, taking the impatient alpha in his arms.


    Neither of them left the study until the setting sun had faded and the blue night had taken over.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 1</h4>


    <strong>Note:</strong> This is the side story that (most of) you guys have been waiting for! In this side story, Kloff from V1 regressed back to before the initial tea party. It¡¯s told in Aeroc¡¯s POV, but he has no memories of V1 at all. Enjoy this rollercoaster ride, everyone!


    Aged stone buildings stood in a row facing the narrow road. The sun was high in the sky, but it struggled to reach the five-story buildings that pierced the sky. A sliver of light barely reached the street.


    The disinteresting wooden door, which could have been anywhere on a street crowded with carriages, was darkened by the weight of the wood. Above the door gleamed a square copper que.


    [Legal Advisor Office, K. Bendike].


    Aeroc ced his hand on the heavy ironwork, but he couldn¡¯t knock on it. It had taken him a week to get here after deciding to visit this ce. He¡¯d arrived on this street in the morning fog, and by the time he¡¯d made it up the stairs, it was already nearly midday. Aeroc¡¯s carriage was waiting by the side of the road, ready to pick him up and return at any moment. Every passing in the narrowness of the street made the coachman frown in his direction. Gentlemen anddies passing on the narrow sidewalks also regarded Aeroc strangely as he hesitated at the door. Rather than being misunderstood as suspicious, they were simply curious about a man lingering in front of a famouswyer¡¯s office.


    As time passed, the number of passersby on the street increased, as did the frequency of stares in his direction. Aeroc had to make a decision, and quickly. Grab the door and knock vigorously, or hurry back to the estate with the carriage.


    Should he just go back?


    In fact, from the moment Aeroc left the estate, he already wanted to go back. He wanted to go back to the library, which boasted a magnificent collection of books, and finish the book he had left off while sipping tea. Or he could go back to practising the violin piece he¡¯d been struggling with all week. If not, he could go to the art gallery and look at paintings and sculptures. Even going to see a terrible, bad y would be better than knocking on this door.


    Aeroc loved books. Music, art. He revered and cherished all things that could bebeled as art. He also loved the Teiwind Count¡¯s venerable rose garden and the banquets held there. There was much in the world that Aeroc liked, and little that he disliked. The same was true of people. A day was not long enough formunion where nothing but goodwill was exchanged, and so it was a very unhappy day when he had to meet the most unpleasant person to look at. In order to do something he did not want to do.


    If you¡¯ve ever had a financial problem to deal with, go and meet Kloff Bendyke.


    Aeroc had already been told by three different people that if there was onepetent financialwyer in the hundreds of thousands of people in the vast capital who could help Aeroc, it was Bendyke. So said the Viscount Derbyshire, an elderly man who worked closely with histe father and was always avable to lend his wisdom. The Viscount Westport, his only rtive in the capital, also mentioned Bendyke. The most surprising of the three rmendations was that of the Marquis Wolke. Rmendation aside, he was shocked to learn that the Marquis knew Bendyke well. When did he make a connection with Wolke?


    Although Bendyke came from a baron family, he was the second son, so he didn¡¯t have a title, and even if he did, it wouldn¡¯t be a big one. The Bendykes were frugal, to say it positively, and poor, to say it negatively, with an estate in a very remote mountainous area. Not to mention the family¡¯s reputation. How they came to be associated with the Marquis Wolke, the closest member of the imperial family and a man of great fame and wealth, was beyond Aeroc. The Viscount Derbyshire, who had a natural talent for increasing his wealth, liked this guy enough to write him a letter of introduction.


    What on earth was so desirable about him?


    Aeroc¡¯s hand slid down from the handle. Not today, after all. It would be better to bring someone else next time. He was just about to turn around. Suddenly, the door flew open. Aeroc almost jumped in ce in surprise. If it weren¡¯t for histe father¡¯s strict teaching, he would have screamed.


    It was none other than Kloff Bendyke, who grabbed the doorknob and spoke coldly.


    ¡°Stop troubling so many people and juste in.¡±


    Startled, Aeroc let out a pathetic cry.


    ¡°How did you know I was here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so insensitive as to not notice a carriage that¡¯s been standing there all morning.¡±


    A sneer shed across the masculine face with dark chestnut hair and a slight tan, and the moment Aeroc recognised him, he wanted to scream that he would never again in his life speak to a moribund creature like this man. However, Aeroc couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. Before he knew it, his legs were moving of their own ord.


    The man who looked more like a soldier than awyer, or perhaps a pirate captain, allowed only the minimum of space between them. The space between them narrowed as they stepped through the door. Aeroc was impably dressed in shirt, vest, and jacket. Bendyke,ing out of his office, wore a shirt and vest. Even with fiveyers of fabric between them, the radiant heat from the other¡¯s body was raising Aeroc¡¯s body temperature. The skin on his face, unprotected by any shield, tingled from the heat. Unable to bear it, Aeroc turned his head away first.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    The words were meant to be an invitation to back off, but Bendyke didn¡¯t move an inch, his body as rigid as a stone devil statue preying on a restless soul. Aeroc nced up, and a small smile tugged at his tightly closed lips.


    Shit. Maybe he should have said nothing and walked past.


    Aeroc paced quickly, inwardly regretting his decision. He¡¯d tried to put as much distance between them as possible, but the traditional porch couldn¡¯t amodate two alpha males at the same ce. A shoulder wrapped in soft silk touched the other man¡¯s chest. That man should have been pushed back naturally, but he was like a solid rock, and Aeroc bounced back slightly. The sensation of contact was uncannily sharp, sending a chill down his spine.


    Unlike Aeroc, who was like a ss hit against a silver spoon, there was no sign of agitation from the tall man. The rude bastard, incapable of showing any consideration except the bare minimum of courtesy, was often deliberately provocative. Even now, as the man closed the door, he deliberately stretched his arm over Aeroc¡¯s shoulder. The man¡¯s shirt almost brushed against his cheek.


    <i>Bang. Whump.</i>


    Bendyke shut the door firmly behind him. Aw office was supposed to be a ce where important documents were kept. But to Aeroc, it felt like a sinister ploy to iste him from the world. It was an anxiety-inducing imagination, showing how much Aeroc was ufortable with the man known as Kloff Bendyke.


    ¡°This way.¡±


    As he spoke, Bendyke stretched out his arm to indicate the direction, but did not lead the way. Aeroc was the Teiwind Count. Wherever and whoever he met, hemanded the deepest respect. He didn¡¯t remember chasing anyone¡¯s tail through the narrow passageways. And yet, for this moment, Aeroc wished he was a worker, not even a gentleman, and that Bendyke walked at his front side.


    ¡°Count?¡±


    It was a simple call, with no honorifics attached. It was a very arrogant thing to say, considering their difference in status, but Aeroc missed the chance to argue. He was forced to follow the unspoken order. The few steps from the front door to the office felt like the thorny path of a persecuted outcast.


    Aeroc hated the way the other man looked at him. More precisely, Aeroc hated the way the man¡¯s gaze swept over his entire body. The opium-zed gaze had followed Aeroc from the moment they first met. It was lustful, and it didn¡¯t hesitate to gaze at his private parts. Its hostility was palpable.


    Once inside the office, the door mmed shut again. With the closing of just those two doors, Aeroc was trapped in Bendyke¡¯s territory. His breath caught in his throat. His instinct urged him to scream and run, but his reasoning reminded him of his responsibilities as the head of a family and scolded him not to be weak.


    ¡°Sit.¡±


    The owner of the office was seated in a leather-wrapped, armless chair. An inkwell and pens, various leather notebooks, and a thick book that appeared to be aw book sat in front of a cluttered desk. Bendyke sank into a heavy chair behind the desk. It seemed like he had no intention of making tea.


    Aeroc braced his buttocks against the chair and straightened his back as best he could. Not only was he not in a position to lean back against the well-worn chair back, but the mere fact that he was in unwee alpha territory made him nervous.


    The man who had created the icy atmosphere shifted his gaze to the papers on his desk, as if he didn¡¯t see Aeroc. He scribbled something with foul-smelling ink.


    Scribble. The grip of hisrge hand was strong, and the sound of the nib scratching the paper was clear. It was amon quill, but as it sliced through the colourful feathers, it felt like a knife slicing through the air. Caught up in the tension, Aeroc stared at it mesmerised, suspended in thought. He felt afraid of that hand. It looked like it could tear through his body at a moment¡¯s notice and grasp at his very source of life.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t youe here to talk about something?¡±


    A low voice woke Aeroc. The pen stopped and a pair of fierce eyes stared back at him, tant hostility in them. Aeroc curled his hand into an involuntary fist. If he hadn¡¯t been wearing soft sheepskin gloves, his sweaty palms would have dried on his trousers.


    ¡°Make it quick, I¡¯m busy.¡±


    There was a hint of annoyance in his tone. For a moment, Aeroc blushed. He wasn¡¯t the type of person to be so s¨¦ as to think nothing of the unrefined way he was being looked at and spoken to. He was insulted enough, but the only reason he didn¡¯t storm out was because he was in desperate need.


    Aeroc wanted to start the conversation with gratitude and praise for the other man. Not because he liked Bendyke, but because it was polite to do so. He would usually begin with a reference to the tea and teacup he had been served, or, if he could, the weather. This time, a mention of the weather wasn¡¯t appropriate, as the office windows were curtained, let alone tea, which the owner had no intention of serving. After some thought, he came up with a suitable topic.


    ¡°Your office is very¡­¡­ academic, I¡¯m surprised.¡±


    It¡¯s not easy topliment an office filled withw books, documents and the smell of ink and paper. As a schrly space, it¡¯s easy to be respectful, but with Bendyke as the owner, it took Aeroc a while to get a positive word out of his mouth that didn¡¯t imply a particr meaning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for you to talk about an office you don¡¯t care about, and it¡¯s not like we¡¯re meeting for close-knitted socialising.¡±


    Bendyke¡¯s brow creased. He did not conceal his slightest displeasure. It seemed like Aeroc had offended him. Aeroc thought about what he had done, but his refined self hadn¡¯t done anything wrong.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Just as Aeroc couldn¡¯t hold it any longer and was about to say something rude, Bendyke threw down his pen and leaned back. Therge-backed leather chair, unlike the guest chair, tipped over with a loud tter. That made Bendyke¡¯s unusually broad shoulders seem even broader.


    ¡°How much did you lose?¡±


    Bnedyke didn¡¯t give him a moment¡¯s pause, and Aeroc, stunned by the bluntness of the question, mped his mouth shut and red at the other man. Bendyke¡¯s eyes pierced through him, their depths unknown, like a swamp hidden in a dark demon forest. He felt like an animal shot with a poisoned arrow. His thighs tightened of their own ord.


    ¡°How rude.¡±


    Aeroc snapped back coldly. But the predator smirked, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.


    ¡°Judging by the fact that you¡¯vee for a rude penny pincher who has no honour and only follows the trail of money, you must be in serious trouble, so why waste your time? You don¡¯t want to have a long meeting with the detestable human being, do you? I share that same sentiment.¡±


    Aeroc had called Bendyke that once, and the fact that he hadn¡¯t forgotten it only increased Aeroc¡®s disgust for him. And that same sentiment? He¡¯s only Kloff Bendyke¡¯s, yet how dare he speak of his dislike of this Aeroc Teiwind? It was not the devil who could vent his dislike, but himself, who was in so much trouble that he had to hold the devil¡¯s hand, that he had to visit an office that was like the devil¡¯sir. He had shown the least sincerity in wrapping his dislike in civility, which was Aeroc¡¯s birthright, and yet the insolent man had lowered himself to his level with the word ¡®same sentiment¡¯.


    It was an intolerable insult. Even in the midst of a great economic crisis, a man of honour and dignity could not allow himself to be entangled with such a person.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think this is something to discuss with you.¡±


    Aeroc scrambled to his feet. He hadn¡¯t taken off his hat or gloves anyway. All he had to do was turn back.


    Bendyke cupped his chin in his hand. A towering nose, a strong jaw. And the fact that he used his coolly drawn lips only for sarcasm like that was a special, and unique, trick.


    ¡°Are you running away?¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s cobwebbed patience snapped. His hostility was tant.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault foring to a bastard like you in the first ce.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite hurtful. I¡¯m only sorry that I¡¯m so happy to have the Count here.¡±


    In terms of sarcasm, this guy had to be one of the top in the capital, if not the empire. It was a foolish act to deal with him.


    Aeroc stormed out of the office. Or he tried to, but he couldn¡¯t get the lock right. It nked several times, until Bendyke stepped in and unlocked it for him. Aeroc didn¡¯t even bother to thank him.


    Fortunately, the front door swung open with the turn of a knob. He ran down the short flight of stairs and into the carriage.


    ¡°Master?¡±


    When the coachman asked what was going on, he simply replied, ¡°To the estate.¡± Aeroc mmed the carriage door shut and sat down in a chair to cool his boiling stomach. As he cast his gaze out the carriage window, his eyes naturally fell on the office window. The half-light cotton curtains were parted slightly, creating a gap through which Aeroc could see that man. Aeroc stared at him, his eyes locked on the man¡¯s.


    ¡°Hurry up and go!¡±


    Aeroc barked at the coachman.


    Giddy-up.


    The coachman¡¯s voice rang loudly as he roused the horses. Trot, trot, trot. The carriage started down the road. The further they travelled from the demon¡¯sir, the more loosened his breathing became, and the more he rxed. But the strange indignity of entering his space, of being covered from head to toe, continued to cause a small tremor. The sensation was akin to sexual embarrassment.


    ¡°Filthy bastard.¡±


    Biting his lip at the end of the word, Aeroc tried to push the sensation of shame and humiliation out of his body. It was not easy.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 2.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 2.1</h4>


    The year after his ailing but otherwise healthy father died for no particr reason, the first rose garden tea party hosted by Aeroc as the Count of Teiwind was in full swing after he took over the family crest in his early twenties.


    A time-honored tradition, the midday banquet was ostensibly an ordinary garden tea party, a time for socialising, but in reality it was a human arena where people were valued,beled, invested in, or even got their names remembered . It was also a ce where greedy calctions were made about the likelihood of some significant emotional rtionship between two people, and whether it would be okay to dere their union in the name of God. With considerations of how it would benefit their family.


    While acknowledging the best of the best in his acquaintances, strangers, and himself, Aeroc was ufortable with the mix of ttery, envy, and jealousy. With a high sense of self-respect, a broad and deep education, and a rich artistic sensibility that is the very essence of aristocracy, he found the sight of such naked greed deeply offensive. Were it not for family tradition, he would never have organized such aborious market himself, and he rarely epted event invitations from other families.


    ¡°I hope it¡¯ll be over soon.¡±


    The scent of roses was headache-inducingly strong today. Aeroc escaped the rose garden and found a spot with fresh tree dreadlocks. Unlike the gardens, which were open to visitors, there were trails that were only used by members of the family and close friends. He had distant rtives, but none he interacted with often, so it was safe to say the ce was solely for Aeroc¡¯s use for now.


    Cool giant trees, their towering trunks reaching for the sky, lined both sides of the gravel path. Stomp. The crisp echo of the stonesbined with the wind rushing through the millions of leaves at the same time was refreshing. Aeroc walked slowly, breathing in the fresh air. It washed his lungs from the poison of humans who were losing their innocence and filled him with the freshness of nature instead. The gills of his soul pped eagerly, unable to contain their joy.


    The sun¡¯s rays, like special lights on a theater stage, pierced through the clusters of green foliage and struck the ground. At the end of the path, where the beams of light were thick, there stood someone. It was a man he¡¯d never seen before.


    Aeroc knew he was an Alpha in just one look, his massive body looking as if he was a cedar tree incarnate. That person was ring towards this side. His pupils, which looked like they¡¯d been chiseled out of an abyss, held a fearsome aura. His instincts sensed danger. Aeroc ignored the warning to retrace his steps and return to the estate, for histe father¡¯s strict teachings were still his most important principles. The vast estate, including the trails, belonged to Teiwind. The Teiwind had stood firm and unwavering throughout the ages, now he was the lord of this rose kingdom. It was simply not possible for Aeroc to give up the trails that belonged to him for the sake of a stray visitor.


    As Aeroc closed the distance, the outline of the unwee visitor came into view. The man¡¯s eyes were well above his head, forcing him to lift his chin and look up, even though Aeroc was by no means short. His dark suit was shapeless, emphasizing his towering frame and coolly outstretched legs. With his head held high, the man had a piercing, intense gaze. If one wasn¡¯t a king or a prima donna ustomed to the intense gaze, they would have shivered, unable to resist the fearsome stare that immediately followed. But more than anyone else, Aeroc was used to that re. Especially from a man like him, who didn¡¯t know his own standing and judgement. To a newbie who showed an obsession and possessiveness to someone he shouldn¡¯t dare to look at.


    The way he stood like a statue the entire time he watched Aeroc approach was annoying, as was the cocky look in his eyes. It was like a master waiting to be worshiped by a servant. It was clear that he misunderstood Aeroc as someone else. Aeroc was going to give him a mild warning and move on, but then he decided to humiliate this man.


    The distance grew closer. Aeroc turned away from that man and threw his gaze farther ahead. He kept up his walking pace. As the distance between them began to disappear and reappear, Aeroc warned in a cold tone.


    ¡°This ce is only for our aristocracy.¡±


    He looked like any other poor aristocrat or gentry. But Aeroc had no intention of treating him as such. This man was stupid and pathetic, but Aeroc wouldn¡¯t have treated him like a lowlife if he¡¯d known his own ce. Aeroc smirked to himself and brushed past the man.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d be the one to greet me.¡±


    The unpleasant sarcasm stopped Aeroc in his tracks. Otherwise, there was no reason for him to pay attention to this young man. Just as Aeroc was about to turn around to see if the man was talking to him, an ugly hand reached out and gripped his upper arm firmly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten a lot better while I¡¯ve been gone. Hell hath not weed you, cursed demon.¡±


    The strong grip threatened to shatter Aeroc¡¯s bone and muscle. Aeroc was taken by surprise with the pain, but he was too stunned to respond.


    The venom that poured from the two burning eyeballs was vile. And the thick fangs that sat between his twisted lips twitched as if they could chew on a raw heart. If this man was right, if there was indeed a damned demon that Hell weed, wouldn¡¯t that be this man himself?


    ¡°Let go.¡±


    Aeroc barely managed to get the simple demand out. However, the strength he put into pulling his hand was totally resisted. His gripped arm grew numb from the pressure on his veins. Even in the midst of the tense struggle, the other person seemed rxed. In fact, Aeroc was the only one using enough strength to actually lose his breathing.


    The violent creature wasn¡¯t just big, he was actually frighteningly strong. Not only did he have no trouble holding the struggling adult alpha down, but he was also able to look him up and down with ease.


    ¡°Even though you¡¯re a fucking bastard, you¡¯re just so¡­¡­ beautiful that I can¡¯t stop swearing.¡±


    ¡°Hu¡­¡­ go¡­¡­.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s stiffened tongue called out the name of the one he trusted most. But his voice didn¡¯t ring out loud enough as his whole body tensed in protest.


    ¡°Here you go again, acting like an arrogant aristocrat, with not the slightest hint of remorse¡­¡­ You¡¯re just perfect at it.¡±


    Then heughed with glee. With a maniacal grin on his face, he lowered his head. Aeroc felt like white teeth were going to bite the nape of his neck at any moment. When the man¡¯s hot breath actually touched the base of his neck, the hairs on his head stood on end.


    ¡°Still a selfish, self-centered, bloodless, tearless bastard, that¡¯s what you are, Aeroc Teiwind, aren¡¯t you? Almost got me fooled by the chiseled tombstone like a fool or something, expecting me to admit my defeat to a devil with a heart of ice.¡±


    Then that man pressed his lips to Aeroc¡¯s neck and under his jaw. They were so hot that it felt burning, but also cold enough to make his heart race. Aeroc¡¯s brain refused to work with the difference in temperature between inside and out, and his reasoning was soon paralyzed. Just as the venomous creature¡¯s lips were about to swallow his breath, Aeroc suddenly realized that his other arm was free.


    Thud!


    Aeroc mmed his fist into the other¡¯s cheekbone. But his arm was still firmly held. Watching the head slowly turn, Aeroc swung his fist again.


    Thud.


    His wrist was caught. As a human, the opposite person also had two arms.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to remind you of your ce.¡±


    The man¡¯s cheekbones must have hurt, and he red at Aeroc in disgust. A cruel sneer crossed his backlit face. Aeroc¡¯s ribs tightened and his lungs heaved. His pounding heart threatened to burst at the slightest shock. Fear rose from beneath Aeroc¡¯s shuffling feet and threatened to engulf his entire body.


    Suddenly, Aeroc heard a shuffling sound. There was someone on the other side of the cypresses that stretched along the trail that branched off from the boardwalk. The man must have noticed, too, because his gaze darted in that direction. Aeroc¡¯s instinct told him that this was his only chance.


    ¡°Hugo!¡±


    Aeroc yelled with all his might. It was a desperate cry, enough to get the attention of the person on the other side, even if they weren¡¯t his trusted butler.


    ¡°I¡¯ve long since kicked that old man out, don¡¯t you know that?¡±


    ¡°Hugo! Hugo!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve abandoned me in this horrible living hell, and now you demon, you¡¯re merrily pretending that you know nothing. Just before, you tried to draw pity out of me with all sorts of pitiful pretenses, begging me to show you the children you¡¯ve carried, but now, the name that you can think of in urgency is that old butler.¡±


    ¡°You crazy bastard!¡±


    ¡°Why? Why don¡¯t you ask for Rapiel? You¡¯ve been talking nonsense to that child, telling him you¡¯re his mother. Haven¡¯t you?¡±


    This man was spouting nonsense. He was a brain-damaged madman, he seemed to think Aeroc was an omega who had fathered a child. This was horrible. Aerocpletely ignored the madman¡¯s words and screamed desperately, not forgetting to struggle.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 2.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 2.2</h4>


    ¡°Master?¡±


    The voice from the other side belonged to a gardener working in the estate.


    ¡°Help! There¡¯s a madman here!¡±


    ¡°Shut up. I am the master of this house.¡±


    ¡°Let go!¡±


    Aeroc iled his gripped arms wildly, but the man didn¡¯t let go of him. Aeroc¡¯s shoulder felt like it was going to fall off. Aeroc kicked the man¡¯s log-like shins and stomped on his foot. Aeroc tried to kick him in the groin, but the distance between them was too close for that.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    The gardener rushed over, his eyes widening at the sight of the struggling Aeroc. When the man spotted the gardener, he frowned.


    ¡°Who are you? I don¡¯t remember hiring someone like you.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a madman! Get him out of here!¡±


    ¡°Please let go!¡±


    The gardener lunged at him, trying to wrestle him away from his master. The old gardener was stronger than Aeroc, but he was no match for the madman. Still, this was two men against one. Aeroc thought it would be easy to get apart. But no matter how Aeroc resisted as best he could and the gardener getting between them, he couldn¡¯t shake the man off.


    ¡°Is anyone there? There¡¯s a madman here! Master is in danger!¡±


    Finally, the gardener gave up trying and ran to call for help. The servants, who had been all over the garden for a tea party in the rose garden, heard the cry and appeared one by one. It took the returning gardener and two young men to pull him off the ground.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    The startled gardener looked worriedly at Aeroc, who was breathing heavily. Aeroc hadn¡¯t bothered to straighten his crumpled clothes. He stumbled backward, fed up with the man¡¯s struggle to get to him, even though he was being held back by two men.


    ¡°This ce has be the devil¡¯sir.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, the man continued to reach for Aeroc. Those who had noticed themotion rushed over. It took four or five men to subdue him once and for all.


    ¡°Aeroc!¡±


    A terrifying voice called his name. Aeroc swept a shaky hand through his tangled hair. His palms glistened with sweat from his forehead. As he reached for a handkerchief to wipe his hands, his vision spun and his legs wobbled. After slowing his breathing, Aeroc turned to the gardener standing beside him and quietly ordered.


    ¡°He must be a madman sneaking in during the tea party. Get him out of here before the guests realize it.¡±


    The gardener nodded and walked over to the men who were struggling to subdue the madman and ryed his master¡¯s words.


    ¡°You devil, don¡¯t think this is the end of it, not even in hell!¡±


    That man cursed something, a soul-crushing voice that haunted Aeroc long after he¡¯d turned away from the rows of cypress.


    Sitting in his study, the ce where he felt most secure, Aeroc closed his eyes and caught his breath. As his rapidly rising pulse slowly found its rhythm, Hugo came in with a hot cup of tea, a rich brew that was overflowing with a luscious aroma. Aeroc¡¯s hands no longer trembled as he epted the mug.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Of course, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve selected a few of the more able-bodied men to check around the estate, inside and out.¡±


    It was quite a shock. But it wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected, which was why Aeroc hadn¡¯t been neglecting his physical fitness and honing his swordsmanship and marksmanship. It was just that it was so sudden, and he hadn¡¯t expected to be attacked in the safety of his estate, which was why he hadn¡¯t reacted quickly enough. When the hot tea in his mouth was just at the right temperature, Aeroc swallowed slowly. The vorful tea slid down his esophagus, and with it, the final aftermath from the madman dissolved.


    ¡°I once encountered an insolent baron at Duchess yton¡¯s party.¡±


    Aeroc was reminded of the incident. The guy had been so shallow and devoid of charm that Aeroc hadn¡¯t even given him a second nce, and the guy had half-turned and attacked him while secretly admiring him. The guy was dead drunk, and it took ce at the Duchess of yton¡¯s mansion, so Aeroc handled it quietly for her dignity¡¯s sake, making not many people know about it. It only served to make the Duchess, who had always been fond of Aeroc, pay more attention to him.


    ¡°However, this is the first time it happened inside this estate.¡±


    ¡°He must have snuck in during a tea party. He might even have forged an invitation.¡±


    At that, Hugo nodded for a moment. Even if Aeroc didn¡¯t tell him to, the butler would check the invitations against each other to find out who he was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know his name. It¡¯s obviously a ploy by those people. It¡¯s better to forget it altogether.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    After that, Hugo never mentioned this incident again. From then on, the gatekeepers at the estate would stop all carriages, including the familiar ones, and check to see who they were.


    The season passed, and winter set in. Aeroc had, as he said, forgotten all about it. His life was all music, art, books, tea. His life was so filled with clever friends and loving rtives that he had no reason to care about such an unsavory incident.


    Aeroc braved the bitter wind to visit the Royal Conservatory of Music. It was to attend thest concert of the conductor, one of the best violinists to Aeroc, now a revered maestro. He had the best seat in the house for the entire performance. Aeroc marveled, sighed, and smiled countless times at the symphony¡¯s magnificent harmonies, the soloist¡¯s delicate phrasing, and the conductor¡¯s impable interpretation of the piece.


    During the encore, Aeroc pped until his palms tingled. The musician was busy traveling the world, but while he¡¯s in the capital, Aeroc would like to invite him to the estate for a chat, and if possible, ask him for guidance as a violinist. As soon as the curtain came down after the encore, Aeroc hurried backstage, which was only open to the high-end members of the Royal Conservatory¡¯s generous patrons, but today the King and Queen beat him to it.


    It had been a long time since he had seen the King, who was old and not in the best of health, looking so rxed. Perhaps the conductor would be invited to the pce. s, one can¡¯t stand up to His Majesty, so Aeroc would have to find the secretary, give his business card, and turn around.


    Normally, Alpha and Omegas traveled to concerts in pairs; in aristocratic society, where open romance was almost impossible before betrothal, concerts at night were a great opportunity to get to know someone you liked and strike up a casual rtionship.


    Aeroc, however, preferred to go alone, as having someone beside him meant he had to be considerate and share his assessment of the music, which would distract from his appreciation. It would be difficult to find the backstage area after the performance, and often he would have to go back early if the other person became unwell. That would be a definite downer, so Aeroc preferred to be alone.


    ¡°Today¡¯s performance was especially wonderful.¡±


    epting the coat, silk hat, and cane he¡¯d entrusted to the Conservatory¡¯s serving steward, Aeroc stepped out through the grand hall, which was decorated in the golden colors of the Royal Conservatory. A fairly wide staircase led from the white marble entrance of the conservatory to the carriage way.


    ¡°Here!¡±


    ¡°Master!¡±


    ¡°Mydy, this way!¡±


    The concert had just ended, and the coachmen were busy peering into the distance, searching for their masters among the roaring crowd. It was horrible to think of himself struggling and getting knocked around in all that chaos. Aeroc slipped to the edge of the stairs and walked through the little clearing. Knowing all too well how this would turn out, Aeroc had already had his coachman wait a short distance away.


    As he walked down the dimly lit street, Aeroc thought again of the soulful melody of the music. He was particrly fond of the melodious solo part. His hand that wasn¡¯t holding the cane plucked invisible chords of its own ord. Instead of strings, the cane swayed slightly back and forth.


    His chest heaved and his heart clenched. It was like falling in love. The only things that gave him this sensation were melodies from instruments, the words on pages, and the colors on canvases.


    As he followed the tune in his head with a low hum, he awoke to find himself in an unfamiliar ce. Aeroc read a nearby sign and realized he was way past the allocated location.


    ¡°Oh my.¡±


    Aeroc muttered, feeling a little embarrassed that he¡¯d gotten so caught up in the invisible music. Aeroc quickly turned around. The path wasn¡¯t that narrow, but there were two elders walking side by side in the middle of the street, there wasn¡¯t much room for all of them to pass. Moreover, they were walking too slowly. Aeroc had no choice but to cross between them.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    Aeroc grabbed his hat, bowed his head slightly, and nudged them both slightly. Most of the time, they would just apologize and part ways. If they were offended, they¡¯d just curse a little.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 2.3

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 2.3</h4>


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    Suddenly, one of the men shouted and stomped off. Aeroc turned around and saw hispanion helping the fallen man to his feet, shouting ¡°Hey, you!¡±.


    ¡°Is your shoulder broken?¡±


    ¡°Wait, it¡¯s a broken shoulder, then I¡¯ll have to be out for the next six months, and who¡¯s going to take care of my wife, old mother, and five kids?¡±


    The exaggeration sounded like a con man. Aeroc frowned and turned to leave, but the man whose shoulder had just been shattered jumped to his feet and grabbed him.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to pay for my medical bills.¡±


    ¡°Alimony, plus living expenses.¡±


    ¡°I thought you said you broke your shoulder? It looks fine.¡±


    ¡°This, my shoulder.¡±


    Suddenly, the man grabbed his other shoulder and grunted. The way the two of them were beating the crap out of each other, it was as if they¡¯d been nning this all along. It¡¯s not often that he was bothered by such lowlifes. His euphoria quickly turned to muddy water. Aeroc had no desire to fall for their scams, but he didn¡¯t want to waste time here. He didn¡¯t want to ruin a good night.


    ¡°How much would be enough?¡±


    Aeroc pulled his wallet from the inside pocket of his coat. Their faces changed as they saw the gold coins and bills. One of them suddenly limped.


    ¡°My leg is broken too.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, this is bad.¡±


    ¡°This will do.¡±


    Aeroc pulled a gold coin out of his wallet and threw it at them. The gold coin struck the smirking one in the chest and fell to the ground with a loud tter. The other, seeing the gleam of gold, snatched it up, and the one with said broken leg snatched it away. He red at Aeroc.


    ¡°Wait, my lord. It¡¯s mine, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s too much for you to throw it away.¡±


    Still, he clutched the gold coin tightly in his hand and refused to let go. Snorting, Aeroc tried to ignore them and continue on his way.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    They shouted angrily, lunging for him. Aeroc twisted slightly to the side, dodged, and hit the one that lunged for him in the back with his cane.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    The one who¡¯d been stabbed in the back fell face-first to the ground. The other one ducked and lunged, not even flinching from the cane blow. A grimy hand groped for Aeroc¡¯s body. Even though he knew they were trying to take his wallet, he felt humiliated by that filthy touch. He was firmly angry. He raised the heavy ornament on his cane to smack the bastard in the back of the head.


    <i>Bang.</i>


    ¡°Urgh.¡±


    Someone kicked the man in the side, and he rolled over, still holding his stomach. The man who¡¯d been punched in the back by Aeroc earlier lunged again, but the unexpected ally had gotten the better of him. The ally was bigger than anyone else here, he grabbed the charging man by the throat with one hand. He lifted his opponent to his feet and mmed him to the ground. He dodged out of the way as the one who¡¯d punched him in the gut lunged with a clenched fist, just as Aeroc had done earlier, and then struck him in the back with the cane he held. It was the same dodge, the same attack, but the tremor of the long rod slicing through the air and the thud of the blow on the impostor¡¯s back werepletely different.


    <i>Smack.</i>


    <i>Thud.</i>


    The fallen man waspletely out cold. The other man who had just gotten to his feet from being grabbed by the throat took one look at the scene, clutched the gold coin tightly in his hand, and backed away slowly. As the ally looked on, he scurried away.


    When the dust settled, the man who had suddenly appeared bowed low. A ck-gloved hand picked up a silk hat, which Aeroc only realized as the one he¡¯d dropped after feeling for his hair.


    ¡°Thank you for your help.¡±


    Aeroc, who had just epted the hat from the other man, froze. The man standing with his back to the yellow gaslight was a familiar face. It was the madman who¡¯d charged him on the estate¡¯s walkway.


    ¡°After the concert, I was wondering where you were going. I see you¡¯re still in the habit of wandering around dangerous ces without realizing it¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re the dangerous one. You followed my back.¡±


    Although Aeroc had gotten help, it was only a matter of time before this man turned on himself. The excessive violence was just like before, and it was even more dangerous given the potential of the cane in the hands of the other man. Aeroc scanned his surroundings quickly. He hoped there was someone he could call for help, but there was no one on the streetste at night. If he was kidnapped here, would anyone be able to find him? He doubted it.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so vignt, I won¡¯t do anything to you.¡±


    The tone of his voice was disturbing. It sounded like a sick man crying out in pain. It was seeping in.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone who can be trusted after saying that.¡±


    ¡°Do you really not remember me?¡±


    ¡°Why should I remember you?¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s irritation was rising at his persistence. In a world full of shallow people trying to impress and increase their connections, there had to be a fine line. How twisted could anyone be, to be so ignorant and insane as to do such a thing? The man¡¯s demeanor was better than before. This poor aristocrat must have been bleeding profusely from usury for months.


    ¡°I¡¯m not pretending to not know, I really don¡¯t. Why should I have to remember a violent, entric, insane man like you? I¡¯m not that free.¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t remember.¡±


    He looked genuinely confused. His gaze was full of doubt. He studied Aeroc, frowned for a moment, and then fell back into conflict. The confusion he felt was palpable through his closed mouth. He seemed to genuinely believe that Aeroc knew him and was pretending not to. If this was an intentional act, he was brilliant. Either that, or he was a genius trickster. Maybe he had mistook Aeroc for another person.


    ¡°Something is wrong. I¡¯ve been walking around the capital for months, trying to figure this out, and it doesn¡¯t make any sense. This isn¡¯t the hell I thought it was, but you¡¯re obviously here, so why?¡±


    ¡°If anything is wrong, it¡¯s your head.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure¡­¡­ you don¡¯t remember anything, and this isn¡¯t a hell of your own making?¡±


    The madman was about to extend his hand towards Aeroc.


    <i>Swat.</i>


    The back of the hand Aeroc swung to knock the man¡¯s hand away ended up smacking him in the cheek. It was because their distance was suddenly closer. Aeroc was inwardly surprised, since he hadn¡¯t meant to, but he didn¡¯t show it outwardly. Instead, Aeroc grabbed his cane with both hands in case that man lunged. Aeroc was so nervous that he shuddered slightly, knowing that this time he would surely strike him in the groin and escape.


    The other man was as surprised after getting hit in the cheek. He gently touched his cheek with his fingertips. His eyes narrowed slightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s already the second time in this ce.¡±


    Aeroc tried to think of what the man meant the second time, but then he remembered that he had punched him in the cheekbone before. Unlike then, this madman had remained remarkably calm this time. Which made it all the more intimidating.


    ¡°This is really weird, it¡¯s like I¡¯ve gone back in time¡­¡­ No, this is a crazy idea.¡±


    Aerocughed at the thought of a crazy person concluding that himself was crazy.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never met me for real. And you¡¯ve nevermitted murder. That¡¯s why you¡¯re so angry.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where you¡¯ve been that you said those words, but there¡¯s a limit to being rude.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t feel like listening to more of the man¡¯s insanity. If he kept dealing with this man, he might end up going insane.


    ¡°But I appreciate your help. Contact my butler, and I¡¯ll reward you ordingly.¡±


    Aeroc was about to give away his business card, but thought differently. The man already knew the name and the location of the estate. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to give the man a business card and give him an excuse to make up a false connection to a third party.


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    ¡°My name isn¡¯t cheap enough to be called by the likes of you.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    In response to Aeroc¡¯s cold retort, he suddenly grinned.


    ¡°If this is a new world, I¡¯ll start over.¡±


    He was a madman after all, rambling unintelligibly until the end. Aeroc set himself upright.


    ¡°Goodbye, then.¡±


    Aeroc turned away, head held high in pride, but the worry in his back was killing him. But Aeroc kept walking, as he always did, at a pace that was neither fast nor slow. Aeroc expected the man to jump on him from behind at any moment, but that didn¡¯t happen until he met the coachman near the music hall who was desperately looking for him.


    The carriage swept through the streets where Aeroc had met him earlier. The copsed man was still there, but the other had already disappeared.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him again.¡±


    Aeroc shuddered as he remembered the ghastly creature¡¯s maddened eyes.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 3.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 3.1</h4>


    It¡¯s a chilly winter afternoon. While having some tea with Viscount Derbyshire, he mentioned a name Aeroc had never heard before.


    ¡°Do you know Bendyke?¡±


    Aeroc answered honestly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard the name before.¡±


    ¡°You mean you don¡¯t know the man who is the big talk of the capital¡¯s social circles these days?¡±


    Then, Viscount Derbyshire proceeded to describe him excitedly. A young alpha male who had graduated with honors at the capital university. Handsome and well-built. A manly personality. A man whose innate investment sense and cynical humor had won over many nobles of all genders.


    Aeroc enjoyed the hobby of collecting, with an interest in rare books and works of art, much in the same way that Viscount Derbyshire enjoyed collecting talented neers. A social butterfly with a widework of contacts, he met neers through many avenues, gauging their prospects and actively backing them when he saw their potential.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about anyone else, but you should meet this man. I especially want to introduce him to you.¡±


    Having five bodies wouldn¡¯t even be enough if he had to meet all the people the Viscount Derbyshire collected, and Aeroc did not enjoy dealing with strangers. It was because many despicable people clung to his wealth, fame, and good looks. The Viscount knew this, and when he introduced someone to him, it was usually at a dinner or tea party where many people were gathered at the same time. Rarely did the Viscount suggest he meet someone in private. His emphasis was puzzling.


    ¡°I¡¯m hosting a dinner at my house soon, and you¡¯re very much invited. Talk to Bendyke and you¡¯ll see why I¡¯m doing this.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    It was a request from an elderly gentleman who had been a close acquaintance of histe father. He had no particr agenda, just pure affection and interest in Aeroc for his own sake. So Aeroc promised to do so willingly.


    * * *


    Besides the invitation from Viscount Derbyshire, other invitations often arrived. Most of them Aeroc politely declined, but there were some that he could never refuse. Such were the invitations to dinners from the Duchess of yton, with whom he was not close enough to be personally acquainted, but who wielded so much authority and influence that the invitation was literally a formality, it was more like a notice of his required attendance.


    The olddy of great age had a hobby simr to that of the Viscount Derbyshire, but a little more strange. The childless duchess had lived alone and freely for so long after the death of her husband, the duke, more than twenty years earlier, that she often threw very grand dinners. She would invite all the curious socialites she could find, especially young people who could be around the age of her children or grandchildren. She hoped that, as is often the case atrge family gatherings in families with many offspring, something would spark between the attendees, whether it was a spark of affection, envy, or jealousy.


    The reason for her inviting Aeroc was to hopefully spark something. This was a very annoying invitation for Aeroc, as there were quite a few instances where this actually happened. He really wanted to decline, but he didn¡¯t know what kind of rumors would be spread in his absence if he used the excuse of being sick.


    Aeroc was determined to arrive and leave as quietly as possible, without causing the slightest trouble, but fate was not on his side. The carriage, which had always been in perfect working order, ran into trouble on the way to the Duchess yton. For some reason, the carriage bounced along the road and one of the wheels twisted violently. It could no longer move.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call another carriage.¡±


    The coachman tried to catch a carriage on the street. But there were no suitable carriages in the suburbs, far from the city center. The coachman tried his best, gesturing this way and that.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to be easy to call one here. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s an empty carriage a little further down the road.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Master.¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. You just stay here. I can go on my own.¡±


    Aeroc walked quickly, leaving the apologetic coachman behind. It was quite difficult to catch a carriage, and only after walking for a long time did he manage to catch an empty one. By the time he reached the duchess ce, the feast had already begun.


    A solemn-looking servant of the Duchess escorted him to the banquet hall. Through the doors the servant opened for him, Aeroc found himself in arge room with five huge chandeliers. The table was long, and the people seated at the opposite end looked like tiny, miniature dolls.


    ¡°Count Teiwind has arrived.¡±


    A servant announced Aeroc¡¯s arrival, and the Duchess of yton, seated at the head table farthest from the door, waved a handkerchief in her hand. The servant gestured toward her.


    ¡°This way.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s seat had to be close to hers. It was an unusually generous gesture for someone who waste. Dozens of people held their breath and nced at Aeroc as he made his way across the long banquet hall. As expected, the room was filled with young alphas and omegas. He recognized some faces, but most were strangers.


    ¡°Aeroc, you¡¯rete.¡±


    ¡°I apologize, Your Grace, but my carriage had some trouble.¡±


    When the duchess hosting the dinner reprimanded him in an elegant voice, Aeroc apologized with a suitable excuse.


    ¡°I forgive you, for I have seen your graceful march. I¡¯m d you came before the serving began, so we¡¯ll have plenty of time to enjoy our conversation.¡±


    With that, the olddy extended her hand with a handkerchief and invited Aeroc to greet her, a slightly awkward but affectionate gesture that involved bending down and kissing her on both cheeks before taking a seat at the table.


    ¡°There are a lot of interesting characters here today, so if you see anyone who passes your cynical standards, be sure to let me know. Finding someone you like is my goal for today.¡±


    The Duchess told Aeroc to be open and evaluate others. The people in attendance had ears to hear and egos to defend, but the royalty, the third highest ranking person in the kingdom with no one to bow to except the king and his family, didn¡¯t seem to be worthy of respect. In fact, no one batted an eyelid at the arrogant remark.


    Aeroc was not amused by the situation. The Duchess was ying the role of a grandmother who was disying toys to her young grandson and sweetly telling him to pick his favorite, but if the toys were people, it would only make him feel creeped out.


    Heehee.


    That¡¯s when a low chuckle from nearby gave him the creepy feeling. As funny as the Duchess¡¯s bizarre behavior was, the fact that one wasughing so casually in the presence of a person who was supposed to be an honored person of the King was remarkable. Curious about theughter, Aeroc turned his gaze toward that side.


    ng.


    The ss in front of Aeroc shook violently. It didn¡¯t knock over, but it was loud enough to draw the attention of everyone else in the room.


    ¡°Aeroc?¡±


    The Duchess looked a little startled, and put a hand to her chest. A wrinkled hand with a jeweled ring reached out, and theyered pearl ne clinked against it. Aeroc was surprised, too. In a voice low enough to be heard only by the Duchess, he asked.


    ¡°Why is that person here?¡±


    ¡°Who, Knight Capri?¡±


    ¡°No, that guy next to him. The one who justughed.¡±


    ¡°Aha. Mr. Bendyke.¡±


    Despite his quiet question, the Duchess indicated him clearly. Her ruddy lips curved into a crescent, and she openly looked at him. This startled Aeroc even more.


    ¡°Bendyke?¡±


    From what Aeroc knew, the man was a violent lunatic. The Bendyke that the Viscount Derbyshire had spoken of was a brilliantwyer specializing in economics, a high-profile investor, and a new socialite. How could they be the same person? It was clear that the impostor was pretending to be a socialite.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be the same Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    The Duchess¡¯s eyes twinkled. She looked back and forth between that man and Aeroc. The Duchess wasn¡¯t the only one watching with interest. Not wanting to cause a scene, Aeroc whispered quickly, in a low voice.


    ¡°The man is a lunatic fraud.¡±


    ¡°Hooo.¡±


    As if surprised, the Duchess cast an exaggerated nce in that man¡¯s direction. He must have heard Aeroc¡¯s words, but he smiled casually, as if he didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°There was a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, a misunderstanding? Twice, you¡­!¡±


    ¡°Twice, you?¡±


    Aeroc was about to raise his voice, but he mped his mouth shut. He didn¡¯t need to say out loud that he was almost attacked by that man. But the duchess kept waiting to hear the end. There was no avoiding it.


    ¡°We have met twice.¡±


    It was that man who answered the Duchess¡¯s question.


    ¡°But the encounters were not very pleasant. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re curious, but for the sake of Your Grace¡¯s dignity, it would be best if we spoketer, in private.¡±


    The words, spoken in a slow but sure tone, were polite butmanding. It was shockingly arrogant for someone to address the Duchess. But Aeroc seemed to be the only one who found that man¡¯s tone foreign. Even the Duchess nodded nonchntly.


    ¡°I would like to hear it now, but since Mr. Bendyke says so, it will have to wait.¡±


    The Duchess even referred to him as Mr. Bendyke. She might call Aeroc by his first name in a friendly way, but she never called him Count, a discrepancy that surprised Aeroc even more. What kind of fraud could this man be, that the Viscount Derbyshire would praise him with his own tongue, and this entric, demanding old woman would honor him. What had happened to society since Aeroc had stopped paying attention to it?


    ¡°If you guys are acquainted, I need not introduce you guys again.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t got to exchange names yet.¡±


    ¡°Really, even if you¡¯ve met twice?¡±


    The Duchess added and had her curiosity increased. Aeroc closed his mouth in frustration and frowned. The man watched with amusement. The nonchnt gaze, with all its ulterior motives, was a source of great displeasure. It was in line with his hostility.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t had the time to do that before, so I¡¯ll take this opportunity to introduce myself.¡±


    This time, that man interrupted first.


    ¡°Do we even have to exchange names in the first ce?¡±


    Aeroc snapped. The mood quickly turned sour. It was hard to believe that it came from the mouth of the Count of Teiwind, who had set an excellent example to the rest of the aristocrats. Even if he had unpleasant memories of that man, there was no need to show such low-level contempt in public. But even at the risk of a bit of gibberish, Aeroc wanted to humiliate him, hoping that the public humiliation would enrage him enough to reveal his true colors. A raging lunatic.


    Despite Aeroc¡¯s secret hope, the man¡¯s smile remained unchanged as he looked this way, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly, like a fierce beast watching the silly defiance of its prey. He didn¡¯t care if Aeroc red at him or not.


    ¡°Kloff Bendyke. I run a smallw practice. I¡¯ve heard of Count Teiwind¡¯s stature, especially since the current Count is said to have a great mind of his own, but I¡¯ve also heard that he possesses the beauty of a rose, and from what I¡¯ve seen of you today, you are indeed a rose, and not just in appearance.¡±


    After his brief introduction, Aeroc was the one who felt ridiculous. Not only did that man act sarcastic while making his arrogant and condescending demeanor sound clever, but that man also mocked Aeroc for looking like a flower despite him being an alpha, as if pricking him. His anger red and his eyes sparked. Aeroc responded with the same easy smile. If he could, he would punch that man¡¯s shameless face again and again.


    The eyes of bystanders darted dizzily between the two of them. Aeroc wanted to add another remark, but before he could, the Duchess interrupted.


    ¡°Now, enough greetings, it¡¯s time to eat. It would be nice to have a cheerful mood when we eat, otherwise you¡¯ll get indigestion.¡±


    The Duchess skillfully intervened at just the right moment, and as she spoke, a line of fierce servants came flying in with tes. The conversation quickly turned to praise for the quality of the food and drink. But Aeroc wasn¡¯t having fun at all with the fine food and drink. It was because of the man sitting diagonally across from him.


    That day, the entire time during the dinner felt ufortable. Several times the Duchess, who was very interested in Aeroc¡¯s rtionship with the man who identified himself as Bendyke, tried to trap him, but Aeroc cleverly avoided the topic. He realized thatplete ignorance would only encourage gossip, so he would only asionally respond to Bendyke¡¯sments.


    The mood was cordial. Not only did Bendyke have done enough with the earlier insults, but he was also looking for a chance to make an attack at Aeroc. He nced over at Aeroc throughout the dinner, showing a keen interest in him. The easy smile that flitted across his face, apanied by a deep gaze, bordered on mockery. Aeroc wasn¡¯t ustomed to being insulted, but being mocked was downright terrible. But that man was only hurting himself, for there was no honor or dignity in confronting Aeroc. Aeroc continued to drink alcohol, trying to soothe the disgust and anger in his stomach.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 3.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 3.2</h4>


    * * *


    At the end of the dinner, the attendees separated into alphas and omegas. They retired to themon room to either fix their clothes and makeup or enjoy another cigarette. Even the Duchess retreated to her room to catch her breath. After the break, the party would continue until the wee hours.


    Aeroc purposely went to a room other than themon room. He didn¡¯t mind the gender-segregatedmon room for casual chit-chat, but he didn¡¯t want to face that man in there. After catching his breath in the other room, Aeroc decided to use the excuse of not feeling well and return quickly. First, he had to summon a servant in the Duke¡¯s service and ask if he could borrow a carriage.


    ¡°Was the wine too strong?¡±


    Aeroc wasn¡¯t usually a big drinker. Today he had three sses. Usually, that was not too much for him. Even right now, he was still not drunk. He just felt feverish and his mood was bad. Aeroc decided that he would find a servant after cooling off by the window for a while. The duke¡¯s house was on the outskirts, far from the city center, surrounded by a vast forest. The breeze from the forest cooled his flushed face and stuffy insides.


    Creak.


    Just then, someone opened the door and entered the room. Leaning against the window and staring out into the dark forest, Aeroc thought it was a servant. Either the Duchess was looking for him, or someone in themon room was curious about his whereabouts.


    ¡°I am not feeling well, so I will rest here for a while before returning back home.¡±


    Aeroc said without looking back. But the servant didn¡¯t answer. Was the servant insisting on escorting him to themon room? Aeroc turned his head towards the door, annoyed. Suddenly, there was a man he recognized, a man he wished he could erase from his memory. It was Bendyke.


    ¡°Are you feeling not well?¡±


    Bendyke stepped closer and casually held out his hand. It was a gesture that meant this man would help Aeroc if he was having trouble walking, but it was so awful that he avoided it. An alpha might lend a shoulder to an alpha, but they wouldn¡¯t reach out first. Did he think of Aeroc as a fragile omega? Either way, it was clear that Bendyke was looking down on him. What¡¯s more, the way that man used casual speech to him was uneptable.


    ¡°You¡¯re just a despicable human being with a penchant for insults.¡±


    Aeroc snapped coldly, and Bendyke withdrew his hand. His eyes shed, but his demeanor was impassive. His irrational reaction was beyond Aeroc¡¯sprehension.


    ¡°By whose will are you here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here because I was invited.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember inviting you to this room.¡±


    ¡°This is the duke¡¯s house, and I am the duchess¡¯s guest. I wanted to check the estate, and she gave me permission to do so. You, yourself, werete, rude, and sneaky, even during breaks. For a high-ranked aristocrat, the Count of Teiwind is far too selfish.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the judge of whether it¡¯s improper or not.¡±


    Aeroc scowled at the presumptuousness. Yet Bendyke didn¡¯t flinch. Come to think of it, Bendyke had dared to use the informal speech ¡°you¡± against Aeroc. On the streets, he was a lunatic, but here he was pretending to be an intellectual. An intelligent man should have recognized that a gentry without a title could not treat a high-ranking aristocrat, a Count, with such disrespect.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me by you. You¡¯re just a country bar¡¯s second son.¡±


    Aeroc mobilized his unimportant knowledge of Bendyke that he got during the dinner. There was no one else there and Aeroc felt quite drunk, so he made that childish attack. He must have taken the insult from that man to his heart. But the lunatic remained unperturbed and calm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be a viscount soon.¡±


    ¡°How ridiculous. You say that as if a title is a rolling hat.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to get, but not impossible.¡±


    Aeroc snorted at the absurdity of it all. Then Bendyke shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and assumed an ungainly posture. It was not a posture befitting an aristocrat, but his arrogant demeanor entuated his extraordinary physique and rugged strength.


    ¡°I can either take the patronage of a n that has no suitable heir, or I can put the extra effort into creating a new n.¡±


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    If they had no offspring at all, like the Duchess, they would pass the title on to a rtive, or give it to a foster child. If they had only an omega child, they would pass it on to the alpha-inw. Such was the case with Viscount Westport. Westport was passed to Marlena Westport, and while her husband was the current head of the family, she held most of the real power. The Westports were known for their omegas, and alpha offspring were rare enough to warrant generations of alpha-inws. Even this time again, the Viscount of Westport, who had two Omega sons, Rapiel and Ariel, was secretly looking for a husband to bring home. An Alpha with a good education, from an aristocracy, capable enough to run the n, but without a title. Bendyke would fit the bill.


    ¡°So you approached the Duchess to be an alpha-inw, you shameless bastard.¡±


    ¡°Is that what it sounded like?¡±


    Bendyke smirked, Aeroc didn¡¯t understand what was so funny.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually interested in something else.¡±


    With that, Bendyke stalked over. His piercing gaze made Aeroc jump back. But the other man had closed the gap between them to a single step. The bastard had too long of a leg. Damn it.


    Aeroc¡¯s back touched the window sill as he stepped back, and he tried to move aside, but Bendyke was cunningly hindering his movement. He stood within striking distance of getting his body crushed by the slightest misstep. He tried to show his resistance by turning his head as far as it would go, but it had no effect against the unyielding opponent. What else could he do, he thought, should he scream to attract attention? But what if someone saw this? His pride wouldn¡¯t let that happen. Damn it.


    ¡°Your face is red.¡±


    Bendyke¡¯srge hand brushed against Aeroc¡¯s cheek. Goosebumps raced down his spine, reliving the horror of the day. His head ached from being overly tense. Whatever his intentions, the other man hadn¡¯t tried the same tactics as previously. Instead, he unleashed a different kind of violence, one that was far more crude and insulting. With no intention of hiding that at all, Bendyke stepped closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your business. It¡¯s because of the alcohol.¡±


    The only defense Aeroc could think of was to me the alcohol. His opponent¡¯s thighs, as strong as a stallion¡¯s, pressed against Aeroc¡¯s lower body. His eyes darted dizzily in all directions, searching for an opening to escape from within the granite fortress of his opponent¡¯s arms. However, that only helped the opponent to notice how frightened and flustered he was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯d get feverish from three sses of fruit wine.¡±


    He spoke as if he knew Aeroc¡¯s drinking capacity. True to his word, Aeroc was indeed not weak enough to get drunk on two sses. However, the other man didn¡¯t give Aeroc time to wonder how he knew that fact. Bendyke shamelessly slipped his arms around his waist.


    ¡°As always, you¡¯re thin.¡±


    Did Bendyke mean his waist? Sure, it was thinpared to Bendyke¡¯s muscr frame, but objectively speaking, it wasn¡¯t looking weak enough to warrant anyone¡¯s concern. Aeroc had enough meals and exercised, he was also rather in good shape.


    ¡°Let me go.¡±


    ¡°You should increase the size of your meal.¡±


    His tone of concern was too sincere to be pretense. Truly, Bendyke seemed like a madman. No, he was really a madman. His moods werepletely unreadable. One minute he was raging like a rabid man, the next he was calm as a saint born on the of rationality, and now he was lusting like a dog in heat.


    Aeroc totally couldn¡¯t make head or tail why the madman was doing this to him. A primal fear of an entity he could not logically fathom washed over him. His frozen body trembled intermittently with fear of the unknown. His tense vocal cords were about to let out a grotesque scream. Therger man, both rtively and absolutely, was quick to recognize Aeroc¡¯s intent. Arge hand touched the corners of Aeroc¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Are you trying to scream again?¡±


    Madness shed in the dark eyes. Aeroc¡¯s blood ran cold. His breathing became more ragged and hot as his fingertips grew numb. For the first time, Aeroc realized that the sensation of fear was simr to sexual tension. Despite the terrifying opponent, the heat of their close bodies sent an inappropriate shiver down his spine.


    ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you trembling like this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you, I¡¯m afraid of your insanity.¡±


    Aeroc stared at him with a killing re, while also firing back at his words. The other man¡¯s expression hardened slightly. He continued to stare at Aeroc for a while, and then slowly retreated away.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he apologized, meekly understanding Aeroc¡¯s words. There was a hint of mncholy in his confident demeanor. He almost seemed like a bratty alpha who¡¯d been dumped on his first confession. Aeroc wondered if he was crazy for feeling that way¡­¡­ This was terrible.


    ¡°Your face is pale.¡±


    It was at this point that Bendyke unleashed his malice, offering unsolicited kindness. He insisted on escorting the reluctant Aeroc to the front door. When he realized that the Teiwind carriage had not yet arrived, he offered Aeroc a ride in his own chartered carriage. Aeroc wanted to refuse, but his legs were too weak to do so. The hand, which had been violent previously, moved gracefully to help Aeroc climb into the carriage. The excessive kindness was an insult, but it felt so natural that Aeroc didn¡¯t have time to refuse. Even after the hand was offered, Bendyke held the cold hand for a short moment. He kissed the back of Aeroc¡¯s hand, obviously not intending to y the polite servant. Aeroc could clearly see Bendyke¡¯s lips curling into a smile against the sensitive skin.


    ¡°See you next time, Count.¡±


    Upon returning to the estate, Aeroc felt sick to his stomach. He hadn¡¯t slept well because his nightmares kept him awake. Two bottles of medicer, when he was finally awake, he found several unsolicited letters.


    Aeroc replied with a polite apology to a letter of regard from the Duchess, who was worried about his sudden return. And for the mail addressed from [K. B.], Aeroc tore the envelope to shreds and threw it into the firece.


    From then on, Aeroc avoided Bendyke thoroughly. His pride was hurt, but more than that, his fear was bigger. Further exposure to the man¡¯s iprehensible madness and the gaze that slithered like a ck snake towards his ankles until his inner thighs almost could make him scream like a neurotic child.


    That¡¯s why Aeroc thought he wouldn¡¯t have gone to that man¡¯s office unless he wasn¡¯t really in big financial trouble.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 4.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 4.1</h4>


    His father¡¯s financial advisor, whom he had trusted to manage Teiwind¡¯s assets since his father¡¯s time, retired shortly after his father¡¯s death. Like many aristocrats, Aeroc took these matters into his own hands. He took on the task confidently, but it wasn¡¯t as easy as he thought. One investment after another failed, and he had lost a lot of money.


    ¡°My pride is getting bruised.¡±


    The good news was that the Teiwind¡¯s wealth was the equivalent of an entire small nation, so a few bad investments were nothing. The problem was that the Teiwind also needed to spend as much as a small nation. He might be able to get by for a few years, but if he continued to make bad investments, Teiwind would be in a risk of being unable to support sponsorships and social activities in the future.


    Worse yet, he might be reduced to poverty and forced to sell his hard-earned books to buy bread and barely peek through the windows of art museums. That was horrible even just thinking about it. After some hard thinking using his brain, which was smart enough to not think much of investing, he realized the root cause of his failures in investment.


    ¡°I need to hire a financial manager.¡±


    Only after being cornered did Aeroc recognize the limits of his abilities. The failures weren¡¯t a total loss, but it was the price he paid for better reflection.


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t just randomly hire someone to manage his finances, an area where trust was essential. Using his failures as a mirror, this time, Aeroc asked for a rmendation from an experienced acquaintance, Viscount Derbyshire. Aeroc received several enclosed referral letters. Not only the Viscount Derbyshire, but the Duchess of yton, the Viscount Westport, and many others all named the same person at the same time.


    ¡°They¡¯re really not helpful at all.¡±


    Aeroc wondered if they were colluding behind his back, how they could all point to Bendyke. As much as he wanted to say he was surprised, inwardly he knew it would lead to that man. The capital¡¯s social circles were abuzz these days with talk of Bendyke, a young investment manager andwyer whose investment predictions were so urate they could bepared to a prophet or wizard, and whose fortune was actually growing at an rming rate. Anyone with even a passing interest in money scrambled to get in line for his services, only to find that Bendyke was shunning clients for personal reasons. But that arrogant behavior made him even more famous. He epted clients based on apletely unspecified criterion, not minding the size of their trust assets. No one knew what his secret criteria were.


    Aside from a few royalties and dukes, the only known long-term rather than one-off contractors were the Derbyshire, Westport, and Wolke ns. What they all had inmon was that they were old, respected families. While it was surprising that he managed to stretch until the royalties, it¡¯s entirely possible that the Duchess of yton could have built the bridge. However, the Wolke n is more surprising.


    Wolke was a royal family with great influence in the political arena. The current Marquis of Wolfrake was known for his cold temper and aristocratic pride, and he was notoriously unwilling to deal with anyone unworthy of his rank. Aeroc was almost the only person of his age with whom he interacted on a regr basis. Aeroc frowned, wondering how Bendyke had managed to woo him into a friendship.


    He knew, in his humble way, that these three ns were a big part of the capital¡¯s social scene. Adding Teiwind to the mix, and it would be a force to be reckoned with. Aeroc wasn¡¯t sure what Bendyke¡¯s ambition was, but he resented it.


    Aeroc personally sought out other financial managers, but every single trusty one politely declined, saying they couldn¡¯t handle the assets of Teiwind. Aeroc even tried to convince them in person, but one of them said something outrageous.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you already hired the mostpetent financial manager you can find?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying.¡±


    ¡°Arge n might have several managers at the same time for their assets, but Mr. Bendyke is more than capable on his own. More than that, I don¡¯t want to unnecessarilypete with him.¡±


    Aeroc frowned at those iprehensible words.


    ¡°Do you mean that he is my financial manager?¡±


    ¡°From what I know, yes.¡±


    The other man chuckled. It masked the awkwardness of Aeroc not understanding the flow of the conversation.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hire him. Where did you hear that?¡±


    As Aeroc prodded, the other man finally realized he wasn¡¯t joking and began to visibly panic.


    ¡°Did that man say that to you?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s absolutely not it. I thought that a n as great as Teiwind would definitely hire Mr. Bendyke, and¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know where this misunderstanding came from, I think it would be best to meet with him and clear up any misunderstandings.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see to that.¡±


    Aeroc replied curtly, then walked away. He felt offended. Just what was wrong with that man that Aeroc had to clear up the misunderstanding? Bendyke was the fraud. Aside from feeling an intense displeasure, Aeroc scrapped his ns to hire another financial manager. He didn¡¯t want to go around begging when no one was willing to do it anyway. It¡¯s just a matter of tightening up their finances for the time being. Aeroc decided to try the simplest and most obvious solution.


    But the old Count¡¯s estate wasn¡¯t as simple as he had thought. Simply not making further expenses didn¡¯t solve all the problems. A letter arrived, demanding payment for venture capital investments under a contract. Even for Aeroc, who was a big spender, the sum was sorge that he had to clean his eyes and double-check. Surprised, he quickly emailed the venture capitalpany to ask why, and they responded by asking him to double-check some of the contract questions he had. Aeroc quickly looked up the contract. It wasn¡¯t that Aeroc couldn¡¯t remember the terms written on it, it was that Aeroc didn¡¯t know what they meant. After a day of struggling with the reply¡¯s exnation and the contract, Aeroc figured out the hard way that the co-president of the venture capitalpany was himself, and that he was supposed to temporarily cover the losses of the other investors.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought it would be like this.¡±


    It got worse. The cash ie from the estate was not enough to cover the demanded payment. He would have to part with some of the artwork that had been passed down through the generations.


    ¡°If my father heard of this, he would have risen up from his grave and given me a beating.¡±


    Indeed, Aeroc could already hear the shout of ¡°Aeloc Vinadellin Taywind,e to the study at once!¡± pounding in his eardrums. His cheeks tingled. Aeroc had toe up with something right away. But he¡¯d already suffered a few failures, and whatever he came up with was more likely to lead to another horrible ending.


    ¡°Oh, well.¡±


    Aeroc wandered through the mansion through the night, examining the paintings on the walls, the furniture, and antiques. None of it was left untouched by his father. After thoroughly examining them, he selected paintings that were by up-anding artists, so they weren¡¯t expensive.


    By the time the hazy dawn broke, Aeroc waspletely exhausted. He didn¡¯t dare straddle the chair in the study where his father¡¯s spirit might have sat, and instead sat on the small stool he used to be scolded in. Aeroc thought about it until his head was feverish, but he couldn¡¯te up with a solution. Unconsciously, one of my legs trembled. Realizing that he had lost his dignity, Aeroc let out a long, long sigh. There was no other way.


    ¡°So this is why you summoned me so early in the morning.¡±


    Bendyke sneered as they entered the study. He took an uninvited seat and made himselffortable, and Aeroc, far away from him, resisted the urge to return the sarcasm right back. He was in such a bad situation that he had to borrow this demon¡¯s help.


    ¡°I hope you had afortable ride on your way here.¡±


    Aeroc knew he spoke too fast. Ha. He couldn¡¯t believe he was nervous about this man. It couldn¡¯t be. It was just because he hadn¡¯t slept well. And this man wasn¡¯t the right person to show his favor to. Noticing that Aeroc was being rude, the unruly barbarian frowned.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible to feelfortable from the moment you wake me up from my deep slumber. Unlike an aristocrat who can sit still and have money poured into his pockets, I have to earn money to eat, buy clothes, and sleep. I¡¯ve been workingte all week and had nned to rest the whole morning today.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for summoning you on such short notice, but it was very urgent and I had no choice. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to invite you to dinner¡­¡­.¡±


    Aeroc forced himself to say something he didn¡¯t mean. As hard as it was to say, it didn¡¯t look good on the listener. Before Aeroc could finish, Bendyke interrupted him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, there¡¯s no need for you to be polite between us. Just tell me what you want.¡±


    That was good timing from him, but Aeroc still didn¡¯t feel good about it. Everything about him felt offensive and diforting. Who the hell did he think Aeroc was, a passing trainee assistant?


    ¡°I wonder how anyone else tolerates your arrogance. Do you also act this arrogant in the presence of Viscount Derbyshire?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not Aeroc Teiwind.¡±


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 4.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 4.2</h4>


    Just when Aeroc thought this man was getting away with being a lunatic, the asshole fired an unnecessary confirmation shot. His offensive attitude was always the same. Only today, he didn¡¯t even bother to ¡®pretend¡¯ to be professional. Aeroc started to be very irritated. There wouldn¡¯t be another guy who can piss him off from the moment you meet him face-to-face and exchange a couple of words. A part of him wanted to throw Bendyke out right then and there, but Aeroc had no choice but to have him here. Aeroc took a deep breath to calm his irritation and handed Bendyke the contract and a stack of solicitation letters from thepany.


    ¡°This is for today.¡±


    Sitting down on the couch, Bendyke took the papers as if they were a treat and quickly scanned through the dozens of pages. Even though he tried not to, Aeroc found himself looking at the other person¡¯s reaction.


    The cold man flipped through the first few pages absentmindedly, his coolly straight eyebrows arched slightly. Then he snorted at the next pages. His eyes flicked to Aeroc, and one corner of his mouth quirked up. It was clear that he was sneering. Trying to ignore the heat rising in his face, Aeroc looked the other way and lifted his teacup.


    Bendyke grew graver by the minute, until the financial manager candidate eventually let out a low groan when he saw the conclusive letter that forced Aeroc to admit his ipetence in financial matters. He put down the other papers and read it twice over. He stroked his chin with his hand, then rubbed his lower lip with his long index finger.


    The silent response stiffened an otherwise tense atmosphere. This was no time for leisurely sipping tea. Eventually, Aeroc spoke first.


    ¡°If possible, I¡¯d prefer to settle this with the ie from the estate, so give me your advice. I mean, Mr. Bendyke.¡±


    Aeroc said with a straight face and the bare minimum of politeness.


    ¡°Pfft.¡±


    Bendyke sneered at his words. It was more like he wasughing at the ridiculousness of this than enjoying mocking Aeroc. To have one¡¯s intellect insulted, or one¡¯s stupidity exposed, was more humiliating to the stomach than an open insult. Aeroc could not bear to show his flushed face. He set the teacup down and went to the window. He¡¯d like to believe he was acting natural, but he knew that was impossible. The stare at the back of his head stung. The bastard was thoroughly enjoying Aeroc¡¯s embarrassment.


    ¡°So?¡±


    Aeroc jerked back at the question that flew out of Bendyke¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the actual matter?¡±


    Aeroc had shown his embarrassment long enough. He didn¡¯t know why Bendyke was repeating his question.


    ¡°That¡¯s the matter.¡±


    ¡°No. That¡¯s the problem, and the matter is, what are you willing to pay for me to solve that problem?¡±


    ¡°Can you solve it?¡±


    It seemed like such a serious problem, and Aeroc couldn¡¯t see a way to solve it, he had just invited the most unwanted person into the estate. Aeroc¡¯s heart leaped with honest joy at the mention of a solution, and then Bendyke threw him a crafty re.


    Realizing he had acted like a child, Aeroc coughed and returned to his expressionless face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay your fee, no matter how much it is.¡±


    No matter how high a financial manager¡¯s fee was, it was the sry of a mere hireling. It was nothing a Count¡¯s ie couldn¡¯t cover, and Aeroc knew this. His arrogant opponent¡¯s tightly closed lips twitched slightly, his eyes like a wolf staring down its prey.


    There was a tension in the air unlike anything Aeroc had ever seen. His fur stood on end. He had no desire to know what the lunatic would demand in return. Aeroc struck before he could bullshit.


    ¡°A hundred, two hundred, or three hundred?¡±


    He called out a sum that could buy a few pieces of art at his favorite museum. It was more than Hugo¡¯s weekly paycheck. Aeroc thought that would be enough, and Bendyke just wiggled his eyebrows.


    ¡°Is that not enough? I can¡¯t give you more than five hundred. The ie from the estate pays the weekly wages of the estate¡¯s employees and covers social events. And¡­¡­.¡±


    Just as Aeroc was about to give an excuse for not being able to give more, Bendyke interrupted him again.


    ¡°And you¡¯ve got new paintings to buy, musical instruments to collect. If you don¡¯t have statues yet, it¡¯s because you haven¡¯t found a ce to put them in the estate. With a little trimming here and there of the overgrown rose garden, you could put marble statues everywhere.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s a great idea. Why didn¡¯t I think of that? I¡¯m going to hold a summer soir¨¦e in the rose garden, so I might as well buy a few to decorate before then.¡±


    The unexpected suggestion made Aeroc think of a few statues he¡¯d been eyeing. As he pondered, a shadow suddenly fell over him. He looked up to see Bendyke, who hade close to him, trapping Aeroc in his arms again.


    Thud.


    He backed away, hesitantly, and the ss hit his back. Aeroc stared up at his opponent, eyes wide. Bendyke was a man of great length and stature, enough to surprise anyone. Aeroc was by no means small by usual standards, but he seemed like a childpared to his opponent. Bendyke knew how to use his overwhelming size to his advantage, closing the gap with the ease of a predator backing its prey into a corner.


    Why had he been here alone? He should have called for Hugo, or at least one of the maids, Aeroc btedly regretted. But it was toote. His heart was beating wildly. It felt like it was going to crack his ribs and pop out. The sound of the alpha¡¯s snarl shook him out of his reverie. Stepping back, unable to find space, Aeroc stood on his tiptoes and felt the cold window sill against his butt.


    Bendyke lifted his arm and gripped the ss pane with his hand. Leaning closer, he whispered in a low voice.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you how much you¡¯d pay. I asked you what you¡¯d pay.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want money.¡±


    ¡°Then, and?¡±


    ¡°I can obtain that without the help of a Count.¡±


    ¡°Then our deal for today is off.¡±


    Aeroc quickly concluded. He could sell a few paintings and buy it back when he¡¯s better off. Or mortgage them. He knew a few people who could provide the cash. However, Bendyke didn¡¯t seem to give up on their negotiations. He turned to Aeroc.


    ¡°If you show your problem to anyone else, you¡¯ll just get rejected.¡±


    Suddenly, Aeroc remembered what he¡¯d heard before.


    ¡°So you¡¯re the one who¡¯s been spreading rumors about me hiring you.¡±


    As expected, this man was the one who made all the other financial managers turn him down. Aeroc wanted to vent his frustration. He knew he was at a physical disadvantage, so he tried to at least point a finger and say something mean and usatory. But it was all in the wind. Bendyke didn¡¯t give him the time to do so.


    ¡°That¡¯s a misunderstanding. I didn¡¯t do that, it¡¯s the meddlesome old man.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me others. You¡¯re the one who knew there was a misunderstanding and didn¡¯t correct it.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡±


    With that, Bendyke continued to push closer towards Aeroc. Aeroc¡¯s upper body was better positioned against the window, but his lower body was no match for it. It was hard to tell if the heat on his thighs was his own or his opponent¡¯s.


    ¡°But it¡¯s also true that it¡¯s a problem that only I can solve, because these fraudulent contracts can¡¯t be solved with just a pen and tongue.¡±


    If not a pen and tongue, then awsuit? No, he definitely meant not through the legal way. It was the kind of thing only a lunatic would do, and if that were the case, then Bendyke was right, only he could solve it. If it was a violent and inhumane solution, the fee would be just as violent and inhumane.


    ¡°So what do you want?¡±


    ¡°Count, I want something that only you can pay for.¡±


    Though he hadn¡¯t experienced it beforehand, Aeroc wasn¡¯t unaware of the implications of those words. Aeroc was no fool. No, he was a fool himself. This man was shrewdly ambitious from the first time they met. It was just a matter of whether or not he expressed it in a violent way. He always only had one goal. Damn it.


    Conflict, both within and outside his body, raged through Aeroc. The de-like bridge of Bendyke¡¯s nose brushed against his pale cheeks. A thick arm wrapped around his waist like a rope tying the center mast of a sailboat. At the same time, a skinny hand wrapped around Aeroc¡¯s neck and chin. The other¡¯s palm was burning hot.


    ¡°I¡¯m an alpha.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    With the simple answer, the demon bringing misfortune shattered Aeroc¡¯s shield of providence. This man had no morals, no ethics, and no benevolence.


    ¡°It¡¯s bad enough that you¡¯re a rude lunatic, but you¡¯re also a pervert with an abnormal sexual desire. What a waste of a handsome face.¡±


    ¡°Do you like my face?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡±


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 4.3

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 4.3</h4>


    Aeroc shouldn¡¯t have gotten into this unreasonable negotiation in the first ce. To make matters worse, despite all the unpleasant encounters and conversations they¡¯d had so far, the shrewd lust of the man at the peak of his alpha male instincts had rubbed off on Aeroc. The heat from their shing lower bodies gnawed at Aeroc¡¯s patience. His brain, dulled by years of tension and sleep deprivation, was about to make a foolish decision.


    ¡°Do you hate me?¡±


    ¡°If I do, will you regard the contract as if it never happened?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t ask that.¡±


    Aeroc looked directly into the eyes of his tant flirter. The man¡¯s pupils, sunken to near ck with desire, reflected a troubled, pathetic reflection of him. Slightly disheveled hair, slightly flushed cheeks, and the tip of his nose. His lips, reddened by repeated chewing, were pressed together in a tight line. It wasn¡¯t the proper etiquette of a well-groomed aristocrat. It was even less appropriate looking for an alpha male.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask you onest question. Answer me truthfully.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why me? There are many other wealthy aristocrats, even Omegas too, who are promised vast inheritances. You¡¯d be better off wooing and marrying one of them.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your advice, but they are not you.¡±


    The conversation spun out of control. Aeroc leaned in close and red at the man who was exploring the nape of his neck closely like a beast. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Bendyke pressed his lips to Aeroc¡¯s ear and whispered.


    ¡°I fell in love with you at first sight.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡±


    ¡°I agree. I must definitely be crazy to have gotten myself into this mess again.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s will to resist the endless taunts was slowly fading. As an aristocrat, his pride fought a hard battle alone, but it was toote to turn the tide.


    ¡°I¡¯ll set the terms.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡±


    Faced with the irresistible tide, thest resistance Aeroc could muster was to emphasize the prerequisite of the problem.


    ¡°I¡¯ll draft a contract and send it to you.¡±


    After getting what he wanted, Bendyke slowly backed away. A sudden chill came over Aeroc, making him feel naked despite theyers of clothing he wore. Long fingers hovered over his ears. Every time he felt the slightest gesture, the pit of Aeroc¡¯s stomach clenched and unclenched. It wasn¡¯t just fear that made him nervous. It was the realization that the one-sided intimate touch by the hateful man wasn¡¯t as horrifying as he had imagined. Even in the bright daylight, Bendyke¡¯s eyes looked dreamy. Then, Bendyke brought his head closer again. Just as their lips were about to touch, just as his heart was about to explode, Bendyke asked a ridiculous question.


    ¡°Can I kiss you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course not.¡±


    The rejection wasing obviously, so obvious that Aeroc expected it to be ignored. But Bendyke didn¡¯te any closer. He grasped Aeroc¡¯s chin in a very regretful way, struggled for a moment, and then pulled awaypletely. Aeroc¡¯s teeth clenched, annoyed that Bendyke was acting like a gentleman who had suddenly realized his manners.


    ¡°Our business is done, get the hell out of my house.¡±


    ¡°As a hired servant, I¡¯ll follow the words of my master.¡±


    With that, he kissed the back of Aeroc¡¯s hand, the way a medieval knight would kiss his master. After leaving the hot stamp, the rude hired hand gave a light greeting with his eyes and disappeared.


    * * *


    Aeroc didn¡¯t know if Bendyke was teasing or serious, but two dayster, a copy of the abbreviated contract arrived. It was only a minor agreement, yet it was written in the carefulnguage of a national treaty.


    Bendyke¡¯s agreement was both specific and vague. Specific was the work he would do for Aeroc: as the chief financial manager of Teiwind, he was to do everything in his power to ensure their financial stability. The contracts that needed to be settled immediately, and the damage that needed to be minimized, were specified in specific numbers, standards so stringent that even Aeroc, who was weak for numbers, felt it was impossible. If it could be aplished, Aeroc would have to rethink a great deal about the capabilities of the man known as Kloff Bendyke.


    The gray area was the fee Aeroc would have to pay. He had no clue about this sort of minor agreement, but he used his humanistic knowledge and literary imagination to make a guess. Usually, those who demand such things stipte a number of times. Or time. Bendyke chose thetter.


    The term that Aeroc found hard to understand was the ce for this fee. He wanted it to happen in the Teiwind estate. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to bring this messy behavior into his space. Space sucked up the remnants of emotions and deeds, releasing them in unexpected ways one day. If they did it here, even after the deal waspletely done, Aeroc might have to asionally remind himself of the horrors that were toe. It was horrible even just thinking about it.


    Facing Bendyke, who hade to revise the terms of the agreement, Aeroc pointed it out.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be in my house.¡±


    Bendyke responded nonchntly.


    ¡°How about my house? Or my office?¡±


    Aeroc naturally thought of a hotel or another home of his. Bendyke snorted at that.


    ¡°Do you want to do it on the streets, then?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s mouth dropped open in disbelief.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I suppose we could find a suitable corner if we searched the bottom ce.¡±


    The bottom ce. Bendyke was a master of insults. Aeroc¡¯s mouth dropped open at the unimaginable words. As if he wasn¡¯t joking, he raised his pen to make a correction about the ce. Aeroc quickly stopped him. A fair, ungloved hand touched Bendyke¡¯s hard, thick, tendon-studded wrist.


    ¡°How does not letting it happen in the estate suddenly mean we¡¯re going to go to the bottom¡­¡­ the streets? There are other ces, and I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a suitable ce on the Royal Crossroad.¡±


    Royal Crossroad was the busiest street in the capital, leading to the royal pce. Dozens of carriages were still traveling up and down the street, carrying many socialites to and from the luxury hotels that catered to the lesser aristocracy, wealthymoners, and those of limited means who wanted to enjoy a modicum of freedom when the pce didn¡¯t provide rooms. There was even a hotel there that Aeroc asionally used, not for any particr reason, but because it was a site of a social gathering.


    ¡°The Royal Crossroad? What do you think will happen if the Count and I meet in a ce, where if just sneezing a little makes one¡¯s name appear in the obituary tomorrow morning? You might as well gather all the socialites and make a public announcement about this agreement.¡±


    A stinging, but terribly pertinent point. Bendyke maintained a stoic expression the entire time, even as Aeroc¡¯splexion turned pale.


    ¡°Not that I care about it.¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask if it was okay for them to go there, or if it was okay to make a public announcement to his social circle. Aeroc let go of Bendyke¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°It would be better not to fix the terms.¡±


    Aeroc had no other option but to say so.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, it¡¯ll be better for the Count this way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already a bad deal to begin with, do you think I need your constion?¡±


    The questioning voice was sharper than necessary. Fortunately, Bendyke kept his mouth shut. Though one corner of his mouth twitched upward.


    The long-awaited contract was finally finalized. Aeroc signed one copy for himself to keep and another for Bendyke. Despite his misgivings, he decided not to have it notarized. There was no one else they could trust with this, so they made a rare agreement.


    ¡°You better honor the contract.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for me to say, Count.¡±


    This time, Bendyke didn¡¯t ask for permission and kissed Aeroc lightly on the cheek. Like a mature alpha caring for a young omega fianc¨¦, Bendyke chuckled to himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything creepily unlike you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty hurtful.¡±


    When Aeroc pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at his cheeks as if wiping away filth, Bendyke exaggerated his posture like a theater actor. There was mischief in his eyes, too.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to joke around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking.¡±


    With that, Bendyke casually hugged Aeroc. It was so natural, Aeroc was stunned. He unknowingly snorted and pushed Bendyke away.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting like my lover.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m about to be.¡±


    ¡°Stop your delusion.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if it¡¯s a delusion or not.¡±


    Bendyke dared to kiss Aeroc¡¯s throbbing temple. When Aeroc screamed at him to get lost, he chuckled and disappeared. Aeroc didn¡¯t understand what was so funny.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 5.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 5.1</h4>


    Along with the rose garden, the Teiwind n¡¯s prideful room was their library, a huge room with two floors connected by an open ceiling. One wall facing the garden was lined with huge ss windows, flooding the room with sunlight, while the other three sides, except around the doorway, were entirely bookcases. The edge of the upstairs wall was left as a passageway, and ess to it was through a doorway leading directly upstairs or a staircase from the lower level. The extraordinary collection, which grew in number as it was passed down from generation to generation of counts, wasparable to the imperial library.


    Standing in the centre of the downstairs shelves, one could slide certain books inwards in order, then flick an edge and apartment would open like a secret door. Inside was a private vault that had been used by every sessive Count of Teiwind. Aeroc ced the contract there.


    Then came the notification of the contract¡¯s fulfilment. Inside the tightly sealed envelope was a report on how the contract had been settled, which had frustrated Aeroc. No matter how much of a financial expert he was, Aeroc had been prepared to incur some losses. But ording to the report, to his surprise, most of his losses had been recovered. There were also adjustments to the business and projections of the ie that could be expected as a result of Bendyke taking over the venture capitalpany as an agent of the owner, Teiwind, and the amount was substantial.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe he actually did it.¡±


    Aeroc was amazed. As Aeroc flicked through the reports again, a small card slipped out of the envelope. There were noments, no titudes, just a date and time. The card had a familiar scent. His fingertips trembled.


    Aeroc hastily folded the report and put it back in the envelope. He looked at the card twice before slipping it back into its ce. He ced the envelope on top of the contract in the safe.


    Creak.


    Aeroc closed the secret door behind him and turned around, feeling a sticky aura clinging to his back. The huge library had suddenly be a suffocating prison. Despite the fact that he had closed the secret door properly, the source of his misfortune poured through the cracks. The ck mist that billowed from it reeked of lust. Aeroc stumbled backwards, trying to get at least a little distance from it, but it was no use. Even the brilliant sunlight could not disinfect the thick lust. His skin prickled. Goosebumps rose on his inner thighs, and a shiver ran down his spine. Despite being alone and impably dressed, he felt naked and molested.


    Thud.


    Before he knew it, his heel touched the desk. Aeroc reached back with both hands and gripped the edge of the thick wood firmly. He leaned his hips against it and let out a series of small gasps. A dark regret washed over him. Fear welled up beneath his feet. But they weren¡¯t the ones paralysing Aeroc. Why did he grab that man¡¯s wrist? Aeroc¡¯s palm was tingling on the edge of the desk. The invisible burn from a moment ago gnawed at his nerves.


    ¡°This¡­¡­ This is insane.¡±


    The nature of all things in the world was rtive. Marble, in the same category as stone, was nothing more than a dull materialpared to granite. Andpared to diamond, granite became a lesser material. And so it was with alphas, Aeroc realised with a pang.


    Never in his life had he doubted his alpha masculinity. He wasn¡¯t the most athletic of men, but he wasn¡¯t short either, and while he was a bit on the rugged side of the spectrum, he didn¡¯t consider himself to be too far out of the alpha male category. Of course, when he asked himself if he was the most alpha, he couldn¡¯t say that for sure.


    Putting aside the philosophical and sociological considerations of what it means to be the most alpha ¨C if you asked him if he fits the stereotypical ideal alpha, Aeroc would answer that psychologically he does. But physically, he was just amon alpha, not the most desirable, and yet Bendyke¡­¡­ Oh gosh, he was the very physical ideology of alpha masculinity. It didn¡¯t matter how despicable he was psychologically, or how sleazy of a con artist he was, he never deviated from the norms that God hadid down for what an Alpha should be.


    The face of a war god, chiselled from rough granite, the skin appropriately tanned by the sun, the hard body a miniature of the giant who carried the world, the dry body odour worthy of the name ¡®Alpha¡¯, the wrists a mingling of blood and sinew, and most of all, those eyes! Those two maddening eyes, crystals of darkness. The simple blueness of Aeroc¡¯s eyes was no match to him. Bendyke¡¯s eyes were a mixture of bronze strength, ck determination, blue coolness, red passion, and an indescribable colour of rage. They burned like a crucible of fever. He didn¡¯t dare to call himself a fellow Alpha in front of him, and it didn¡¯t seem quite like it was against thews of the gods that he wanted Aeroc.


    Anguish had also taken over the world of his unconsciousness. While his conscious mind was engaged in existential contemtion, his unconscious mind was engaged in practical exploration. In his dreams, Bendyke easily neutralised all of his resistance. Running down a long corridor, Bendyke would cling to him like a shadow, restraining him. If he struggled, Bedyke grabbed his ankles with wed hands, ripping his clothes to shreds. Now naked, Aeroc let out a new scream, but in the darkness, it was just him and Bendyke. He pressed down on him with his massive copper-zed body. His gasping breath was lost in the hot breath. His whole body burned.


    The most terrible thing was the thick pole that entered his body. The bulk of the member moulded by desire was shocking, and instead of bringing any pain, it awakened new sensations. In the moment of physical connection with the other, Aeroc could feel a void in his soul that he hadn¡¯t known existed. Positioning himself just right for it, Bendyke worked his body with passionate gestures. The inaudible scream was no longer a scream, it was a sigh of ecstasy, a moan of pleasure. The hot body gesture became a white firework, burning Aeroc. His erect penis was caught in a tidal wave of pleasure, and he spurted his climax. At that moment, Aeroc¡¯s eyes fluttered open.


    ¡°Uhhhh, heh.¡±


    As soon as Aeroc opened his eyes, he found his heart with his hand. Luckily, it was still in his chest. With a ragged breath, Aeroc pushed himself up. It was still deep in the night, and he ran a trembling hand through his heavy hair. His palms quickly became sweaty. He hadn¡¯t had a lust-filled dream since he was a teenager. It was like a terrible nightmare, except that the other person was that man. Besides, why was he the one spreading his legs¡­¡­ Aeroc might as well stop thinking about it.


    His whole body was tingling. He kicked off the covers and moved his legs to get off the bed. In an instant, Aeroc realised that his underwear was wet. He let out a muffled scream. Covering his mouth with his hand, he ran to the bathroom and stripped off all of his pajamas and underwear. As he stood in the tub and sshed the cold water over him, the trace of desire ran down between his thighs.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    He hadn¡¯t been able to shake the nervousness he¡¯d felt since then. The truth was, he hadn¡¯t had much experience.


    His father had died at the age when Aeroc should be having his first love. Aeroc had been left to run the vast Teiwind n without much help. A n with such a long and prestigious history had many obligations, many things to consider, and it would take time to get to grips with them all. Even when he had time, he was so deeply grieved that he could not afford the positive outlet for romance.


    Aeroc always enjoyed reading on days when he didn¡¯t have a particr agenda, but one day he suddenly realised that his library was too big, and that it was a waste to have the luxurious rooms of arge estate to himself, no matter how many employees he had. The dining table was too vast. So was the bed. It would be nice to have someone to share it with. It was then that he discovered the need for a partner, but the ideal one wouldn¡¯t just suddenly appear. It was said that the patient ones would be blessed. Like his parents, Aeroc wanted to find love naturally, which was why he continued to put himself out there in social circles despite his reluctance. He hoped that one day he would find an Omega, someone lovely enough to spend the rest of his life with. But before he had a chance to do so, he was swept away by a strange man.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 5.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 5.2</h4>


    Kloff Bendyke. He would actually be Aeroc¡¯s first partner. Aeroc didn¡¯t attach much importance to chastity, but he never dreamed that he¡¯d end up with an alpha first, and it was all because he was stupid and inadequate. Aeroc felt depressed. He tried to forget his anguish by reading, by going for a walk, by going out. He kept thinking untilte into the night, wondering if there was another way. But the result was always the same. The world rolled on nonchntly, with no regard for Aeroc¡¯s anguish and depression. As the date came closer, the existential anguish became even more useless. Now it was better to worry about things that would actually help.


    If Aeroc caught a nasty disease while indulging in kinky behaviour with an unwanted partner, he might hang himself, unable to bear the infinite shame. Should he bathe? Hygiene was important, of course. Should he get the supplies ready here? It¡¯s embarrassing, but it¡¯s better than getting hurtter on. Not necessarily for sex, but for medical purposes. Now, how far should he go with the washing?


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime problem. Aeroc never thought washing would bother him so much. It wasn¡¯t just a matter of not washing behind his ears like a dirty boy or neglecting to scrub between his toes. Aeroc had no problem washing other parts of his body. It¡¯s just a little embarrassing, but not difficult, to be hygienically prepared as an alpha for clean bodily sex. The problem was preparing for contingencies. He had already consulted books of various genres to get a general idea of the flow of alpha-alpha sex. Except, of course, for the grotesque clothing and the use of tools that he could only imagine to be horrific. If Kloff asked for them, Aeroc would break the man¡¯s nose with his fist. Or kick Kloff as hard as he could and turn him into an eunuch.


    Even if they were having same-gendered sex, it was no different from having it with a male omega. The alpha male had a ¡®hole¡¯, albeit not a vagina, and all one had to do was ept the other man¡¯s manhood through it, in other words, y the role of omega. Of course, since he wasn¡¯t a real omega, there were individual differences in the level of pleasure from pration. The question was who would be the omega.


    Aeroc didn¡¯t have the confidence to treat Bendyke as an Omega. No one could use Aeroc of being weak in that regard. No one would want to unt their alpha masculinity in front of that man. Even from an aesthetic standpoint, Aeroc had no desire to have that man y the role of Omega. Here it was again, another existential anguish, this time with a bottle of oil in each hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m going crazy.¡±


    As it turned out, the answer to his identity problem was at hand. Aeroc¡¯s subconscious had already drawn conclusions based on the rtive definitions of alpha masculinity. He could still feel the fearsome bulk of the thick pole cutting through his body in the dreams of his inner desires.


    The appointed hour had arrived. Aeroc had to hurry to be ready. Trying to calm his shaky knees, Aeroc picked up the bottle of medical oil. He unnervingly headed for the bathroom.


    * * *


    He usually used the library when he met with Bendyke, but he didn¡¯t want to do it in the sacred library, so he prepared a room he rarely used. Called the ¡®Violet Room¡¯, it was a secret chamber created by the previous generations¡¯ countess for her lover, and it was both cosy and intimate. It had a good-sized bedroom and an attached bathroom. As it was a symbol of impure association, the door had been kept securely locked since his father¡¯s time, except for asional cleaning. Aeroc opened that door.


    ¡°This is my first time here. Have you always had a room like this?¡±


    The corners of Bendyke¡¯s mouth lifted slightly as he entered, a hint of excitement in his eyes. It was clear that he had noticed the special use of this room. Those slightly narrowed eyes fixed on Aeroc. He hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, and he wasn¡¯t obliged to answer, but somehow, like a boy confessing to a bad deed, Aeroc sounded unsure.


    ¡°You said the estate, but not a specific room. I just chose a ce as far away from the limelight as possible.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Bendyke didn¡¯t bother to talk more, instead finding a seat for himself that wasn¡¯t even offered. He turned to Aeroc, who was watching him warily from a distance, and opened his mouth brazenly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t intend to devour you, so you don¡¯t have to be so wary.¡±


    ¡°You talk a lot for being a fraud.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t trust those words at all. Bendyke was aware of his distrust. But it was also a matter of pride to act like a frightened kitten in his own home. Before taking his seat, Aeroc rang the bell.


    It waste afternoon. A perfect time for tea. Hugo, the butler, appeared with a tray at the bell¡¯s signal. He wordlessly set the table to perfection.


    ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee to join us.¡± Aeroc almost blurted out at the ritualistic question Hugo gave before leaving. The words were barely out of his mouth when Bendyke spoke up. He held up the bell Aeroc had used.


    ¡°We¡¯ll call you back if we need anything.¡±


    ¡°All right, then.¡±


    Hugo, not sensing anything ominous at all, left his desperate master behind.


    The two were now alone in the secret boudoir. No one would enter until the bell was rung, and it was now in Bendyke¡¯s hand. Aeroc chastised himself for hiscency in not taking it with him, and measured the distance to the door. There were certain things he should have done as the house owner, such as straightening the upturned teacup on the saucer, pouring hot tea, and offering sweets, but Aeroc could not afford to extend such courtesies to the merchant who hade to collect payment in an unsavoury manner. An awkward silence hung in the air.


    ¡°Are you going to keep standing like that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m morefortable standing.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go over to your side.¡±


    Then Bendyke tried to stand up, which Aeroc hated even more.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to.¡±


    Aeroc reluctantly swung his arse into ce. Sitting across from him at a small table made for two, Bendyke touched the teapot to check the temperature. He moved with what could only be described as slowness.


    nk.


    A momentter, a teacup was ced in front of Aeroc. The tea in the teacup was neither deep nor light, but it glistened. Bendyke filled his own teacup and sipped withoutment. Aeroc, however, gripped the armrests tightly and stared at his teacup.


    ¡°One would think it was poisoned.¡±


    Aeroc lifted his gaze and met the dark eyes watching him.


    ¡°How do I know it wasn¡¯t?¡±


    Maintaining eye contact, Bendyke held out his palms to assert his invulnerability.


    ¡°The hot water, tea leaves, and china were all brought by the Count¡¯s butler. A butler who has served the Count for generations and raised the young master himself. His loyalty is to the Count, not to me. Believe it or not, I¡¯m a horse¡¯s bones who came out of nowhere, but I¡¯m very¡­. interested in the Count, very deeply, so to speak, and I have no intention of harming him. I just want to be nice with you. Of course, I¡¯m assuming that the Count wouldn¡¯t do anything to it himself.¡±


    An invisible smile tugged at the tight lips. He was enjoying this situation. Despicable bastard. Bendyke leaned his upper body against the backrest and enjoyed his tea. His broad shoulders stood out even more than they already did because the back of the chair was obscured. At the same time, he crossed his legs in slow motion. The table was too small to amodate his long legs, so he had to angle them at an angle. It was clear that he knew how to make his perfectly silhouetted body look intimidating and attractive. It was an arrogant stance, but it suited him surprisingly well. He was only a couple of years older than Aeroc. Though young enough, he had the maturity of a middle-aged man, and that, coupled with his handsome features, gave him an uncanny dominance.


    ¡°How can I believe your words?¡±


    ¡°If I were to murder the Count, I would not do it so easily.¡±


    Bendyke paused, tapping his teacup.


    ¡°For a long, long time, until my soul is crushed by a cursed agony, I will take revenge with a cruelty that even the devil himself would disagree too.¡±


    The quietly spoken words pricked Aeroc¡¯s skin like icy needles. If the icy curse was directed at him, he might freeze to the bone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a grudge against the devil, you¡¯re just harassing me one-sidedly.¡±


    Hisrge body stiffened as Aeroc countered. Straightening his upper body, Bendyke shot Aeroc a cold stare, trying to gauge whether he wanted to condemn him. The intimidation of the size difference could not be contained by the small tea table. A frightening hostility poured out of him.


    ¡°Am I wrong?¡±


    Aeroc was innocent. Though he had disrespected and belittled Bendyke a bit, it was of his own consequences. And Bendyke had unnecessarily retaliated by putting him in this position. Besides that, there was no other enemy he had ever held a grudge against that deserved such brutal revenge that the devil would even disagree. Bendyke opened his mouth to speak, but frowned instead. As if he remembered something, he loosened his fists, clenching them so tightly that his knuckles turned white.


    ¡°Right, not yet¡­¡­ Nothing has happened yet.¡±


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 5.3

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 5.3</h4>


    <i>Not yet?</i> The nuance was odd. It was as if he wanted Aeroc tomit a great sin in the future. It was exhrating. To be so agitated about a future that didn¡¯t exist, a possibility that didn¡¯t exist. Even when Bendyke pretended to be sane, he was still a little crazy.


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to keep bringing this topic up. He certainly wasn¡¯t going to have a leisurely cup of tea. He¡¯d rather do what he had to do quickly, and then wallow in his hatred of unscrupulousness and self-loathing, before contemting suicide.


    ¡°Over there.¡±


    ¡°Over there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got everything I think we¡¯ll need, but if you¡¯re looking for something special¡­¡­ I¡¯m not in the mood to send someone on an errand right now, so you¡¯ll have to make do with what is avable there.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    Aeroc could sense a bit of confusion on the other end of the line. Aeroc admired how sincere he seemed.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s only fair that you double-check your cleanliness before getting involved. Of course, this isn¡¯t a one-way demand.¡±


    With that, Bendyke rose from his seat, and Aeroc, thinking that this would start soon, nearly jumped out of his skin. Histe father¡¯s harsh teachings shone through in this moment. He flinched slightly, but not very visibly.


    Instead of approaching this way, Bendyke stood in front of the small door that Aeroc had said was ¡®over there¡¯. Opening it, he gasped in surprise. At least his reaction was bigger than Aeroc¡¯s. Shutting the door again, he pressed a hand to his temple and brushed his hair back as if nothing happened.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re naive, or shameless.¡±


    Checking the bathroom, Bendyke returned to his seat, clenching and unclenching his hands. Those were the hands of the devil who would soon drag him down to shame and degradation. Aeroc¡¯s nerves were fraying. It was important to remain calm. Aeroc tilted the teacup he held slightly and took his first sip.


    ¡°Mmm?¡±


    The tea was surprisingly ptable to his tongue. Hugo was the only one who could make tea to Aeroc¡¯s satisfaction. No, it was Hugo who had taught Aeroc to taste tea, having acquired his father¡¯s fine tastes. As such, Hugo only brewed tea at Teiwind n, and then only for guests who were very close to the Count. As such, few people had ever tasted Hugo¡¯s tea. Even with the same leaves and utensils, it would have been impossible to replicate the exact same vour, so how could this man?


    Thinking it was a very unpleasant coincidence, Aeroc looked down at his teacup. He tried to find the slightest difference, but nothing immediately stood out. At that time, Bendyke, who hade up beside him, spoke up.


    ¡°You said it wasn¡¯t a one-way demand.¡±


    A wicked grin suddenly appeared on the man¡¯s vile face.


    Oh, no. This was not the time to be thinking about tea. The hand that held the teacup trembled slightly. The fine china clinked, sending out a clear ringing sound. Aeroc set the teacup down, almost gently. He sped both his hands and rested his chin on it. Hoping this posture would make him seem the least intimidated at Bendyke.


    ¡°Which side do you see yourself as?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to show his internal conflict outwardly. Especially in front of this man. So he looked away to hide his agitation.


    The persistent man shifted to face Aeroc and lowered his stance. The shade fell on him. As if that weren¡¯t enough, both of his hands grabbed the armrests of the chair Aeroc was sitting in. Trapped, the anxiety inside Aeroc that had been lurking earlier red.


    ¡°So, top or bottom? No, it¡¯s easier if I say it like this. Do you put it in, or do you spread your legs?¡±


    Aeroc took a sharp intake of breath, startled by the nakedness of the question. When Aeroc coughed, Bendyke snorted.


    ¡°I¡¯d advise you to refrain from unnecessary provocation. A chaste angel is tempting enough even if they don¡¯t do anything.¡±


    For the first time, Aeroc realised that the words chaste and angel could be offensive. This man was a master of profanities. Aeroc, who was not immune to unconventionalnguage, lost the cool he had so many times vowed to maintain.


    ¡°What did you just say!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think you¡¯re the one to put it in, do you? Well, I wouldn¡¯t mind, but aren¡¯t you inexperienced?¡±


    ¡°Shut up. You bastard. Who says I¡¯m inexperienced?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s two fists resting on the chair armrests turned white with rage. Bendyke dropped to one knee beside the chair as if they were having a casual talk. He traced the pale vein marks that rose above Aeroc¡¯s white knuckles with his long fingertips. It was a mere touch, but it was so sensual it made the hairs on Aeroc¡¯s arms stand on end. A shiver ran through him, making it difficult to maintain his grip. The five fingers moved of their own ord, reaching out in different directions. The man with the untouchable horns, d in an invisible ck sheath, took Aeroc¡¯s hand and brought it to his red, bleeding lips.


    ¡°I can tell just by looking at you. If I can make your cheeks blush with the mere touch of my hand and you¡¯re not a virgin, then you¡¯re the greatest prostitute ever.¡±


    Bastard. Each word that he used cut into Aeroc¡¯s pride like a knife.


    ¡°You must be proud of yourself for being so experienced.¡±


    ¡°Not particrly, but I can vouch that I know more about Aeroc Teiwind than anyone else.¡±


    ¡°Which of my staff did you buy off? The coachman? The gardener? The cook? Or perhaps, Hugo?¡±


    ¡°I heard it from you, yourself.¡±


    Bendyke smirked and spouted bullshit. Aeroc had lost the will in this conversation. He was a fool for trying to have a rational conversation with a madman. Aeroc snorted in exasperation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t give in to your wishes.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    What other kind of nonsense was this? Aeroc frowned.


    ¡°I told you, I¡¯m interested in you.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying¡­¡­ in that meaning.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, but I don¡¯t want to rush someone into something they¡¯re not ready for. I want to be on good terms with you, and in many ways we can share our feelings¡­¡­ physical desirees after that.¡±


    ¡°You sound as if you want us to be lovers.¡±


    Bendyke smiled at that. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to fall for his mockery. He stared straight into the other man¡¯s eyes, trying to figure out if it was a trap or not. Aeroc shook off the crude emotions that had just urred and stared until the atmosphere was as awkward as it could be. But he couldn¡¯t find any evidence of deception in Bendyke.


    ¡°Are you¡­ being serious?¡±


    Aeroc asked, too stunned to speak. Grabbing Aeroc¡¯s hand as he stared, Bendyke knelt down and kissed the back of it, like a knight worshipping a king.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lie to you anymore, I¡¯ve done enough of that.¡±


    ¡°Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°Kloff.¡±


    He must have meant that it was okay to call him in a friendly manner, but Aeroc didn¡¯t want to do that yet. Nor would heter. Withdrawing his grasped hand, Aeroc indirectly informed the other of his feelings.


    ¡°I hope you won¡¯t be hurt if I don¡¯t respond to your one-sided courtship, Bendyke.¡±


    This man was not like the boys he met in society. This man didn¡¯t show any signs of anger or frustration, even as he got a cold rejection on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll slowly seduce you.¡±


    Exuding confidence, Bendyke returned to his seat. Striking a polite pose, he faced Aeroc with ease. This made Aeroc ufortable himself.


    They hadn¡¯t really done anything except drink tea in Violet¡¯s room. Bendyke had merely studied Aeroc as if he were admiring a sculpture, and when the hour grewte, he left of his own ord. Kloff hadn¡¯t been lying when he had said he¡¯d take his time with Aeroc. Aeroc was half d that he didn¡¯t have to perform the action with him right away, and half afraid that he might fall for the man¡¯s seduction one day.


    ¡°Him? Me?¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t have a clear answer. It was clear that Bendyke had made an impression in more ways than one. His peaceful routine had been shattered by the sudden storm, and Aeroc had to think of him constantly. Whether inpany, or alone. In the library, in the garden. When he slept, when he didn¡¯t. All he could think about was Bendyke, and the erotic anxiety the man stirred in him slowly consumed everything else.


    ¡°Hmm, ahh.¡±


    His dreams, which some called windows of unconsciousness, were a mangled disy of desire. In his dreams, he squirmed in pleasure beneath Bendyke.


    ¡°Mpfhh, hmph.¡±


    Aeroc breathed out, still hot, as he rose up, drenched in sweat and secretions. The sticky nightgown clung to his body. Exhausted, he had no energy to change. If it was going to be like this, they might as well have done it already. Then maybe he wouldn¡¯t have to spend these nights panting with unquenched thirst with a fear of the unknown.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 6

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 6</h4>


    On their second meeting, after harassing Aeroc with his gaze, Bendyke left the room, saying he would use the library for a moment. He returned quickly. It was the speed of someone who knew where the library was. Perhaps he asked a servant for the location.


    Bendyke held out a book to him. It was the familiar bookbinding. It was the book he¡¯d read over and over again, .


    ¡°Read this to me.¡±


    ¡°You want me to read this aloud?¡±


    The book was written in the nationalnguage. Since this man had graduated with distinction from the capital university, it is hard possible that he couldn¡¯t read the nationalnguage.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re that old to have presbyopia.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good if you read it silently, but if you want to read it aloud, that¡¯s fine too.¡±


    Did he want Aeroc to read this book? He was treating Aeroc like a young tutoring student. Never mind about anything else, it¡¯s best not to provoke when it came to Aeroc¡¯s intellect. Aeroc¡¯s displeasure at the insult was palpable.


    ¡°I¡¯ve read this book. Don¡¯t try to test my intellect at your level!¡±


    ¡°I know. This is the Count¡¯s favourite book.¡±


    ¡°Then why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to watch you read the book, if that¡¯s too much to ask.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t know how to react to this increasingly difficult request. While there was a ce for voyeurism in perverse sexuality, it is not the surreptitious prying into the lives of others or the observation of intensely personal sexual activities such as masturbation. Aeroc didn¡¯t know where it stood on the spectrum of perversion when Bendyke openly dered that he wanted to watch people read. Ignorance would breed fear.


    ¡°If reading it is hard for you, I can also ask for something else.¡±


    There was more reasons to read now. Instead of reading aloud, Aeroc opted for silent reading. As Aeroc flipped through the hardcover, which he had opened many times before, he suddenly became curious.


    How did Bendyke know that was his favourite? Moreover, Aeroc kept his favourite books on a special shelf in the library. It was in a ce where it would never be found ording to the usual book catalog, so how did he find it?


    No, Aeroc didn¡¯t want to know the answer to that, it must be just a coincidence. Bendyke happened to find the special shelf, and there he found a book with a disheveled bookbinding. He must have thought that it was well-worn, because a new book with a dishevelled binding meant it¡¯s been read often. It was purely just a coincidence.


    Shaking off the sourceless bad premonition, Aeroc flipped through the pages, one by one. Trying to ignore the curious stare.


    It¡¯s his favourite book, and he could easily focus on any part of it at any time, but somehow Aeroc couldn¡¯t get into it today. He would flip to a few pages and then back to the front. He med it all on the unrelenting gaze.


    Aeroc tried to soften the words, but he felt like he was about to be pounced like an animal at any time. Bendyke, who should be proud of the fact that he had always acted beyond Aeroc¡¯s expectations, was really doing nothing.


    He merely looked over Aeroc¡¯s side in an arrogant manner. No, the intense gaze he cast, his index finger raised to his cheek and head tilted slightly, was more like licking Aeroc than staring. Amusement shone from the corners of Bendyke¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m having fun?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been smiling.¡±


    Bendyke rubbed the corners of his mouth as he realised he was smiling. But his overall demeanour hadn¡¯t changed. In fact, he was now grinning from ear to ear. It was ufortable. Aeroc unwound his crossed legs and rewound them again. The pages rattled nervously.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be conscious of me.¡±


    What a thoughtless thing to say. Irritation surged through Aeroc.


    ¡°As long as we¡¯re in the same room, you can do whatever you want. If you¡¯re bored with reading, how about meditating or taking a nap?¡±


    He was trying to be ¡°considerate¡±, pretending he wasn¡¯t there. Aeroc was stunned. Even a cat preying on a mouse would use more sophisticated tricks than that. A cat to a mouse. Aeroc was horrified by his own analogy.


    He didn¡¯t want to sleep, or meditate in peace. When one was in a room with someone they didn¡¯t want to make eye contact with, reading was an effective form of self-defense. Aeroc¡¯s gaze fell on the page he was reading for the fifth time.


    ¡°The sun is setting.¡±


    When Aeroc couldn¡¯t stay still and wiggled his toes in his shoes, Bendyke suddenly spoke up. It was a deration of a transition in their situation. Aeroc mmed the book shut, feeling more of a rush of relief than fear. He wanted to get this over with before hepletely went out of his mind. They might be doing it for real this time, as Bendyke finally shifted his heavy body.


    ¡°What will you do now?¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Aeroc had already been prepared from before. Aeroc steadied his breathing, keeping his eyes on Bendyke. Passing the small table, the man took Aeroc¡¯s hand and kissed it.


    It was a ritual of worship. It was a fairly polite start for the dastardly sex maniac fraud. To do that, he grabbed Aeroc¡¯s wrist and, just by bending his impressive physique as if reaching the ceiling, showcased the charms he possessed. The fearful anticipation excited Aeroc. He didn¡¯t wee this feeling, but he wasn¡¯t the kind of person who was self-deluded enough to deny his excitement. Since it hade to this, he also had a twisted determination to see the nakedness of a man of his stature. If it hurt, he would scream. Until his strong pride fell apart. Aeroc could teach him the hard way that he was nothing more than a stallion in heat.


    A hint of breath escaped his lips. It was hot enough to burn. How far would it reach, would it leave a mark that could not be repaired in a single encounter, would it set Aeroc aze with fiery desire every night like the mark of a cursed devil? He didn¡¯t know. The continent of sexuality was full of darkness. He feared how far Bendyke, the devil incarnate, would lead him into that darkness.


    Aeroc¡¯s life, with its stars of misfortune and chaos, had recently taken a turn for the worse. This time was no different. Bendyke announced his departure with a straight face.


    ¡°What? Is that all you¡¯ll do?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s expression rxed in surprise. The darkness in his spinning head had just lifted and spread with fierce intensity. Aeroc felt a burning sensation in the centre of his chest, a deep sense of disappointment, followed by a blur of relief that he had escaped another day. His feelings were mixed.


    ¡°No way.¡±


    Those simple words added a dizzyingyer of confusion to an otherwiseplicated judgment.


    ¡°I mean¡­¡­ Didn¡¯t you want to go until the end today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t live up to your expectations. It¡¯s just not my preference to have our bodies mixed together without a proper emotional exchange. Though I suppose I could if I really wanted to.¡±


    The corner of Bendyke¡¯s mouth quirked up at that. Aeroc jumped to his feet, unable to hide his flushed face.


    ¡°Who says I want that? I¡¯m just asking you to honour the contract.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never broken the contract.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already made two requests for a private meeting. My time is too expensive to give that to you indefinitely.¡±


    Bendyke was silent for a moment as Aeroc stood up in protest. Then he stepped closer. It was intimidating, but Aeroc¡¯s stubborn alpha pride kept him from stepping back. Even if he wanted to step back, he couldn¡¯t because the chair was blocking his way. His head tilted back as he tried to re at the fraud.


    Bendyke crooked his index finger and slowly stroked the tip of Aeroc¡¯s jaw with his gnarled nail. A dangerous pleasure flowed from the man. Aeroc didn¡¯t know if it was fear or anticipation that made him shiver.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re still in the habit of not reading contracts carefully. If you keep this up, you might end up bing a beggar.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Our contract doesn¡¯t say anything about the number of meetings, just that you¡¯ll give me the time and space that I request.¡±


    The words made the back of Aeroc¡¯s head tingle. Aeroc stared at him in disbelief, then let out his frustration a beat toote.


    ¡°You despicable fraud!¡±


    ¡°When you say it with those eyes, it sounds like apliment.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    In a fit of rage, Aeroc stumbled into a dizzy spell, and Bendyke moved further from him. As the man headed for the doorway, he smiled thinly.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to our next meeting, Aeroc.¡±


    * * *


    An invitation from the Duchess of yton had arrived. It was an invitation to share a cup of tea with no particr purpose. Aeroc had been rude previously, so this time he was careful to arrive on time to not cause any misunderstandings. The Duchess¡¯s servant escorted Aeroc to the indoor greenhouse.


    The tea table was quiterge, set in a greenhouse filled with rare broadleaf trees and flowers and live foliage specially flown in from the tropics. There were three seats.


    ¡°Aeroc, I see you¡¯re notte today.¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, Your Grace.¡±


    He inclined his head toward the sound of the voice. He kissed the back of her fingerless,-gloved hand. When the Duchess looked up with that wonderful smile he¡¯de to expect from her, Aeroc¡¯s face twisted involuntarily. It was because he caught a glimpse of the face of the man who was escorting the Duchess.


    ¡°Count.¡±


    Bendyke tilted his head while calling him with a casual title.


    ¡°Why is this man here?¡±


    ¡°I have the right to invite anyone to my house as I please.¡±


    ¡°But this man¡¯s title and character are unworthy of your grace¡¯s dignity.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to judge my dignity? That is very rude.¡±


    The Duchess furrowed her brow and rebuked Aeroc.


    ¡°I apologise.¡±


    ¡°I know you are very unkind to Mr Bendyke, but don¡¯t lose your face by showing your true colours. You represent the aristocracy here.¡±


    The Duchess of yton was right, Aeroc was the only aristocrat here. The Duchess was royalty, and Bendyke was gentry.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard for me to walk alone, my joints are very weak. I need your help.¡±


    The Duchess, who had just been escorted by Bendyke and had blithely ignored that fact, held out her hand to Aeroc. Taking Aeroc¡¯s arm, the Duchess of yton leanedfortably against him. He started to walk slowly towards the tea table, but the Duchess shook her hand.


    ¡°Not there, but to my bedroom.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the first to excuse myself today. I¡¯ve been walking for quite a bit and I¡¯m very tired.¡±


    ¡°Then what will you do about that man?¡±


    ¡°He wants a tour of the castle, so you can show him around.¡±


    Aeroc was blown away by the Duchess¡¯s whim. As he finished escorting her to her bedroom, Bendyke approached as if he¡¯d been waiting.


    ¡°What did you do to get the Duchess so out of sorts?¡±


    ¡°Just walking through the greenhouse and the garden.¡±


    ¡°Just a walk and she¡¯s like that?¡±


    ¡°It was a long walk.¡±


    Aeroc frowned, and Bendyke held up his hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m not foolish enough to argue with a duchess of great influence. We had been walking all this time after the luncheon, so she must be tired.¡±


    ¡°Luncheon? Have you been here since this morning?¡±


    ¡°Sincest night, to be precise.¡±


    ¡°I know the Duchess is a generous woman, but she really does let anyone stay here now.¡±


    They were in front of the Duchess¡¯s bedroom. It was an inappropriate ce to raise an argument. Aeroc started walking, and Bendyke followed. Through a long corridor and down a flight of stairs, they passed through a small door leading outside, into a neatly manicured backyard. Despite his rapid pace, Bendyke kept a steady distance between them.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite familiar with yton Castle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been here often.¡±


    Aeroc answered without turning to face the voice behind him.


    ¡°Viscount Derbyshire, Viscount Westport, even the Duchess of yton. I didn¡¯t realise you had the attention of so many great aristocrats in the capital.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re being considerate to me as a young heir. And it¡¯s not only me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unusual, even for being considerate. I was interrogated fromst night until just now.¡±


    ¡°Interrogated?¡±


    Aeroc stopped walking at that and turned around. Bendyke was much closer to him than he had thought.


    ¡°She was prying into my background, my career, and my connections. She even wanted to know how my maid Martha¡¯s husband died. I¡¯m sure by now her loyal servant is checking everyst detail of my story for authenticity.¡±


    ¡°The Duchess of yton is notorious for her entricities, and as you say, she has taken a liking to you, so she must have wanted to know every single nook about you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I wonder if it is really so. Then, I don¡¯t know why she didn¡¯t investigate me when you entrusted me to manage your trusts.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re loved by a lot more people than you realise.¡±


    The words made Aeroc burst outughing.


    ¡°So, are you jealous?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Denying it brazenly, Bendyke was silent for a moment, then spoke.


    ¡°I just realised how shocked and hurt you must have been when they turned their backs on you so coldly.¡±


    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡±


    Aeroc exploded, his grip tightening on the man¡¯s muzzle.


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I have misspoken. No, that¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me! You¡¯re trying to discredit me over that damn contract, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    His knuckles turned white with exasperation. Bendyke put one hand over Aeroc¡¯s and wrapped his other arm around his stiffened waist. Their bodies were now pressed together. But Aeroc still held his grip, ring at the other man as if to kill him.


    ¡°I do not do such things.¡±


    ¡°You expect me to believe that? Do you think I¡¯m a fool?¡±


    ¡°I misspoke, it¡¯s my mistake.¡±


    With that, Bendyke slowly lowered his head. Thinking they were going to kiss, Aeroc shuddered and turned his head away. He released his grip on the other¡¯s muzzle and pushed him away. But as it turned out, there was no way to win against this man in terms of power. Bendyke pressed his lips to Aeroc¡¯s ear and slid slowly away. This was an open garden. He didn¡¯t know where or how the eyes watching them might appear. The tension culminated when the firm lips brushed his cheek.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to destroy your world. I want it to stay the way it is, made up of pure selfishness and clever arrogance.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already destroying my world.¡±


    ¡°Am I?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t know.¡±


    Aeroc became furious at his dirty pretence, yet Bendyke made a troubled expression. His grip on Aeroc loosened, and Aeroc used the opportunity to push him away and create a distance.


    ¡°Do you even know where we are? Think about your behaviour before you make some childish pretence of protecting my world. My life is already in shambles because of you.¡±


    ¡°Am I that much trouble to you?¡±


    ¡°Of course you are.¡±


    Then Bendyke gave Aeroc an ambiguous smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know whether to be pleased or worried.¡±


    ¡°Just say that you¡¯re happy, isn¡¯t that what you wanted.¡±


    Bendyke was about to say something. Aeroc would give him a hit if he were to say nonsense, like he hadn¡¯t meant to do this, or that the overly-conscious Aeroc was unusual. But in the end, Bendyke didn¡¯t open his mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful in the future,¡± he said instead, his intentions unclear.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 7

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 7</h4>


    A report came back with a much improved revenue structure: the unrecognized financial problem waspletely solved, and Teiwind¡¯s assets were set to grow without any special investment. Enclosed was another card with the same time frame asst time.


    ¡°What a one-sided notification, he¡¯s really acting as he wishes.¡±


    Aeroc wasn¡¯t much of a social butterfly himself, but as the prestigious Count of Teiwind, he received many invitations and had a long list ofmittees and other charitable endeavours to attend to. Even when he wasn¡¯t out and about, he had letters to answer, new books to read for intellectual pursuits, exhibitions to attend, soir¨¦es to attend, and many other things to keep him busy. And yet, that man was ignoring this important part of his schedule. It was as if none of Aeroc¡¯s other schedules mattered, and the Count of Teiwind should only care about that man.


    Aeroc flipped through his diary, where he kept track of important events and tasks.


    ¡°I have an important appointment that day, after all.¡±


    Aeroc snorted as he spotted a delightful marker. It was the day he would visit the art gallery. A new painting by an up-anding artist he¡¯d been eyeing had arrived, the museum director had told him. He¡¯d promised to show it to Aeroc before it went on disy to the public, and in that process, he¡¯d be able to buy it before anyone else, so he tended to attend these kinds of previews. If he had other importantmitments, Aeroc could dy his visit to the museum by a day or two.


    ¡°But why should I?¡±


    In terms of importance, that man was no more important than the dust that settled on a painting. It wasn¡¯t the museum director who needed to reschedule, it was the rude man.


    Aeroc was about to write a reply saying that he had a priormitment that day and they could reschedule for another day, but then he realized why he should bother with polite coordination. A one-sided response was appropriate for a one-sided notification. Aeroc tore the paper, which began with a formal phrase, in two. After tossing it in the shredder, he decided to spend the day indulging in a somewhat sinister impulse.


    His first stop was the art museum. Despite the haste with which he¡¯d alerted his visit, the curator was impably polite and weed his most valuable client. The usual luxury private room was ready and waiting. Aeroc sank into a historic chair that had been used by countless art lovers in the past. He ced his silk hat on a table with a cigarette box and ashtray, and put his cane on the side.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start quickly today.¡±


    As he removed his gloves, he cast a nce at the curator. On his signal, a waiting museum staffer brought the paintings to him, one by one, and in an understated but respectful manner, the curator exined the artist and the background of the work.


    ¡°This is a romantic style of painting, showing¡­¡­.¡±


    The pleasure of petty revenge had changed slowly as time passed. As Aeroc¡¯s impulsive anger wore off and he calmed down, he reevaluated the value of his actions. Instead of behaving like a mature adult, he was being too childish. It was so cowardly of him to take revenge like this towards the hated man. No matter how much he disliked Bendyke¡¯s arrogance and disrespect, this form of retribution was unworthy of the Count of Teiwind. In fact, it would only make him feel worse.


    ¡°So, Count. How do you like this piece?¡±


    ¡°The art style is too strong and rough.¡±


    He nced at the work at the curator¡¯s call, and he didn¡¯t like what he saw: a haphazard painting of dark maroon and gray that looked like it belonged in someone¡¯s bleak office.


    ¡°It seems that this person has some talent, but their overconfidence cancels out any remaining charm. I don¡¯t like it at all.¡±


    Aeroc poured out severe criticism. ¡°That¡¯s what I think, too,¡± the curator said, as if he¡¯d been waiting for it, and quickly produced another piece.


    As the appointed time approached, Aeroc lost hisposure. He crossed and uncrossed his legs, tapping his index finger against the armrest of the chair. For some reason, the back of his neck felt cold, and goosebumps crawled across his skin for no apparent reason.


    The curator, with whom he had a long-standing rtionship of trust and a deep understanding of his favorite works, introduced him to several carefully selected pieces. But none of them caught Aeroc¡¯s eye. Before thest piece was shown, he finally stood up. The appointment time was long overdue.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today.¡±


    ¡°I apologize that we didn¡¯t have anything to your liking, Count. I¡¯ll see you again the next time we have something good.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t mind it too much. It¡¯s my personal issue, not yours. I¡¯ll stop by again next time.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    The curator held the door open as Aeroc left with the silk hat and cane. The staff who had just brought in a new piece stepped to one side. As he ced the hat on his head, he nced at the painting. It was andscape depicting spring, with rich colors, warm, delicate brushstrokes, and, above all, the artist¡¯s tender affection for his subject. He wanted to take a closer look, but now was not the time. Aeroc looked back at the painting again.


    ¡°I¡¯lle see that painting next time.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    The curator politely led Aeroc out of the gallery.


    Upon his return, Hugo greeted him at the front door, epting Aeroc¡¯s coat and announcing the arrival of his guest as expected.


    ¡°He¡¯s been waiting for two hours, Sir. He said he has an appointment.¡±


    Hugo, however, had never been forewarned of his appointment by his master. That was, of course, because Aeroc hadn¡¯t told him anything. Thepetent butler had let the guest in, given that Bendyke was in his master¡¯s employ and that they had been on personal terms as of recent.


    ¡°Good. Is he in the violet room?¡±


    ¡°No, Sir. He¡¯s in the study.¡±


    ¡°In the study?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s strangely fond of the study. Even though he doesn¡¯t look like much of a reader.¡±


    ¡°Because the Count of Teiwind¡¯s study is the envy of intellectuals not only in the capital, but throughout the empire.¡±


    The butler, a man of great pride in the family he had served all his life, replied in an elegant tone. Aeroc walked briskly to the study. He doubted that Bendyke¡¯s interest was the same of thosemoners. He wanted to walk slowly towards the library, but it wasn¡¯t working.


    As he entered the library, he saw Bendyke¡¯s back. The man sat on the couch, facing the window. White smoke wafted from the end of his left arm, which was draped over afortable leather-covered armrest. There was a cigarette between his index and middle finger. The highly addictive thing was half-burnt. The crystal ashtray on a nearby table already had several cigarette butts.


    ¡°You can¡¯t smoke in the library. It can damage the books.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Without turning around, Bendyke replied, but he didn¡¯t stop smoking. Instead, he brought the cigarette to his mouth.


    <i>Sztttt.</i>


    The fine paper wrapped around the dried leaf powder let out a soft scream as it burned. Aeroc shortly felt sorry for making him wait, then he strode over to Bendyke, not bothering to hide his displeasure.


    ¡°Hi. Did you enjoy your outing?¡±


    Bendyke greeted cheerfully, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. His eyes were not smiling at all, and the difference shook the air precariously. A thin wisp of smoke curled around Aeroc¡¯s waist and he shuddered. Bendyke knew too well how to make his point without words.


    It was an unfair usation. Aeroc had tried to draw the clear line, saying that he was under no obligation toply with one-sided notices, that he had a social role to fulfill as the head of a family with a long history, and that he could not amodate the demands of a mere employee.


    But Aeroc wasn¡¯t prepared for what Bendyke was about to say. The man jerked his chin toward the stack of books on the table beside him.


    ¡°Those are interesting.¡±


    His left hand, clutching a cigarette, passed over them. Aeroc felt bothered by how Bendyke didn¡¯t mind the ash falling on the precious books. Aeroc picked up the books. Each one was his favorite book, which he had read many times over.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Know what?¡±


    It was an abomination to see him ask back as he pretended not to know. Bendyke had selected only Aeroc¡¯s favorite books from the spacious library. He had obviously had help. Was it Hugo, perhaps? But Hugo was not one for small talk with guests. How did this man know, Aeroc wondered.


    ¡°You think it¡¯s a coincidence that you chose only my favorite books?¡±


    ¡°You told me that yourself.¡±


    Aeroc got tired of his joking response.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to answer, just keep quiet, I¡¯ve had enough of your deception and mockery.¡±


    His tone of voice was cold, even to himself. As if that wasn¡¯t enough, Bendyke added, ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± His tone wasically sincere, which made it all the more exhrating. Aeroc¡¯s teeth chattered, and he flipped through the book he was holding so roughly that he nearly tore it apart.


    ¡°If I believed that, there would be no difference between me and an ipetent person.¡±


    ¡°Judging by your money sense, I¡¯d say you¡¯re pretty close to one.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    Aeroc snapped back, half a beat toote.


    ¡°Anyway, I see the Count in my dreams, every day.¡±


    ¡°Ha! As if harassing me wasn¡¯t bad enough, you¡¯re also calling me in my dreams. It¡¯s just as bad as it sounds, treating me like I¡¯m an ipetent person because I¡¯m not good with money. I¡¯m not curious at all, but please don¡¯t one-sidedly summon me to a cold, dreary study full of ledgers. It is very much unpleasant.¡±


    It was non logical, full of emotions. In being rational, there was no way he could win with this madman. When dealing with a madman, one needed the manners of a madman.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect my dream to make you feel that unpleasant. You must be tired, I¡¯ve been reflecting on my dreams for the past two hours.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t mean it that way, but he didn¡¯t feel like correcting the man. Bendyke flicked his nearly spent cigarette into the ashtray and pushed himself to his feet. There was none of the politeness that should be expected between a man of different statuses, between host and guest, between employer and employee.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go back for today.¡±


    His slow, lumbering movement to his feet was that of a savage beast. He buttoned his unbuttoned jacket. It looked like a hunting ritual.


    Aeroc didn¡¯t really believe Bendyke would be going back like this, doing ¡®nothing¡¯. Sure enough, Bendyke stalked toward Aeroc. And Aeroc had hoped Bedyke would do something out of his expectations this time too. Damn it.


    The long fingers that had just held the cigarette tickled the nape of his neck and his hair. When Aeroc raised his gaze, the tarry, swampy eyes he met sent an unspoken warning. Slowly, a shade fell onto him. The bridge of a knife-like nose crept closer. Bendyke was going to kiss him.


    Aeroc froze, stunned, and the other paused, too. The pressure of the momentary silence felt like it would crush his lungs at any moment.


    The fingers stroking his neck shifted and rubbed against the protruding bone at the base of his neck. His spine jerked slightly. Bendyke¡¯s lips hovered just above Aeroc¡¯s nose. He hesitated slightly, then let out a short sigh and kissed his forehead. The scent was bitter and pungent. If it was a perfume, and if Aeroc were given the power to name it, he would call it ¡®Amon¡¯, the devil of gold and greed.


    Aeroc was already exhausted from a half day spent in difort. This brief encounter with Bendyke hadpletely drained what little stamina he had left. His whole body was as tired as a soaked cotton ball.


    Aeroc spent the rest of the evening reading to soothe his exhaustion. The next thing he knew, he was rubbing his forehead with his fingers. It felt like he had been burned by hot lips spitting sulfur. The tingling sensation came and went intermittently. That bothered him unbearably.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 8

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 8</h4>


    Spring was blooming in full-fledge outside. The garden that had been frozen over for some time, now the buds were popping up and the colorful flowers were showing their true colors.


    ¡°How about the garden for today?¡± asked Hugo, who had been forewarned about the guest. Aeroc thought for a moment and decided that the garden was not a good ce. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to have a battle of nerves with that man in public.


    ¡°I suggest the second floor terrace, which overlooks the garden.¡±


    Hugo, the most elegant and capable butler in the capital or even the empire, suggested the perfect space.


    ¡°The terrace?¡±


    Bendyke, who was used to seeing him only in the library or Violet room, tried to determine if there was something hidden in Aeroc¡¯s intentions for the terrace. It was impolite of him to demand an exnation for his host¡¯s hospitality, but Aeroc wasn¡¯t particrly offended, given who he was dealing with. He had too few expectations of the other man¡¯s character to start getting emotional at this point.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, we can move indoors.¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary.¡±


    The man across the table didn¡¯t seem particrly reluctant, his gaze flickering to the garden below. It wasn¡¯t quite the season for rose to bloom yet, but the buds were poking their tiny heads out and beginning to embroider carpets of green foliage. Aeroc reaffirmed how stunning the terrace was.


    ¡°You can see the rose garden from here. It gets plenty of sunlight and a nice summer breeze, so it¡¯s the perfect ce to enjoy the scent of the roses. My mother was especially fond of it.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°What do you know, and how do you know it?¡±


    ¡°From my dreams,¡± Bendyke replied. Aeroc snorted.


    ¡°My financial manager is going crazy.¡±


    At that, the corners of Bendyke¡¯s lips curled up.


    ¡°Stop treating me as a dumb person. I¡¯m your employer. Well, you wouldn¡¯t listen to me even if I told you that. What kind of spying did you do that you know¡­¡­ are you acquainted with one of the estate¡¯s staffs?¡±


    ¡°If I were to spy on you, I¡¯d use my other connections, not your staffs.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Suddenly, Aeroc remembered that Bendyke was well-connected in Derbyshire, Westport, and even Wolke. He didn¡¯t really know about other people, but Viscount Derbyshire and Viscountess Westport knew the Count of Teiwind¡¯s history, as well as Aeroc¡¯s own. While they were a bit chatty, they weren¡¯t the type to talk about others for no reason. Perhaps this man was a clever wordsmith and got a lot of things out of them. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to shut the mouths of people who imed to be Aeroc¡¯s godfather and godmother in ce of histe parents.


    ¡°Take a seat.¡±


    At that point, Bendyke came to his side, even pulling out a chair for him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an Omega, so you don¡¯t need to do that. Besides, I don¡¯t think even the most generous Omega would want to be ttered by some freaky pervert snooping around.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Bendyke continued to smile and didn¡¯t give up the goodwill of pulling out Aeroc¡¯s chair. Aeroc couldn¡¯t just give up the master¡¯s seat and sit in another seat. That was even more ego-scratching to him. A devil¡¯s child. That man must be enjoying himself.


    This was only their third meeting. Aeroc¡¯s tension was growing, but on the other hand, his guard was decreasing. It was an emotional contradiction. As his fear of the man¡¯s actions grew, his familiarity with the man also grew. Bendyke himself felt familiar. However, Aeroc was afraid of what he might do.


    Today was no different than thest two encounters. There was some light conversation, followed by a long silence.


    <i>tter.</i>


    He tipped over the pages. Aeroc picked the easiest book to read. It¡¯s a straightforward novel with some brilliant insights. The kind of book that, once started, he wouldn¡¯t put down until it was finished, but today, every ten pages or so, he found himself ncing at the other man.


    Bendyke wasn¡¯t looking this way. His eyes, which seemed ready to hurl a sharp usation at anyone at any moment, were directed toward the rose garden. Naturally, Aeroc followed that direction. He found the old log cabin. That house had been built during the lifetime of his mother, who longed for the country life, and was inessible from the inside of the garden because it was surrounded by tall boxwoods, so many people didn¡¯t even know it was there, but it was visible from this terrace that his mother loved. Neglected since his mother¡¯s death, the house had an air of decay that didn¡¯t seem to fit in with the colorful garden. Aeroc wondered if Bendyke found that odd.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of fixing it up soon.¡±


    At the mention of it, Bendyke nced over slowly towards him.


    ¡°Or tear it down. It was a house that my mother liked, so I let it stay, but it¡¯s only ruining the view of the garden when it¡¯s that dpidated.¡±


    Truthfully, he didn¡¯t really mean to tear it down. He loved his mother too much to destroy the few memories of her he had left, However, he loved her so much that his heart would hurt if he set foot in that ce. The reason he said that was because Bendyke looked at that ce with a strange gaze. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to show any w in front of that man. He must not use this terrace in future.


    ¡°If I ask you not to destroy it, what will you do?¡±


    It was another unexpected reaction. Aeroc couldn¡¯t fathom his intentions, and he wondered what kind of research the man had done on Aeroc that he was always caught off guard. Aeroc narrowed his eyes and faced the other.


    ¡°Pain lurks within the rose vines, it is more perfect to be left as it is.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not pain, but sorrow. I¡¯m surprised that Mr. Bendyke, who has money instead of blood in his veins, would quote lyric poetry.¡±


    Aeroc was genuinely impressed. Aeroc couldn¡¯t be med for the sarcasm. It was more strange if there was nothing but pure goodwill in the conversation between them.


    ¡°A heart that flows with money sometimes knows how to beat for someone else, just as a beautiful angel¡¯s heart can hold a cold piece of ice.¡±


    The other person¡¯s tone was cold, as if he was condemning someone. It was as if that person was Aeroc. But he wasn¡¯t an angel, and he wasn¡¯t holding a cold ice cube. Instead, his anger at the crude man who had spoken such unintelligible usations was fanned into a me that radiated a subtle heat.


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right, seeing as how the pieces that make up your steel vault are as squishy as a rotten pumpkin.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re offended?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have to answer for something so trivial that doesn¡¯t need to consume my emotions.¡±


    With that, Aeroc turned back to his book. It was his way of saying he was tired of this conversation. After forcing himself to read a page, he picked up his teacup. Naturally, he looked up to see Bendyke ring at him with searing eyes. Even as he red, his cruel mouth twitched upward as if he were amused. It was as if the man enjoyed his anger.


    ¡°It must be a pity that you are seized by that trivial man.¡±


    ¡°I know that better than anyone, so you don¡¯t need to emphasize it.¡±


    Aeroc snapped and dropped his gaze back to his book. But Bendyke¡¯s prying eyes bothered him, and he couldn¡¯t concentrate anymore. This man was really an odd one.


    The great light of the world was singing a sweet chorus after a powerful solo. The moon, praying for the bright sun¡¯s departure, came with the night and its secrets. Hugo appeared quietly to light candles andnterns on the terrace. He prepared another pot of hot tea and then disappeared.


    It was hard to read in the open air. From the start, hispany was not exactly helping him to be emotionally stable. Grateful that the silent torture was finally over, Aeroc closed his book.


    Bendyke, whose gaze had been fixed on the rose garden all afternoon, still seemed unwilling to stand. With his arms casually draped over the armrests and his legs crossed, he seemed as if he would stay there forever, like a statue. Despite the red sunset, he looked as pale as marble. Aeroc wondered if he really had be a statue.


    Aeroc had already brewed a fresh pot of tea three times. As the sunset dyed the horizon a deep red, he became nervous about the other, who didn¡¯t move an inch. The man was behaving very strangely. Was he going to stay up eventer today? Then, perhaps would they?


    ¡°It¡¯s be veryte.¡±


    ¡°The time for mature gentlemen has only just begun.¡±


    At the mention of mature gentlemen, Aeroc snorted andughed nervously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you would call yourself a gentleman.¡±


    Aeroc tilted his head and shed a thin sneer at his opponent before Bendyke¡¯s hand reached out. Arge grip closed around Aeroc¡¯s chin.


    ¡°That gaze, that tone, that distinguishedugh.¡±


    The tip of a long index finger tapped lightly against the spot just below his ear that led to his jaw, making the hairs on his back stand on end. Aeroc tried to shake it off, but Bendyke interrupted him with a deft move.


    ¡°You really haven¡¯t changed at all.¡±


    The tone suggested he¡¯d known Aeroc from long before. Aeroc had given up trying to understand Bendyke, but that tone always bothered him. Aeroc wanted to shoot back that he didn¡¯t want to be judged by a man like him, but Aeroc missed the timing.


    Rising from his seat, Bendyke approached, both hands gripping the armrests of Aeroc¡¯s chair. The shadow cast by hisrge frame with his back to the setting sun blocked his view. The red rays of the sun touched those alpha-male features. Then the chiseled bridge of his nose glowed ominously, like a soul-slicing de.


    ¡°You¡¯ll always be the one who made me like this.¡±


    The man¡¯s voice rang out, a thick, raspy sound that seemed to dissipate into smoke. Forgetting to breathe naturally, Aeroc sucked in air in ragged gulps. His half-obscured vision went ck, as if he had drunk poison. He felt dizzy.


    The hand clutching his chin strained, and at the same time his other arm was grabbed. It was difficult to escape. The pride he had learned since his earliest days of self-realization stopped his head from going down. Rather than cower before a coward who used unfair means to intimidate him, Aeroc chose to keep his head upright.


    At a close range, the other person¡¯s breath brushed his lips. Aeroc¡¯s breathing slowed of its own ord. Shallow breaths followed. Firm flesh touched his lips. A shockwave, like the explosion of a buried bomb, shook him to his core. His clenched teeth snapped open.


    A tongue slipped through the gap, and the naked contact with the warmth of another human body sent waves of sensation like he¡¯d never experienced before. With careful grazing of his teeth, the slick flesh advanced, gently tapping sensitive sensory organ he had never used for anything other than speaking and tasting. He hadn¡¯t known a human body temperature to be hot or cold. The intimate waves of sensation that came with the contact, reaching into unfamiliar territory, shattered Aeroc¡¯s anxiousness. His back loosened and his legs wobbled. His half-closed eyelids fluttered and therge male form through them rippled.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    The lips parted for a moment, then angled back to make contact. With his mouth naturally open, Bendyke marched in like an upying army, and as he did, Aeroc¡¯s inner defences of hard core slowly crumbled from below.


    His head naturally tilted back as the tongue plunged deeper and deeper. Aeroc¡¯s spine gently curved along his cervical spine. His opponent¡¯s grip had now reached her waist. Hard arm muscles pressed against Aeroc¡¯s recessed waist.


    Bendyke captured Aeroc¡¯s tongue, flicking it gently, then sucking it back in hard. It was promiscuous and lustful. Only when Aeroc¡¯s tongue began to tingle did the other man allow him to breathe a little.


    ¡°Haaa.¡±


    Even as he exhaled, Bendyke nibbled on Aeroc¡¯s lower lip and skimmed the corners of his mouth. As if that weren¡¯t enough, he teased Aeroc¡¯s jaw with the tip of his tongue. At one point, Aeroc¡¯s grip on his shoulders tightened.


    He was surprised that kissing could be so shameful. The sex education manuals he¡¯d read voraciously in preparation for this moment made no mention of this incredible whirlwind of sensations. Even the smutty books with sizzling illustrations were as scious as this.


    The arm around his waist kept Aeroc half-hugged by Bendyke. In those ck, swampy eyes, always bubbling with anger, a new kind of desire emerged, lust. The moment he met those eyes, Aeroc felt naked on the spot. If kissing was this vulgar, how crude and indecent would¡­¡­ sex be. A faint shiver of fear ran down his spine. Aeroc let out a shuddering sigh.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t resist it when you look at me with such expectant eyes.¡±


    Bendyke whispered, his voice slurred with lust.


    ¡°Why should you resist it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t encourage me. I¡¯m only saying it because I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s taut nerves couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He had enough of this back-and-forth. He didn¡¯t want to endure the tension any longer. It was time toe clean with everything.


    ¡°Think about how much it hurts my pride to be rejected every time.¡±


    Perhaps those words came as a surprise, Bendyke couldn¡¯t hide his baffled expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s not rejection, I¡¯m just waiting for a better time.¡±


    ¡°Waiting itself is a rejection.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not ready yet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of my own readiness. How far do you want me to feel anxious? You can stroke your ego, but not too much. I¡¯m really starting to feel like crying now.¡±


    Bendyke looked at Aeroc with eyes of genuine surprise.


    ¡°You want to cry?¡±


    ¡°Why, do I really have to shed a tear?¡±


    As Aerocughed nervously and talked back, Bendyke shook his head vigorously.


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t. If you cry, I¡¯ll¡­¡­ probably die on the spot.¡±


    Spouting nonsensical stuff like a fool in desperate love, he stamped a burn mark on Aeroc¡¯s forehead. His patronising demeanor was ratherical.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back for the night. A private room would be nicer next time.¡±


    Shortly after he left, the fourth batch of brewed tea cooled untouched.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 9

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 9</h4>


    The man¡¯s reverberations stimted the autonomic system, causing strange symptoms. Sometimes, Aeroc¡¯s heart would speed up for no reason. There was an odd phantom pain that felt like needles piercing the insides of his joints while simultaneously enveloping his entire body in soft fur. A small shiver ran up the back of his neck, and his body shivered even when he sat still. His body felt dissatisfied for some unknown reason. No, after a little thinking, he could deduce exactly why, but Aeroc clearly didn¡¯t want to face the dire consequences.


    He needed to deliberately distract himself. If not, the sensation on his lips and what was left of his tongue might overwhelm him and paralyze his respiratory system.


    Reading was the easiest option, but it didn¡¯t give a satisfactory effect. Sitting still and focusing on something was too much for him today. It was better to go out for a change. Somewhere where Aeroc could be entertained without having to think too much. The answer could only be the art gallery.


    Remembering that time again, there was a painting that caught his eye at one nce.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Count, but that painting is already sold.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s only been a few days since then.¡±


    ¡°Someone came here and bought it the next day.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no.¡±


    Rather than a painting that he thought about carefully, a painting that he missed out by a second only made him want it more. Sometimes, if someone beat him to it, he would ask the buyer politely to sell it to him. When Aeroc pressed the issue, the curator gave him a troubled expression.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you the customer.¡±


    ¡°You mean, to me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    When Aeroc said he¡¯de back to see a painting next time, it meant he was interested in buying the painting. The curator, whose trust had been built over many transactions, should have understood that meaning clearly. However, he still sold it nheless. The fact that it remained anonymous to Aeroc meant that the buyer was someone ofof a higher rank than the Count of Teiwind. Was it the royal family? That would be a shame.


    As informed before, Bendyke showed up in time for dinner. The meal was almost like a battle. Aeroc attacked him with all sorts of different topics, which he defended very skillfully.


    ¡°The maestro is very¡­¡­.¡±


    The debate stretched to all sorts of topics, and Bendyke, more literate than he realized, made clearments that Aeroc could only sympathize with. Bendyke especially seemed to see right through him. Aeroc tried to cut that arrogant bridge of the man¡¯s nose, but was unsessful.


    ¡°I thought you only looked at the ledgers and transactions. When did you read all those books? Your level of reading is enough to qualify you for membership in any of the social clubs I belong to.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that interested.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not interested and you¡¯ve read all these books?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious about what someone sees and thinks.¡±


    Whatever ¡®someone¡¯ Bendyke was thinking of, his lips tightened and his eyes grew more dangerous. It seemed to be implied that it was Aeroc. His vague amusement at the back-and-forth conversation quickly turned to displeasure. Aeroc waspletely fed up with this person hurling unintelligible hateful words at him. Aeroc realized he couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    Wiping the corner of his mouth with a white napkin, Aeroc ced it on the table, barely soiled. He picked up his wine ss instead.


    ¡°I have a question.¡±


    Bendyke, who had just sliced a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth, put down his napkin at the same time, tilting his head.


    ¡°Why the hell are you doing this to me?¡±


    As Bendyke chewed, his eyes widened a little, as if he didn¡¯t understand the question. Aeroc didn¡¯t even have the energy to admire the abomination acting.


    ¡°Since when have we been friends? Acquaintances, no, just employer and employee. We¡¯re not even intimatepanions. So why should I, the Count of Teiwind, spend a precious evening entertaining and conversing with amon gentry without a title?¡±


    It was a burst of discontent, then Bendyke, rinsing his mouth with wine, said.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who put me in this position, so why don¡¯t you answer for yourself.¡±


    ¡°What? When did I bring a man like you into this? You¡¯re the one who drove me to this!¡±


    ¡°Think about it. You¡¯re the one who came to me, and you¡¯re the one who asked me for help.¡±


    ¡°And you manipted me into doing so.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an unfounded delusion.¡±


    ¡°Did your dreams tell you to talk like that again?¡±


    The man returned a hostile gaze at the tant sarcasm.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore, so get it over with.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡±


    Aeroc rose to his feet, and Bendyke followed. His steps toward the Violet room wereced with disgust.


    Heat shed across his skin before they had even begun. Stepping into the small chamber, Aeroc felt like a knight about to go to battle. He snorted at himself for feeling so profoundly moved by such a lowly task. Instead of donning an armor, he resolutely removed the silk jacket he was wearing.


    ¡°You¡¯re in a hurry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry to get things I hate done.¡±


    Aeroc draped the jacket over a chair and loosened his tie. Then, he unbuttoned a couple buttons on his shirt and turned around. All the while, Bendyke stood with his hands shoved in his pants pockets, a poor posture. His gaze, like a swamp bubbling with mud and spewing venom, was particrly unpleasant today.


    ¡°Why do you look at me like that?¡±


    ¡°I am reminded that you are, at all events, a virtuous Count.¡±


    Despicable guy. Aeroc¡¯s blood ran cold at the cold sarcasm. His fingertips trembled at the buttons of his shirt.


    Bendyke acted like a grudgingpliant person. Even when he was the one who asked for this. It was as if it he was the aristocratic gentleman and Aeroc was the one being a promiscuous man making tant advances. Aeroc felt humiliated and angry.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, then stop. I¡¯m also not doing this because I like it.¡±


    Aeroc was just about to button his shirt again with trembling hands when the other man approached, wrapping his hands around Aeroc¡¯s and continuing to unbutton the shirt.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong. I want to nibble on this pale skin right now, prate your arrogantly innocent insides, and drive myself into you until you cry out that you can¡¯t take it anymore, but¡­¡­.¡±


    Without giving Aeroc time to reel from the shocking words containing eardrum-bashing nakedness, Bendyke slipped his hands through his open shirt and caressed his hot neck and shoulders. Therge hand was like a weapon. It rested lightly on Aeroc¡¯s neck, where his pulse throbbed with fear, excitement, and a strange sense of anticipation. Bendyke stroked Aeroc¡¯s neck with both thumbs. Suddenly, Aeroc realized that if Bendyke applied any pressure, he could strangle him. A shiver of fear mixed with excitement ran from his toes to the crown of his head. His skin stung from the dense fuzz.


    ¡°I just wonder if it¡¯s okay to do this, and to be honest, I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll start condemning each other again.¡±


    For a moment, a nervous shout nearly escaped Aeroc. <i>Afraid? Who? Kloff Bendyke is afraid? The merewyer who holds the neck of Aeroc, a chambein of the Imperial House, the head of the great and long-established Teiwind n?</i>


    And what did he mean by starting to condemn each other again? Was there even any affection between them in the first ce? It was nothing more than a rtionship that fanned the mes of a lustful interest towards a sworn enemy.


    ¡°Condemn is the perfect spice to elevate the appetite for sex, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Aeroc red at his opponent, who smiled back as he rxed his stance. The distance between them disappeared.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 10.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 10.1</h4>


    The overwhelming physique was a force to be reckoned with simply by facing it. Aeroc stumbled backward, unable to stand properly. Instinctively, he reached out and grabbed the back of the chair behind him. Bendyke seemed as if he couldn¡¯t stand the slightest bit of distance and repeatedly got closer. Bendyke buried his face in the already half-exposed nape of Aeroc¡¯s neck. As the de-like nose passed near his carotid artery, Aeroc felt threatened, as if the razor-sharp teeth beneath would tear a blood vessel at any moment.


    His opponent, who liked to pretend to be a gentleman, didn¡¯t tear at his buttons like a beast. Instead, he undid the small button with one hand, his tongue licking the gap where Aeroc¡¯s ear met the chin, as deftly as if he knew everything about Aeroc, even without seeing anything. His vest had already fallen to the floor. The hem of his shirt was dragged out with ascivious squawk, like the hem of a seduced aristocratic wife¡¯s dress. Through the gaping fabric, Aeroc could see his abdomen, rising and falling with his ragged breathing. Arge hand slid over it. It was the visual stimulus, rather than the heat of his throat, that fueled his shame.


    ¡°What happened to the man who was so smug about taking off his clothes?¡±


    ¡°Shut¡­ up.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s lungs gasped at the unfamiliar sensation that washed over him like a wave. Not wanting to add to the other¡¯s satisfaction by moaning, Aeroc bit his lower lip.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to be able to stick a single finger in your lustful hole even when this night is over if you keep squirming like a virgin who doesn¡¯t know anything.¡±


    The unkind words turned into a giant hammer and struck Aeroc in the back of the head. His mouth fell open in shock, and then the promiscuous man smiled. Spreading his long fingers like a, he raised Aeroc¡¯s face like a goblet of wine.


    ¡°That¡¯s a little better.¡±


    Their tongues met before their lips. The flesh he had felt a couple times before slid effortlessly into his mouth. It checked the teeth and mucous membranes as one might check the safety of their possession, then clung to the tongue that wanted to be left alone. Bendyke¡¯s kiss was a true reflection of his temper. It was insistent and rough. The real problem was that the kiss was having a profound effect on Aeroc.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s nasal passages rumbled low as breath couldn¡¯t pass his clogged mouth. His hands gripped the back of the chair. His half-closed eyelids, instead of dulling his vision, made his sense of touch more acute. The sensation of the wicked flesh meeting and mingling with his tongue, a stranger roaming his intimate mucous membranes, was still bizarre. It was bizarre, at times eerie, and sweet at the same time.


    Bendyke was the first person Aeroc had ever made intimate contact with, intentionally or otherwise. It was embarrassing, but perhaps his ignorance of sex made him more susceptible. In any case, the current kiss wasn¡¯t bad, which made the other man all the more repulsive. Aeroc should have been disgusted by every second of being with the man. His pride was being painfully stripped away.


    Saliva connected between the two tongues rubbing hard against each other, then broke off. At just the right moment, Bendyke allowed Aeroc a moment of rest. He gave out a breathy exhale several times. The devil¡¯s lips curled into a smile. It was a clear temptation.


    ¡°Ae¡­¡±


    The obviously lower-ranked man attempted to insolently call him by his first name again. Unable to tolerate it, Aeroc stopped those lips first. Just like the other man did, Aeroc grazed his equally sharp teeth and skimmed the mucous membranes of his mouth. Slightly panicked, the other man flinched and tried to further the distance. Aeroc reached out and wrapped his hand around Bendyke¡¯s neck to prevent him from escaping.


    A muffled sound echoed from his massive chest. Through his half-obscured vision, Aeroc could see the other¡¯s closed eyes, dark brows pressed together on either side of his brow in agony, denseshes fluttering like butterfly wings. It was an incredibly delicate reaction to find in Bendyke. Aeroc nuzzled the other¡¯s neck, which was as big as his own thigh. He lifted his index finger slightly and felt the neatly trimmed hair. He expected it to be stiff as an aspen leaf, but it was unexpectedly soft.


    <i>Smack.</i>


    Their lips parted with an embarrassed sound. Dark eyes that had sunk like dead winter leaves suddenly glowed a dangerous color. Cedar-like arms wrapped tightly around Aeroc¡¯s waist. Standing stiffly on one leg, Aeroc returned the same sneer he¡¯d received from his surprised opponent.


    ¡°You have a knack for surprising people. You¡¯re always unpredictable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as apliment. But with all that admiration, will you have time to properly wield that stallion of a phallus? I mean before this night is over.¡±


    Aeroc was proud of himself being generous with others, but not with this guy. When he could, he would exact revenge. He didn¡¯t want to lose, even if it would lead to unintended consequences. Shocked by the provocation, the other looked dumbfounded. But a cheeky grin quickly emerged.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so worried, why don¡¯t you take off my clothes instead of standing still?¡±


    ¡°Howzy and arrogant of you to make your employer do it.¡±


    Even so, Aeroc reached out his hands.


    The enclosed chamber quickly filled with heat. The Violet Room was small and cozypared to the other rooms in the manor, but it was shockingly vast when one was wearing only a loose shirt. The thick stone walls provided a firm sense of privacy. Nevertheless, Aeroc bit his lower lip and stubbornly cleared his throat.


    ¡°You might bleed if you bite down like that.¡±


    The low voice echoed in his ear, rough as if sandpapered with lust. Aeroc wanted to snort at the hypocrisy of the man who was making his skin crawl, but he felt like he was going to break apart if he lost the slightest bit of caution.


    A thick bead of sweat rolled down Aeroc¡¯s neck and split the center of his chest, and Bendyke gently lifted Aeroc to sit his ass across the table. A strong grip around his waist forced his back to fall backward.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 10.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 10.2</h4>


    Bendyke kissed Aeroc¡¯s forehead as if he were holding a loved one close. It was like he was soothing a naive child who was begging for something to be done.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act so provocative when you¡¯re so inexperienced as to tremble like this. I can only endure so much, and I don¡¯t want this to be a horrible failure like thest time, so please¡­¡­.¡±


    How long did this man want to mock and y Aeroc around, pretending to be a gentle lover that¡¯s very unlike him? Aeroc was angry at his own foolishness in relying on the man¡¯s fake gentleness. Anger froze the corners of his hot eyes. What did he mean by a terrible failure likest time? It must mean he¡¯d hurt someone before with that shockinglyrge penis.


    Suddenly, Aeroc realized that Bendyke would have had a variety of partners. That was to be expected. He¡¯d had men and women, alphas and omegas, and now, unable to resist his perverted urges, he was reaching for Aeroc. It wasn¡¯t surprising, and yet he couldn¡¯t stop himself feeling angry. He red at the filthy bastard, usations of unspeakable things locked in his eyes, and Bendyke smirked.


    ¡°Did you expect to get raped? I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you.¡±


    Aeroc felt very disgusted.


    ¡°Get out of my way.¡±


    Aeroc shoved the despicable hypocrite away. He lowered his legs from the table and stood on the floor. His body, so far drained of strength from sexual tension and forced arousal, shook as it struggled to ovee the effects of his rapidly dropping body temperature.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    A strong arm supported Aeroc. But that only stripped him of his humane dignity.


    ¡°Let go.¡±


    In a show of tant hostility, Aeroc jerked the arm away, causing himself to lose his bnce and nearly topple over the table. Instead of iling, he used every ounce of mental strength he had to right himself. It didn¡¯t matter that he was only wearing a piece of shirt. No matter how shameful he looked, he was still more virtuous than that savage devil.


    ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch my body.¡±


    Aeroc snapped, and the outstretched hand stopped. He steadied himself and picked up his pants from the floor. He clenched his jaw and tried not to say anything more, but the curses finally escaped his mouth.


    ¡°You shit son of a bitch. Just go to hell already.¡±


    It was the foulest thing he¡¯d ever said in his life, and it was Bendyke¡¯s turn to be surprised by the unusual wordsing out of him. While his flustered opponent hesitated, Aeroc grabbed his clothes and fled to another bathroom.


    Aeroc mmed the door shut and tears out of anger dropped. He rubbed his cheek with a trembling hand.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    He felt miserable and angry, shedding tears for a lowlife like Bendyke. He turned on the faucet and washed his face with cold water. He grabbed a towel and roughly wiped his sweaty body. His fingertips trembled as he pulled on his rumpled clothes. The buttons kept slipping off his hands.


    ¡°Damned buttons.¡±


    The curse words kepting. Aeroc took several deep breaths, trying to regain hisposure. He¡¯d been shaking with excitement a moment ago, and now his body was suddenly cold and his skull was pounding like it was going to crack. His vision was dizzying. He¡¯d forgotten to take his shoes, so he was barefoot, but at least he was dressed properly in a shirt and pants. Aeroc ran his fingers through his dishevelled hair a few times, then took another deep breath. The heat in his face cooled a little, and the corners of his eyes dried quickly.


    He looked at himself in the bathroom mirror. His lips were slightly puffy and the corners of his eyes were pale pink, but overall, Aeroc lookedposed. If he was dressed to perfection, he would look as if it was just after an emotional performance. He felt a mix of impressed and shame, sinking to an equal level. A faint sneer tugged at the corners of his mouth. In the mirror, he saw nothing wrong with himself. He had never been so grateful for his father¡¯s harsh lessons as he was today. It was time to shoo away the unwee guest. With his head held high, he stepped out of the bathroom.


    While Aeroc wasposing himself in the bathroom, Bendyke seemed to have calmed his excitement. The man had his shirt pulled on and his pants straightened. With his back turned, he hadn¡¯t noticed Aeroc¡¯s presence and was digging through his jacket pockets. His fingertips trembled like those of a terminally ill patient as he flipped open the outer pocket and then shook out the inner one. When he finally found what he was looking for, he grabbed something and went to the table.


    Swish.


    Pouring himself a cup of cooled tea, he unscrewed the lid of the object in his hand. Aeroc couldn¡¯t see it clearly, but it looked like a medicine bottle. After popping the content into his mouth, Bendyke drank the rest of the tea, then put his hands on the table and breathed deeply. After a few moments, he lifted one hand to gauge whether his own hand was shaking or not. Hisplexion was as pale as a nk sheet of paper as he clenched and unclenched and repeated.


    ¡°What is that medicine?¡±


    Aeroc asked, and Bendyke looked surprised. Spotting Aeroc, he slipped the hand holding the bottle into his pants pocket. His casual demeanour was even more suspicious.


    ¡°Are you feeling better now?¡±


    ¡°I asked what did you just take?¡±


    ¡°Headache medicine.¡±


    The corner of Bendyke¡¯s mouth twitched up as he regained his cockiness. Somehow, he looked like he was about tough. But there was a trace of sweat on his forehead and a slight twitch in the muscles of his face that looked forced. There was no trace of anger. Instead, he showed a glimmer of pain.


    ¡°What, now that we¡¯ve had our bodies mixed, you want to know about my private life?¡±


    ¡°You keep treating me like a child, but I¡¯m pretty sure that is something bad.¡±


    ¡°Well.¡±


    Bendyke shrugged, looking unimpressed. That bottle definitely contained something else.


    ¡°Hmm. You must be drinking some kind of mind-eating opium tincture, judging by your crazy dream stories and weird behavior.¡±


    Aeroc hadn¡¯t considered the inhuman but brilliant financial manager to be an opium addict. The only potion that came to mind was a secretive concoction befitting a vile demon. Cases of individuals ruining their lives by bing addicted to opium as a painkiller were silently spreading. However, within Aeroc¡¯s social circle, there were no opium users, at least not so far. As if hitting the bullseye, Bendyke chuckled softly.


    ¡°Not quite opium tincture, but close.¡±


    He pulled the bottle from his pocket, squeezed it slightly between his index finger and thumb, and waved it in front of him. Before Aeroc could take a closer look, it disappeared back into his pocket. Aeroc was never going to get a proper conversation going with this pathetic man.


    ¡°The calming effect of this medicine is very eminent, and the usual painkillers aren¡¯t workingtely.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re taking painkillers so strong they rival opium, you should stop working and get well.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that Aeroc was worried about Kloff Bendyke. He would have said the same thing if a passing enemy of his father had fallen ill. Of course, his father left no resentment beyond the demanding dignity and immense wealth. A physiological aversion to drugs was frowned upon. Bendyke acted as if it was no big deal.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that right now.¡±


    Stepping closer, he lifted Aeroc¡¯s chin slightly. Aeroc shook off the impudent touch like swatting away a bug. But the madman didn¡¯t seem to mind that.


    ¡°A certain Count has been giving me a lot of troubletely. I can¡¯t endure it unless I take at least some medicine.¡±


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s painkillers or drugs is none of my business, but if you neglect your duties, you¡¯re fired.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    The other man bowed politely, then took Aeroc¡¯s hand and kissed his palm. A secret, romantic way to convey unspoken affection was reduced to a savage mockery if it was done by Kloff Bendyke. Aeroc shook the hand away in disgust.


    The other man seemed amused by his tant disy of disgust. It was almost as if he felt relished by it. Maybe the poison had done something to his head. Perverted bastard.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you again at another time, my dear master.¡±


    Aeroc wanted to punch that smirking face in the face. There was no way Aeroc was going to win against this madman with brute strength, not to mention the fact that violence would ruin his reputation as an intellectual. He should have taken up boxing, Aeroc regretted in hindsight. Maybe he should cut back on his violin lessons and start taking fencing lessons instead. Now that Aeroc had witnessed the man drinking a mysterious medicine, he needed to take precautionary measures for self-defence. Moreover, that man had a frighteningly vicious weapon tucked between his crotches.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 11

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 11</h4>


    Kloff Bendyke was a man who meticulously upheld his words. He appeared with several documents, which he treated as invitations to the estate, to prove his worth.


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    The second time wasn¡¯t any easier than the first. The physiological rejection was a little less. Humans were inevitably creatures of adaptation, but even with these increasingly personal encounters, Aeroc grew increasingly annoyed with the man who was always presenting him with a damned ¡®request¡¯, emphasizing at every turn that this was not a rtionship in which pure friendship could grow. Aeroc snatched the folder and threw it across the table. He didn¡¯t bother to open it. The amount of profit he had gained was a good indication of the obscenity of what was about to happen. He felt like he was being forced into prostitution. No, Aeroc pretended it wasn¡¯t, but it was. He felt nauseous at the intentionally humiliating means the man was using.


    Seeing Aeroc swallow hard his rising anger, Bendyke pulled the medicine bottle and downed it in one gulp. It was his way of protesting that he was the one being dragged to the ughter. To his chagrin, Aeroc shot back coldly.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so disgusted, why don¡¯t we stop this?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    Smiling smugly, the man leaned in close and cupped Aeroc¡¯s face in both hands. Their lips met lightly, and a grimace creased Aeroc¡¯s face.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it you who feel disgusted to face a rotten human like me, Count?¡±


    ¡°You know me well.¡±


    ¡°Knowing you too well is the problem.¡±


    With a brazen smile, Bendyke ran his hand over the knot of Aeroc¡¯s tie. Long fingers tugged at it in anguid motion. The knot was tight enough that it wouldn¡¯te undone easily, and the force pulled Aeroc forward. As they pressed together, he could smell the other man¡¯s scent, simr to something dry and natural. It was a mix of the refreshing coolness of marble and the substantial warmth of mahogany. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant, but rather reassuring. He wouldn¡¯t have felt any aversion to that reassurance, if only the owner of that scent wasn¡¯t an irritating human named Bendyke.


    ¡°Huhhh.¡±


    It seemed like it wasn¡¯t only Aeroc who was sensitive to the scent. Bendyke moved with the deftness of a predator gauging the urgency of its prey. Instead of hugging and nuzzling like a baby, he wrapped his arms around Aeroc lightly. The tight cage of his long limbs effectively cut off all escape.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so nervous, it¡¯s not going to change anything.¡±


    ¡°I wish you¡¯d shut up. There¡¯s no need to add chatter to your vulgarity.¡±


    Aeroc replied in a low whisper and an equally stealthy voice. The other chuckled, his ribcage rumbling. Bendyke rested his cheek against Aeroc¡¯s head full of blonde hair. Aeroc twisted his head slightly against the weight, and a light kiss fell on his temple.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be so cute, it would have been great if I knew this before.¡±


    ¡°That would only be great for you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Arrogant eyes bore into Aeroc¡¯s. The other man unted the superiority of hisrge body, his fingertips tiresomely pressing into the center of Aeroc¡¯s tense back. The high-quality, fine-grained fabric didn¡¯t even make a sound. The touch was surprisingly delicate, tracing the tiny muscles of Aeroc¡¯s back like a wave over the curve of a pebble. Anguid sigh escaped his tightly pressed lips. If Aeroc was smoking a cigarette, Bendyke would have his lips curled into a thin smile as he retraced the path of the long stream of smoke.


    The outer surface of the parted lips dried quickly under the hot breath. But through the opening, a slick tongue moistened the rough surface, and Aeroc couldn¡¯t remember how many deep, tongue-in-cheek kisses they had shared now. But it was all too familiar. Every bit of alpha pride he¡¯d built up was chipped away. Aeroc stretched out his arms to hold onto his mate, unable to support himself otherwise. The devil¡¯s kiss paralyzed his soul and body simultaneously.


    A low nasal sound resonated, apanied by a thin chuckle. The more absorbed Aeroc became in the kiss, the more he realized the pleasure the other derived from it. Yet, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to stop. He hadn¡¯t expected to feel so much pleasure from contact with another alpha.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°Hoo.¡±


    Their lips parted, then ovepped again. The narrowed eyes could barely contain only the other. As the hazy contours cleared, the man¡¯s distinct features seemed to pour forth. His face, with its slight asymmetry and appropriate arrogance, was the pinnacle of masculinity that the gods had in mind.


    Despite his dislike of lowly personalities, the sex appeal possessed by the human named Bendike was undeniably exceptional. Coming from a rural background with no connections within the capital, his ease of entry into prestigious social circles was not exined by mere financial management skills. A man with an intense aura that stood out wherever he went, and a dangerous, dark side that was only subtly revealed, had a way of capturing the attention of people in any time or space. Although Aeroc wanted to resist that enchantment, he was just a human with no way to escape.


    ¡°Ha¡­¡­ ummm.¡±


    After allowing a brief pause, Bendyke¡¯s tongue took over his mouth again, its wild flicks tinged with sinister desire. It quickly prated the capiries beneath the mucous membranes it touched. The mes quickly spread his whole body. As therge hand explored the intimate area through the waist, Aeroc hurriedly began to undress the opponent. His anger had long since evaporated in the mes of passion.


    Or perhaps it was just the misconception of excessive sexual innocence.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 12.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 12.1</h4>


    With the setting sun behind it, Aeroc¡¯s carriage drove through a garden that looked free-spirited but was decorated with the most delicate intentions, and stood in front of an old brick estate. A servant, waiting for the carriage to stop, brought a foot rest and opened the carriage door. A young butler, the estate had recently changed generations, greeted Aeroc with a polite bow.


    ¡°Count Teiwind. Wee to the estate.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. How is Viscount Derbyshire doing?¡±


    ¡°Master is the same as always. He¡¯s also drinking alcohol to excess and smoking indiscriminately today, much to the affectionate concern of his many friends.¡±


    The servants of the Viscount Derbyshire were courteous, but they were also capable of some quite poignant jokes, and yet they had infinite respect and love for the Viscount Derbyshire. They were as loyal as those who served the Count of Teiwind.


    ¡°Master. A lovely guest has arrived.¡±


    The young butler introduced him that way as he ushered Aeroc into the meeting room. There was something even more gaunt about him than the previous retired senior butler.


    ¡°Oh, Count Teiwind, it¡¯s been a long time! Now,e in.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire greeted him with a booming voice, his rounded, stately frame matched by arge, white beard that was well trimmed. The guests who were scattered around the room turned in unison. Before Aeroc even realized who the other guests were, Viscount Derbyshire threw his arms around Aeroc and nted a huge kiss on each cheek. It was as if he was greeting his oldest grandson, whom he hadn¡¯t seen in years.


    ¡°I¡¯ve not gotten to see your face at all recently!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Am I veryte?¡±


    ¡°Alwayste!¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire tried to scold Aeroc, still holding onto him.


    ¡°The aperitif is only just served.¡±


    A young butler cut off his master¡¯s exaggerated response at just the right moment. He came with a small goblet of aperitif on a gleaming tray and held it out. Aeroc wasn¡¯t looking forward to the drink, but he dly epted the ss to get away from the nags of his godfather. Viscount Derbyshire then released Aeroc.


    ¡°Have you been doing well?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see I¡¯ve lost weight from the heartache of not seeing you?¡±


    Even if he spoke that, Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s massive belly showed no sign of detion. Aeroc chuckled, knowing it was just a joke.


    ¡°I see you have other guests.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire chuckled and finally introduced them to Aeroc, as if he¡¯d only just noticed their presence. He recognized them all.


    ¡°Aeroc, it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    The man smiling and extending his hand was Richard Derbyshire, a military officer and son of Viscount Derbyshire. He was a few years older than Aeroc, and they were childhood friends who spent their early years together.


    ¡°Richard! I almost didn¡¯t recognize you! You¡¯ve be so cool!¡±


    ¡°You too. You¡¯ve be a new man since you became a Count.¡±


    He was one of the few people who feltfortable speaking to Aeroc. He was slender and serious-looking, uncharacteristically so for a child of the Viscount Derbyshire, but in terms of friendliness, he waspletely the same as his father. As Aeroc greeted his long-lost friend, he was approached by two beautiful people with dazzling blond hair.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Aeroc.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Rapiel. Ariel. It¡¯s great to meet many familiar faces today.¡±


    Their peachy cheeks glistened. The two were the sons of Viscount of Westport. They were much closer to Derbyshire n than to Teiwind n, so Derbyshire had always been the middlemen. Their parents were currently travelling for their twentieth wedding anniversary, so the brothers were staying at Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s estate.


    Rapiel and Ariel¡¯s lovely looks and personalities attracted the attention of many alphas. It was understandable why the Viscount and Viscountess of Westport would leave them in the care of a trusted rtive while travelling. They were such charming siblings that Aeroc feared something might happen to them if they were left unattended. Richard, who was just like an older cousin to them, also had looked at them with a gentle gaze.


    An unexpected figure stepped forward. It was the Marquis of Wolke, with ck hair and contrasting metallic gray eyes.


    ¡°Count Teiwind.¡±


    ¡°Marquis Wolke.¡±


    With a personality as cold and secretive as his appearance, Aeroc hadn¡¯t expected to see him in the meeting room of the Viscount Derbyshire. With a simple salutation, he sipped his aperitif and lit a cigarette, and before he knew it, he and Richard were nked on either side by the Westport brothers, who were chatting away. Next to the two naive omegas, there was an odd exchange of nces between the alphas. Aha.


    ¡°Are there a lot of roses blooming this year too?¡±


    Rapiel asked, a little shyly, with a wistful look on his face. Ariel, standing close beside him as if noticing the situation, wore a yful smile.


    ¡°Sure. They¡¯ll be in full bloom in a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°Will you be hosting a soir¨¦e?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°The rose garden must be beautiful in the moonlight.¡±


    ¡°I really want to go,¡± Rapiel said to himself in a small voice. Aeroc couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the cuteness of it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure the invitations are sent to the Westports first.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Having aplished his goal, Rapiel scurried off to the corner with Ariel. Ariel whispered something, and Rapiel blushed red and bumped his brother. They seemed to be exchanging stories about the legend of Count Teiwind¡¯s vaunted rose garden.


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯ll extend an invitation to me as well?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re always wee, Richard.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Borrowing the power of the garden, please get him a partner and ease this father¡¯s worries.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire interjected. Richard shrugged his shoulders without a response. Marquis Wolke eyed the Westport brothers with a silent but fearsome gaze. Though he was known for his piercing gaze, it was the first time he had ever looked at the harmless Omega in such a way. Aeroc wondered who from the two was the receiving end of it. Either way, it seemed a good idea to extend Wolke an invitation to the soir¨¦e.


    ¡°Master. The feast is all ready.¡±


    The butler announced.


    ¡°One person iste.¡±


    ¡°Is there another personing?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s someone you know.¡±


    The old man smirked, and Aeroc felt uneasy.


    The dinner table was a smooth oval. The center seat was upied by the host, Viscount Derbyshire, with Rapiel and Ariel on either side of him. Across from Viscount Derbyshire sat Aeroc, nked by Richard and Wolke. There was room for one more person between Rapiel and Richard. It was a strange arrangement, to say the least. It was like aing-of-age showcase for an Omega child.


    ¡°Viscount Derbyshire.¡±


    Aeroc called him with a lot of meanings contained, and Viscount Derbyshire shrugged as if he knew nothing. That ying dumb attitude of him was just like his own son.


    ¡°It¡¯s good for young alphas and omegas to mingle. I mean, their parents have a lot of worries with their children getting older and not finding a partner. I don¡¯t really care what happens to the alphas, but the omegas need goodpany. It¡¯s a rough world out there.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire nced back and forth between the two Omegas on either side of him. Ariel still had a nk look on his face, and only Rapiel flinched, his face was bright red and helpless. He put his head down and squeezed his napkin.


    ¡°I was wondering why you wanted us to get together out of the blue, so this was your n.¡±


    Richard med his father. But his tone was one of approval. The Marquis of Wolke snorted in a low voice. It was a rather rude response, but the Viscount Derbyshire didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    ¡°One is a stalwart soldier, one is a gentle intellectual, and one is a powerful man. As for looks, one brown hair with brown eyes, one blonde hair with blue eyes, and one ck hair with gray eyes. All three have inherited wealth and stable positions, so they¡¯re not the type to starve their own family, though I regret theirck of fierce ambition.¡±


    Just as Aeroc was about to point out that this still didn¡¯t seem right, someone entered at a brisk pace.


    ¡°And that role will be fulfilled by him.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire pointed to the man heading for the empty seat. All eyes turned to the man.


    ¡°You¡¯rete, Bendyke.¡±


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 12.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 12.2</h4>


    ¡°My apologies. I had an urgent call from the Imperial Pce that I had to attend to.¡±


    He said the imperial family, when he was only a mere gentry. That was ame excuse.


    ¡°From the imperial family? Then shouldn¡¯t you be there right away?¡±


    ¡°I will be entering the pce tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for asking a busy man toe here.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I don¡¯t know about anyone else, but if it¡¯s the Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s call, of course I¡¯lle. And this is a prior arrangement too.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire was delighted to hear that Bendyke had rejected the imperial family invitation to attend this prearranged feast.


    ¡°You recognize these faces, don¡¯t you? The Marquis of Wolke, the Count of Teiwind, and my son Richard.¡±


    ¡°I know them. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen you all.¡±


    Bowing greetings were exchanged. But Aeroc deliberately avoided his gaze. It was only four days ago that they¡¯d been naked and entwined their bodies in the Violet Room. He wasn¡¯t shameless enough to exchange a casual greeting. He didn¡¯t particrly like to pretend to know Bendyke, but it was hard to indifferently draw a line between them. It might seem rude, but it was better to look away.


    His deliberate averted gaze inadvertently met Wolke¡¯s gray eyes. A cold expression flickered in and out of his ashen pupils as if they were covered in ice. Aeroc realized that unnecessary aspects were exposed to this person who was silent and at the same time inscrutable in his thoughts. This was all Bendyke¡¯s fault.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never seen this side before. Two sons of my good friend, Viscount Westport.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    The arrogant gentleman didn¡¯t give any particr signal at all to the person he shared a secret with, Aeroc. The man took a seat and stiffened. Shock shed across the unscrupulous face that was only capable of mean-spiritedughter and mockery.


    ¡°Ra¡­¡­piel?¡±


    ¡°Hello, it¡¯s nice to meet you, I¡¯m Rapiel of Westport.¡±


    Rapiel, who had been embarrassed since he realized the significance of this meeting, still bowed like a proper prestigious aristocratic family. The arrogant man, who knew nothing of bing a part of aristocracy, stood as still as a statue and said nothing.


    ¡°Why are you like that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire smirked as he watched Bendyke stumble to his seat.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve taken a liking towards Rapiel at first sight. I can understand that.¡±


    ¡°No, I would never do that, not only am I out of his match, but even if I tried to force myself to fit in, there would only be terrible consequences.¡±


    To the frivolous jokemonly made by adults, Bendyke became overly serious. Hearing that, the innocent Rapiel bowed deeply as if he hadmitted a crime. Rapiel looked closed to crying, unable to ovee his embarrassment. Was it necessary to embarrass the innocent and young guy to this extent? Even Viscount Derbyshire, who usually enjoyed a goodugh, remained silent this time.


    ¡°Is that so? Then that¡¯s a good thing for me.¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t hold it any longer and interrupted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I can beat him in wealth, or position, or even personality, but apetitor is apetitor. Even if he¡¯s dull-headed, it¡¯s still better to have nopetition.¡±


    Rapiel nced at Aeroc, his eyes looking as if they might burst into tears at any moment. A faint smile crept across his gloomy face. On the other hand, the arrogant and haughty man were ring, eyes with dark fire. Aeroc smiled at the man¡¯s arrogance with a hint of amusement. Then Bendyke¡¯srge body squirmed as if to grab his throat at any moment. Naked disgust and unbridled hatred hung in the air between the two men.


    ¡°Who would dare to be apetitor to His Excellency the Count of Teiwind? The man who will stop at nothing to get his way if he doesn¡¯t like it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what rumors you¡¯ve heard about me, but I do feel the urge to get rid of you like rats and birds¡­¡­. so I won¡¯t deny that.¡±


    Aeroc retorted. A gust of wind blew over the dinner table. Viscount Derbyshire, who was supposed to set the mood, watched them with interest. He was obviously very much bored. Rapiel¡¯s red face was now drained of color. Ariel cowered in fear. Richard clicked his tongue and was about to open his mouth when an unexpected voice interjected.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the Count take an interest in someone before. I¡¯m a little surprised.¡±


    It was Wolke who broke the icy atmosphere. He casually twirled his half-empty ss of chilled wine and added.


    ¡°This dining room is far too small for two remarkable men dueling over a beauty. Besides, the opinions of the two do not matter, it¡¯s the person who receives the interest, and that innocent beauty looks more like he¡¯s been threatened with death than getting a courtship.¡±


    ¡°Now there¡¯s a surprise. You said innocent beauty. Who would have believed that phrase toe from the mouth of anyone but the Marquis of Wolke?¡±


    ¡°It seems that yourpetition is not me, but him.¡±


    Bendyke added to Aeroc¡¯s words. Sparks flew between the three of them now. Rapiel looked at Viscount Derbyshire as if he might break down at any moment. The savior turned out to be the other Derbyshire.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we finish this love affair after a meal, and then we can continue, for I am hungry.¡±


    With that, Richard signaled to a waiting servant to bring out the feast. A beautifully colored soup was followed by a delicious fish dish garnished with fragrant fruits. As the food arrived, the intangible battle raging around the table subsided.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re so popr. You¡¯ve got a lot of great people getting spirited for you, and I, as a mere soldier, couldn¡¯t even dare to speak to you.¡±


    The one who dispelled the tense atmosphere just before it froze was Richard, apetent officer who instilled courage across the entire empire. He teasingly said to Rapiel who was sitting next to him. Though he intended to lighten the mood with a joke, but as far as Aeroc was concerned, it wasn¡¯t quite appropriate. As it was, Rapiel, who was barely able topose himself and picked up a spoon, started to shed tears


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Rapiel rose from his seat and walked out.


    ¡°Hyung.¡±


    Ariel stumbled to his feet. He gave Richard a very mean re before following Rapiel. Viscount Derbyshire also frowned disapprovingly towards his son.


    ¡°What did I do?¡±


    Richard threw his hands up as if unjustly used. Viscount Derbyshire shook his head, feeling helpless about his son.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go after them. I am more ustomed to soothing delicate minds than anyone else in this room.¡±


    Aeroc said, wiping the corner of his mouth with his napkin. Then Bendyke picked up his knife and fork and red at Aeroc. He looked as if he was trying to erupt a bloodbath.


    ¡°So it must be, Your Excellency from a high ranked n, who has never shed a tear in his life.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m better than a cold-blooded ruffian who only cares about money.¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t understand why this man was treating him with such hatred and criticism. How could a rational, moral intellectual know what was going on in a madman¡¯s head?


    ¡°You both need to stop it. I¡¯m going after them.¡±


    Wolke struck first while they were engaged in an unnecessary mental battle. He red at Aeroc and Bendyke for a moment with a slight frown, then disappeared in the direction Rapiel and Ariel had gone to.


    ¡°Hmm, looks like the winner is Linus.¡±


    ¡°Father,¡± Richard said in an usatory tone at Viscount Derbyshire¡¯sment. Viscount Derbyshire shrugged his shoulders in exasperation.


    ¡°What did I say?¡±


    The dinner table was a stormy wreck. Nevertheless, the Derbyshire butler came in with the main course.


    ¡°This steak is truly an art form.¡±


    Richard must have been genuinely hungry, he devoured his food. Aeroc red at Bendyke with his eyes, trying to figure out how to kill the man. Bendyke, too, sliced through the steaming thick steak as if it were Aeroc¡¯s neck.


    ¡°This was truly an enjoyable feast. I¡¯ll have plenty to tell when the Westport old man returns.¡±


    The only one who seemed to enjoy the situation was the nosy old man.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 13.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 13.1</h4>


    Whatever Wolke had done after he disappeared in the middle of the dinner, when Rapiel reappeared at the end of it, he was much more rxed. His eyes were red from tears and his throat was a little lumpy, but his expression was cheerful. Wolke, who usually kept a certain distance from people due to his secretive aura, was very attentive to the distressed Omega, speaking to him in a soothing voice that one had never heard before.


    On the other hand, Ariel, seated next to Richard, shot him an unhelpful re and turned away. Richard looked quite stumped. The Viscount Derbyshire seemed to be in good spirits, much to the chagrin of his son and others in attendance. But the dinner was over quickly due to the upset Westport brothers, who were the real stars of the dinner.


    They greeted each other on the porch while waiting for the carriage. Richard, on behalf of his father, was to escort the Westports home, but he couldn¡¯t as Ariel gave him a pass. Wolke stepped forward instead. Rapiel smiled behind the corners of his red eyes at the harsh-looking man¡¯s gesture of kindness. His mood seemed quite good .


    As the instigator of the argument that surprised the innocent man, Aeroc felt a great deal of regret. He wanted to see them off, but it didn¡¯t seem like Rapiel would be pleased even if he had beaten Wolke to it. Instead, he sincerely apologized.


    ¡°Rapiel. I¡¯m sorry about earlier.¡±


    Rapiel shook his head, a little surprised at his apology.


    ¡°No, Mr. Aeroc was just trying to stick up for me.¡±


    ¡°It was still rude.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s someone else who needs to apologize.¡±


    Wolke said coldly, casting a nce at Bendyke. Bendhke stood a short distance away and looked towards them. Bendyke was in conversation with Viscount Derbyshire. He must have been fully aware of the nce, but he didn¡¯t show any reaction. The one who had verbally abused Rapiel seemed to have no intention of apologizing. Instead, he shot a cold nce at this side.


    ¡°Arrogant little man. He¡¯scking even the bare minimum of character to admit his wrongdoing and apologize.¡±


    Aeroc expressed his disgust openly. Revealing genuine emotions to others was an inappropriate behavior he had always avoided. Rapiel and Wolke, some of the few people he could say close to him, were surprised.


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve ever seen the usually gentle Count engage in an argument. I¡¯m also a little afraid of him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a capable man, but there¡¯s something off about him.¡±


    Unlike the cautious Rapiel, Wolke was quite outspoken. All three seemed to be rtively on the same page about Bendyke.


    To send Rapiel and Ariel home early, Wolke¡¯s carriage was the first to arrive. After shaking hands lightly with Viscount Derbyshire and turning away, Wolke jerked his head toward Bendyke in greeting. Bendyke returned the favor.


    ¡°Teiwind.¡±


    Just before they boarded the carriage, Wolke turned to Aeroc.


    ¡°Watch out for that man. I can¡¯t say things in detail, but from what I know, he¡¯s quite the dangerous one.¡±


    ¡°I know that he¡¯s not quite the ordinary man.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s prepared to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. I¡¯ll say it again, he will really do whatever it takes.¡±


    Wolke emphasized it.


    ¡°That¡¯s the reason I¡¯m involved with him, but he doesn¡¯t seem like a good fit for you. I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯ve been meeting with him a lottely, and if there¡¯s something going on¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not me you should be concerned with, it¡¯s Rapiel.¡±


    To think that Wolke, of all people, being so considerate. couldn¡¯t ovee the awkwardness and let out a forcedugh. Having realized that he might have interfered too much, Wolke¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly returned to his usual unreadable expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the Count will do fine.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your concern. If I ever need your help, I¡¯ll be sure to seek you out.¡±


    They shook hands and Wolke climbed into the carriage. Aeroc¡¯s carriage arrived shortly thereafter. He thanked Viscount Derbyshire for the invitation to dinner and shook hands with Richard.


    ¡°Next time, we¡¯ll have to take our time to catch up.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to it.¡±


    Richard gave him an affectionate, light hug. What could have been quality time with his childhood friend had been wasted in a fuss over nothing. He promised to see Richard before he left the capital again and climbed into the carriage. It was unnecessary to exchange greetings with the other man.


    The carriage pulled out of the gates of Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s estate and soon hit the pavement. Alone, Aeroc thought back to what had happened earlier.


    His adorable Omega cousin, with his cute appearance and affectionate personality, had gotten along much better than he¡¯d expected with the Marquis of Wolke, whose temperament was theplete opposite of him. Thebination of a blunt Alpha and a loving Omega was not traditionally weed, and it seemed to be the only aplishment of the Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s meddling.


    And it was amusing that Richard cared about Ariel. He was more active and cheerful than his more reserved brother. He¡¯s still young, but in a few years, he¡¯s going to be a charmer who will sway numerous alphas¡¯ hearts. Aeroc couldn¡¯t help but smile as he watched Richard, who was quite cheeky, already swoon over the much younger boy. It was the season of the blossom.


    But the smile didn¡¯tst long. An unpleasant memory came flooding back.


    The way Bendyke looked at his beautiful cousin was strange. It was the first time he¡¯d ever seen the hard-nosed, arrogant man so shaken. The Viscount Derbyshire thought it was simply love at first sight. Aeroc, however, felt it was different.


    Bendyke didn¡¯t only fervently reject the idea whileshing out. He¡¯d been agitated throughout the dinner. While Bendyke had maintained an outward appearance of calm, after spending a lot of time with him now, Aeroc could tell there was a hint of frustration and sadness in him. It was a delicate side that Aeroc hadn¡¯t expected to see in a subus demon, and it was far from a cute, love-at-first-sight situation. It was something much darker and deeper.


    As far as Aeroc knew, Rapiel was not mature enough to be the subject of such a deep emotional exchange. Such dark emotions were reserved for intense conflicts with someone who could handle them more maturely, such as a rtionship between two people who openly admitted to being in bad terms with each other, but who also sought carnal pleasure, or a same-sex rtionship that they couldn¡¯t openly discuss because of their social standing, or both. To Aeroc, one would be a pervert or a madman to unleash such an abyss on a child.


    Ah, but could he actually do that?


    Wolke, who cared little for humans, had warned Aeroc that Bendyke was dangerous. Wolke was an aristocrat of great lineage and reputation, but there was something unique about him. He kept many secrets, both personally and the Marquis n itself. Aeroc didn¡¯t know exactly what those secrets were, but he had an inkling of them through his indirect influence. A warning from such a man was weighty.


    But he could not dismiss Bendyke immediately. They were still in the midst of settling Teiwind¡¯s financial affairs. The major losses had been taken care of, and now it was time to make general repairs to ensure the sound management of the other businesses. Aeroc was fully briefed on the process in a very thorough report. Did this mean he was getting further away from Bendyke now?


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be a big loss.¡±


    But it would undoubtedly cause a lot of headaches. The man was, indeed, Aeroc swore to God, a real irritation and an abomination, but he was also very capable and useful. It was just that the conditions he gave as his demands were a bit pressuring. However, after years of being the recipient of envious and lecherous nces from everyone in the center of social circles, Aeroc had expected it was bound to happen at some point. Bendyke was the first to discuss it in earnest, and the first to act on it. But Aeroc had been flirted with many times, by men and women of all ages. Bendyke¡¯s prerequisites were not bad, and he was physically attractive. Objectively speaking, he wasn¡¯t a bad partner. Sure, his arrogant demeanor was annoying, but for an alpha male of his stature, it was sometimes an attractive trait.


    ¡°As long as we don¡¯t get too deeply entangled, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Aeroc concluded. Aeroc had decided to scold Bendyke in the next ¡®tea party¡¯, as he was not even grateful for the excessive respect he got for just an employee, acting like he was an aristocrat with that eloquent mouth and inappropriate eye-contact. As he was contemting the best approach to do this, suddenly there was a loud bang and someone hit the outside wall of the carriage.


    Startled, the coachman quickly stopped the carriage. Aeroc¡¯s body jerked violently in response. Before he couldprehend what was happening, the door flew open.


    ¡°Count, let¡¯s take the ride together.¡±


    It was none other than Bendyke, the man himself, who jumped in and mmed the door behind him. Aeroc nced outside, and they were still in the middle of the road. No one was looking this way. Aeroc quickly drew the curtains that covered the carriage windows.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 13.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 13.2</h4>


    Aeroc gritted his teeth and growled. Breathing ragged from the run, Bendyke removed his silk hat and tossed it aside, running a gloved hand through his slightly disheveled hair. The brief process of catching his breath was unusually alpha and masculine at the same time, his thighs, which must have taken a beating during his run, were still so excited that they threatened to rip open his form-fitting pants at any moment. What kind ofnd was this Bendyke estate where he grew up, and were all the men so feral? If he just kept his mouth shut, he would look like the embodiment of a ck stallion running through thend.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame, I thought the rtionship we have between us was close enough to allow exchanging greetings.¡±


    Again, if he just kept his mouth shut. Regardless of Bendyke using the word shame, since if anyone was entitled to express a negative view of tonight¡¯s events, it was Aeroc, he was just about to open his mouth to inexorably redefine Bendyke¡¯s misunderstood definition of ¡®between¡¯. However, the coachman tapped on the small window of the horseshoe stone.


    ¡°Are you all right, sir, is there no problem?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, so get going.¡±


    The coachman started the carriage again, taking orders from someone who wasn¡¯t his owner. Aeroc was speechless with disbelief. It was one thing to have an unruly hired hand, but another to have to retrain a young coachman who couldn¡¯t even recognize his master¡¯s voice. Hugo would give him a harsh lesson.


    The culprit who caused irritation in many ways, on the contrary, showed a more angry expression on his part.


    ¡°If you have something to say, say it quickly.¡±


    ¡°What are you nning to do to Rapiel?¡±


    Subtle anger and hatred flowed from the thin opponent¡¯s eyes. Whether he bit his teeth or not, more force went into the chiseled jaw.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, or before that, why should I do anything to Rapiel?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve always been jealous of Rapiel.¡±


    Read the middle part of the chapter here (nsfw)


    Just as Aeroc was about to run a shaky hand through his disheveled hair, the bastard called his name.


    ¡°Ae¡­¡­!¡±


    <i>Smack!</i>


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t take it anymore. The handsome man¡¯s face whipped back. Bendyke stared at him in disbelief. But it was Aeroc who couldn¡¯t believe this. A seething rage paralyzed his nerves. His clenched jaw twitched and his vision wobbled dizzily. Aeroc took a ragged breath and barely managed to speak.


    ¡°Just because¡­ I epted you a little¡­ you went over your head too far. You dare to think that you have the right to call me by my name?¡±


    ¡°Count.¡±


    A trembling fingertip poked the other man in the chest.


    ¡°In case you¡¯ve forgotten, it was you, Kloff Bendyke, not me, who used such despicable methods to woo a fellow alpha male, and I had not the slightest interest in you. I¡¯m not interested in a rude, arrogant, lowly, cowardly man.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s teeth clicked together as he spat out each word.


    ¡°Aeroc.¡±


    With a cold call, Bendyke snatched the hand away from his chest. Aeroc immediately swatted it away.


    ¡°Ha! If you cared so much for Rapiel Westport, you should have bowed down to him and kissed his feet instead of doing this to me! But s, he seems to have an abject dislike for your damned tongue, and he¡¯s probably taken a liking to the much refined and excellent Wolke. You should wake up, for he has no business taking an interest in a lowly pervert like you.¡±


    Bendyke¡¯s eyes grew dangerous as if he were insulted by those words. But Aeroc was in no condition to fathom his judgment. If it weren¡¯t for his father¡¯s harsh teachings, he might have wallowed in his misery and sobbed like a fool. Instead, Aeroc poured all his anger onto his tongue and cursed his opponent.


    ¡°You filthy bastard, get off my carriage now!¡±


    At the same time as he shouted, Aeroc punched the carriage ceiling twice roughly. It made the foolish coachman jerk the carriage to a halt. It took every ounce of strength in Aeroc¡¯s body to keep from falling forward.


    <i>Rattle.</i>


    Bendyke opened the door. He slowly stepped out of the carriage. Once on the street, he remained still, not bothering to close the door. Aeroc wished he had a gun right now to shoot the man in the face, but instead, he red at him with a savage intensity.


    ¡°You son of a bitch, close it right now¡­¡­!¡±


    While Aeroc was in the midst of hurling explicit curses, their lips suddenly met. The cursed tongue tried to invade him, but Aeroc resisted with a tightly clenched mouth.


    Aeroc swatted his wrist again. This time, however, he was caught by his opponent, who deftly broke the kiss. His face was strangely pale in the dim streetlight, and the corners of his mouth were red as if smeared with blood. Even without biting his tongue, Aeroc could taste the foul taste of blood. Aeroc wiped his lips with the back of his hand, as if it were dirty.


    ¡°See you next time, Ae-roc-.¡±


    In response to the sarcastic face, Aeroc delivered his ultimatum.


    ¡°There will be no next time, Kloff Bendyke. As of this hour, you¡¯re fired.¡±


    The door mmed shut and soon the carriage was on its way, and even as it drove rapidly away, Aeroc could feel the man¡¯s gaze lingering on him.


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡­ Damn!¡±


    Aeroc gritted my teeth, his eyes burning. But the tears didn¡¯t blur his vision, they just made his toes go cold and his whole body ache like he was being bitten by ants. His pride lolled in the cesspool.


    That person liked Rapiel, maybe even loved him. No, he loved him severely. Following that assumption, everything made sense. Especially the absurd proposition made to an alpha like Aeroc. Perhaps Rapiel was so precious to him that he wanted to substitute someone who looked simr. As Aeroc thought further, anger began to burn in his soul.


    <i>So I was nothing more than a substitute. Me, Aeroc Teiwind. To be used as a substitute by such a man. I will repay this insult.</i>


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 14.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 14.1</h4>


    Aeroc¡¯s life could be expressed as an uneventful life. The loss of his mother at a young age and his father not long afterward would hardly be considered a special tragedy. There was so much sadness and misery in the world. Inparison, he had plenty of wealth and good looks. A brilliant mind, a healthy body, and a circle of favorable acquaintances and affectionate rtives. Aeroc¡¯s life was gentle enough, like riding in a carriage. Until suddenly, out of nowhere, disaster struck.


    Kloff Bendyke.


    This man was an earthquake and a tidal wave. It was inevitable, no, it could have been avoided, but the timing wasn¡¯t right. Aeroc did not have to deal with him in this way, as that sly tongue had once suggested. Even if his father¡¯s stern wishes were at stake, even if he did not wish to dispose of a single cent of his vast estate, even if apetent financial manager was essential.


    The current Count of Teiwind was Aeroc. No matter what mistakes he made, no matter how much of his fortune he squandered, there was no one to rebuke him. Even if he lost a little of his wealth, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to make him feel this insulted. Why had he agreed to this, and worse, fallen further for it?


    Was it because he didn¡¯t realize the value of the body he had inherited? No. Each and every body has equal value. Just because he was a little more handsome than others and had a proud lineage didn¡¯t mean he was inherently superior. If Aeroc was proud of himself, it was because of his collective intelligence and manners, not his physical body.


    Was it because that arrogant man¡¯s charms were too outstanding? But he was far from being the most handsome man in the world. He could have been a masterpiece, but it felt unfinished; perhaps God had forgotten the finishing touches. His eyes were too rough, his contours untrimmed, his skin dark. If it weren¡¯t for his immacte attire and deep, subterranean voice, which exuded an uncanny charisma and sophistication, he would have gone unnoticed. That was Aeroc Teiwind¡¯s own aesthetic standards, of course. If one were to lower the bar further to the level of the average socialite, Bendyke was a pretty damn attractive alpha male.


    ¡°But definitely not by my standards.¡±


    Aeroc closed the open book ferociously. He¡¯d been in his study all morning. But he still hadn¡¯t finished a chapter, let alone a book. That bastard had ruined the day even when he wasn¡¯t in Aeroc¡¯s sight. The tea Hugo had prepared for him earlier was steaming. He lifted the hot cup and sipped the cooled tea. The aroma filled his nostrils, and there was no better remedy than a warm cup of tea when his mind was racing with useless thoughts. Aeroc enjoyed the momentary peace.


    The man¡¯s excellence in higher education was highly questionable. Every minute and every second he spent pretending to be thoughtful, in front of Aeroc, he was a savage beast. It was hard to deny that his untamed nature gave him a mysterious charm, but that didn¡¯t give him a free pass to disregard the manners humanity had developed over time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop thinking about that unsolicited savage.¡±


    Realizing the foolishness of his thoughts, Aeroc set down his half-empty teacup with a frown of arrogance. He flipped back and forth through his favorite section of the book, searching for his favorite passage. He traced the words with his fingers, trying to clear his mind.


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t figure out why he had gotten himself into this quagmire. Only one thing was clear. If it wasn¡¯t Kloff Bendyke who had set this trap, he wouldn¡¯t be in this much trouble.


    What made that person so special to him? The second son of a countryside aristocrat, Bendyke had neither title nor fortune, so he had to make his own way in the rising ss. He didn¡¯t necessarily have a major w, but not exactly a perfect candidate for a covert partner of one of the Empire¡¯s fivergest aristocracies.


    What¡¯s more, that man man possessed an arrogance that was beyond measure. He was not even that much older than Aeroc, yet he disyed the wisdom of a middle-aged man. Even the Marquis of Wolke, the most prominent among the younger Alphas, still paled inparison. It made Aeroc wonder about his past.


    ¡°In reality, he¡¯s just an uneducated fool, but in his hell of a home, he must be an archduke.¡±


    Aeroc cursed while no one was hearing him.


    Bendyke was not a particrly reclusive individual. Aside from the asional habit of gazing at distant mountains, he was a man of vigorous activity. But he had a look in his eyes, a gleam of resentment, that could make most people think he was just a child. When that gaze was directed intentionally at Aeroc, it clung to him like a thorn and wouldn¡¯t let go. It was challenging not to be overwhelmed by the gaze, possessing the power to strangle a person¡¯s throat without physical contact. Slowly but surely, it shook Aeroc¡¯s soul, which was why dismissing the man only left him feeling more angry and insulted than relieved.


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s head ached. He felt like going for a walk. Reading was no longer providing a respite. As he stepped outside, he bumped into Hugo.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean the garden, or.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving the estate.¡±


    ¡°I will prepare the carriage.¡±


    ¡°This time, I want a coachman who will only obey mymands.¡±


    Aeroc stressed it over, not forgetting what had happened before, and Hugo nodded as if he understood that.


    * * *


    By now, the thought of cherishing virginity was nonexistent. It was already toote, and there wasn¡¯t any special significance attached to virginity. It wasn¡¯t that Aeroc deliberately preserved it. It was just that he hadn¡¯t been a suitable partner for sexual interests.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I got tangled with him.¡±


    It was one of the many things that irritated Aeroc, as there were plenty of easier partners. What bothered him even more was that he hadn¡¯t even had a proper rtionship with an Omega, yet his first partner was an Alpha. Aeroc would be lying if he said he wasn¡¯t concerned about how this would affect his sexual identity in the future.


    ¡°Would I have been this pissed off if he was an Omega?¡±


    Aeroc had a strange thought in his mind. That man as an Omega, with that kind of appearance. It was a horrible imaginary. Quickly erasing the ridiculous scene from his mind, Aeroc turned to another thought.


    He was the Count of Teiwind. There was a duty to fulfil the session. Ultimately, it wasn¡¯t mandatory to produce an heir. If unable to produce an heir, there was the option of inquiring and adopting a suitable rtive¡¯s child. An aristocrat who was unable to produce an heir due to various physical problems might adopt a child to preserve the family name. If Aeroc chose to do so, no one would fault him. The dilemma was whether it was right for a fully healthy Alpha to consider such an option before even trying to do it the proper way. The situation was awkward, not because of the adoption itself but the possibility of someone sympathizing with it.


    As he reached the end of his contemtion, Aeroc suddenly realized that he was making a very outrageous assumption that he jumped out of his wagon seat in shock.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gone crazy! Why should I keep seeing him? He¡¯s just a passing interest. It¡¯s not a duty for me to stay with him¡­¡­ No, before that, I fired him, so I¡¯ll never see him again.¡±


    In his perplexity, Aeroc¡¯s mind took an unexpected turn.


    ¡°It¡¯s just sexual interest, yet I mistook it for an actual interest in him. I¡¯ll find someone else and everything will be fine.¡±


    Aeroc resolved to find someone else right now. He signaled the coachman to change direction.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get off here.¡±


    ¡°Will you be alright? There¡¯s a busy street a little further on.¡±


    The coachman asked worriedly as he stopped the carriage. The neighborhood was dirty, and there was nothing special to look around. It was an ordinary working-ss neighborhood of ramshackle houses. A woman passing by with a shopping basket looked back at the luxury carriage in wonder. An old man in a worn chair in a far shady corner puffed on a cheap cigarette, his wrinkled eyes furrowed even more. His eyesight looked bad.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine here.¡±


    Aeroc replied firmly. The coachman, who had been told by the stern butler that he must obey the master¡¯s orders, did not argue further. He watched his young master step out of the carriage uneasily.


    Aeroc smiled contentedly as he watched the filthy streets, the smell of the gutter wafting upward. He hadn¡¯te here to meet someone from his society. He hade here to find someone who had no connection to the social scene at all. If he was merely going to satisfy his sexual interests, he judged that it would be better to neatly handle it with money rather than dealing with the cumbersome process of exploration. He would choose a suitable ce, pick someone, and settle the matter with payment. With a skilled professional, he would experience some amazing things that no one¡ªor, more specifically, no arrogant man¡ª would ignore. That was the n Aeroc devised in the short time he had.


    ¡°What time should Ie to pick you up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get back on my own. No need to wait.¡±


    The carriage with the Count¡¯s emblem turned around a bit away from its intended destination. The coachman hesitated a moment, then meekly obeyed the order. Only after the carriage was out of sight did Aeroc move.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 14.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 14.2</h4>


    At first nce, it was a visibly seedy neighborhood. It was the first time in his life that he had ever set foot in the dens of crime and lust called the bottom ce. A maze of filthy, dimly lit alleys where, true to its reputation, the rough and tumble wandered with dangerous res. Aeroc knew there was a brothel on the edge of this street.


    ¡°It should be here somewhere.¡±


    With knowledge gleaned from questionable members of high society, Aeroc explored the bottom ce. He was stunned by the filth, with dirty cats, dogs, and even swarms of rats scurrying about, and wherever the sewers were clogged, the foul-smelling filth pooled in deeply. Carefully stepping to avoid dirtying his shoes, Aeroc encountered a door unexpectedly opening. The narrow alley waspletely blocked by the opened door.


    <i>Creak.</i>


    The person who opened the door sshed water onto the path. It was filthy, with something rotten mixed in, and hot steam rose from it. The door mmed shut again. Startled, Aeroc caught a glimpse of eyes looking this way from the end of the street. Someone with a massive body, wearing filthy clothes adorned with outdatedce, grinned with a malicious smile, their fingers moving suggestively. With heavy makeup, it was impossible to discern if they were a woman or a man.


    ¡°Did youe here for an Omega? If so, what about me? Despite my looks, I have yet to experience anything, my lord.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ no. No.¡±


    Struck by absurd propositions, Aeroc abandoned his previous intentions. He had no intention of attempting anything with someone who clearly hadn¡¯t bathed properly. He¡¯d rather skip all the hassle and go with a dysentery patient who bathed twelve times a day. No more having the intention of trying to find his solution here, Aeroc turned around and started back the way he came. He regretted his impulse over and over again. How nonsensical it was, how foolish.


    <i>Thud, thud.</i>


    <i>Thud, thud, thud.</i>


    Aeroc felt an unpleasant presence stirring behind him. He nced back to see two men, looking rather menacing and whispering to each other, following him at a distance. At first, he thought it might be his hypersensitive imagination, but to test, he turned into a narrower alley, and they followed suit. It was clear they were tailing him. Despite trying to shake them off by taking various turns, they didn¡¯t easily disappear. Whenever it seemed like they were gone, they would suddenly narrow the gap and reappear.


    Aeroc circled around and around until he came to an unfamiliar alley, and they were gone. Thank goodness, it seemed he managed to lose them.


    ¡°Where am I now?¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t tell how far in the bottom ce he had gone. Fortunately, it was still daylight. Aeroc looked left, right, and center for the direction of the sun in the sky. If he kept going in one direction, he would somehow get out. However, just as Aeroc was about to confidently resume his original path, those men appeared abruptly at the other end of the alley.


    ¡°Where are you going so hastily?¡±


    ¡°You look quite well-off. Let¡¯s share some of that.¡±


    It was surprising to see thugs roaming unrestrained in broad daylight, but it seemed like they¡¯d turn to robbery if given the chance. Money was not the issue. If they were beggars and not muggers, Aeroc would have given them his wallet due to sympathy. But Aeroc had no desire to give in to their threats. As a grown alpha male, he wasn¡¯t a pathetic coward who couldn¡¯t defend himself. Aeroc turned the cane made of a sturdy material upside down.


    The approaching figures entered striking distance. He swung the ornament on the end of his cane like a club and struck one in the jaw.


    <i>Wham.</i>


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    As the man went down, Asroc mmed his cane into the temple of the other man, who stiffened in panic.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    The other winced in pain. Aeroc pushed past them both and sped out of the alley.


    ¡°Son of a bitch! I won¡¯t let you get away with this!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll cuss you till your pretty face bes blue!¡±


    Profanity flew from behind Aeroc. He didn¡¯t know what they were saying or how they were saying it, and he didn¡¯t care. What mattered was that, for some reason, as those men shouted, others who had been casually minding their business now inexplicably turned to watch Aeroc. A few of them, seemingly of the same trashy caliber, joined in the chase.


    He was absolutely outnumbered. What¡¯s more, this was the center of the bottom ce. No matter what happened here, Aeroc had no way to call for help. He regretted entering this unfamiliar territory alone. If he¡¯d told the coachman to wait, he might have gone to look for himter. It was a confluence of bad luck.


    ¡°This is bad.¡±


    Aeroc barely had time to breathe. He knew he had to run to break a sweat, but his body wasn¡¯t as urgent as his mind. There was nothing wrong with his legs. It was just that Aeroc¡¯s body had never been used to strenuous exercise beyond brisk walking while wearing a suit and dress shoes. It instinctively refused to run, a kind of mental constraint imposed by the tightness of the suit. Of course, the lowlifes pursuing him had no such constraints. They ran, and the distance Aeroc had opened up using his intelligence quickly narrowed.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped.¡±


    He needed to deliberately weave through theplex alleyways to split the pursuers. It would be more advantageous to take them out calmly when they were down to one or two. Aeroc weaved through the alleyways, trying to think of a way to get out from the bottom ce, but he didn¡¯t forget to keep his eyes ahead. Anyone familiar with the area could jump out in front of him. Just as he turned into a narrow alley, the silhouette of a well-built man popped out of nowhere.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Aeroc immediately swung his cane. But instead of a dull crack, there was a dry snap.


    ¡°Huft.¡±


    The impact on his wrist was significant. Aeroc managed to not let go of the cane. Losing the cane now could lead to a truly dreadful oue. Instead, Aeroc grabbed his aching wrist and tried to shove the opponent away with his shoulder. But the sturdy opponent didn¡¯t budge. Instead, Aeroc¡¯s nose was crushed by a hard chest, and the silk hat on his head fell to the floor. A ck hand grabbed Aeroc¡¯s arm.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    The voice was familiar, and Aeroc lifted his head to meet a pair of fiery eyes staring back at him. This guy was thest person he wanted to face at this moment.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my question, Aeroc! Are you insane, wandering around a ce like this by yourself?¡±


    Bendyke¡¯s temper red, despite his own sudden appearance, Aeroc had his fair share of arguments with the guy, but he had never seen Bendyke shout so loudly and with such emotions. While Aeroc was unsure of how to react to such a violent reaction, Bendyke shoved Aeroc against the wall. Then he groped him all over.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    Even as Aeroc pushed away the restraining hand, Bendyke leaned down and searched Aeroc¡¯s body, starting at his ankles and working his way up to the top of his head. When he lifted the drooping jacket to check if anything had happened to hi,, embarrassment spread across Aeroc¡¯s face. He wasn¡¯t sure what Bendyke was thinking, but the serious man wasn¡¯t satisfied with his own inspection and confronted Aeroc again.


    ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Let go of me.¡±


    Aeroc told him to let go in surprise, but the damned guy was deaf and did the opposite. He pinned Aeroc to his side. It was fortunate that Aeroc was wearing a jacket, if he had been wearing a cloak or a coat, he would have been embraced entirely.


    ¡°Get out of here now. No, I¡¯ll apany you myself to the estate.¡±


    He sounded as sensitive as a foster guardian who¡¯d found a young Omega girl sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night. Before Aeroc could protest, a strong hand dragged him out of the alley.


    ¡°I dropped my hat.¡±


    ¡°Forget the hat, you¡¯ve got enough money to buy hundreds more of those.¡±


    ¡°You say that when you don¡¯t even let me pass one invoice.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll personally buy them for you. It doesn¡¯t matter how many you want, so shut that mouth and get out right now from this damned bottom ce.¡±


    It was surprising to hear this offer from the cobbler. The bottom ce was dangerous, but not to the point it warranted this overreaction. Aeroc wondered how fragile Bendyke thought he was. Just as Aeroc was about to protest that he could walk on his own, the gangster group that had been following him appeared, blocking the way.


    ¡°There are two more people.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re both oozing with grease.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s finish them all.¡±


    Whatever grudge they held, the thugs pulled small daggers from their pockets. The stains on the dirty de seemed to be more than just rust.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. They¡¯re after me. These bad people.¡±


    ¡°Of course they are, those filthy bastards will always snatch my people away.¡±


    With that, Bendyke tried to tuck Aeroc behind him. A romanticist might have taken this as a heart-throbbing wonderful gesture, but not Aeroc. If anything, it made him feel even more disrespected. Moreover, when did Aeroc be his persom? He shook off the shoving arm and turned to face Bendyke, who gave him a fearsome re.


    ¡°Stay back. It¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I am capable of defending myself.¡±


    ¡°Your paltry abilities are none of my business!¡±


    The angry alpha shouted with a roar, and Aeroc wasn¡¯t the only one startled by the rumbling cry. The thugs who wereughing wickedly also seemed taken aback. Somewhere, there was a sound of a door creaking open or hastily closing.


    Aeroc¡¯s eyes widened, and Bendyke spoke in a bitter voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s my role to get blood-stained. Aeroc, you just stay¡­ in your wless self. That¡¯s how it should be. Because this time I want to protect you¡­¡­ please.¡±


    In his boiling anger, an indescribable earnestness permeated. The sight Bendyke showed now was nothingpared to the gaze directed at Rapiel. It was a gaze filled with desperate determination, having barely struggled through the mes of pain and despair. Why he had such thoughts, Aeroc didn¡¯t know, but it was like that.


    ¡°Then, do so.¡±


    Aeroc stepped back obediently. Bendyke let out a long sigh and muttered something low. Aeroc caught a glimpse of the words: second, another chance, god, grateful. Was the guy thanking the god for giving him a second chance? Aeroc wondered what was this second chance, and what made the devil-like guy thanking the god, but it wasn¡¯t the time to ask that right now.


    Bendyke stood upright, facing the thugs, his hands d in tough-looking leather gloves and holding an unusually thick and long cane. It was the same metal that had blocked Aeroc¡¯s sword earlier.


    <i>Swooosh.</i>


    Unlike Aeroc¡¯s, Bendyke¡¯s cane had a long sword through a twist of the handle. It was a fairly ssic weapon, one that had been rarely seentely, and the de was eerily sharp, not a mere decoration. It was spotted with ck stains, but the color was nothingpared to the dagger in the thugs¡¯ hand. The de glowed ominously.


    ¡°Now, you bastards.¡±


    The smirk on his face was creepy. The thugs looked at each other. They exchanged nces as if to see who would make the first move, and then one of them yelped and lunged. Bendyke waited, then swung his sword in the guise of cane.


    What was this guy doing here? And with such a terrifying item?


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 15.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 15.1</h4>


    ¡°Aaaack!¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ let us live!¡±


    ¡°Aaaack! My wrist!¡±


    The narrow alley quickly turned into an agonizing scene. The brave but reckless thugs sprawled on the dirty floor in a pool of blood. The dagger-wielder even had his wrist shed off. The moment a hand of the otherwise healthy man fell to the floor, Aeroc couldn¡¯t handle his nausea and turned his head.


    ¡°Where are you trying to go?¡±


    Bendyke hadn¡¯t stopped at simply incapacitating his opponent. He shed their wrists, severed two of their ankle cords, and punctured one of their lungs. Some had dirty towels tied tightly around their thighs to stop the bleeding, while others screamed in agony as they clutched their bleeding wrists. Some tried to crawl across the floor in terror. Bendyke cut long shes across their backs. It was almost demonic, the way he inflicted pain, intentionally not killing them.


    ¡°Enough now.¡±


    Aeroc stopped him, unable to stand it any longer. A few drops of blood trickled down the torturer¡¯s face.


    ¡°He¡¯s already lost the will to resist. Unnecessary killing is a felony.¡±


    ¡°These people need to be erased from existence.¡±


    Bendyke was already past the point of self-defense, yet he had no intention of stopping.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave. I don¡¯t want to see this horrible scene anymore.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to use murder to the man who had helped him. If someone had reported them and they went on trial with Aeroc as a witness, he didn¡¯t have the confidence that he could lie. He would rather not see or hear anything. It might already be toote, but he had to get out of there before he witnessed something worse.


    ¡°Aeroc.¡±


    Bendyke called from behind. Aeroc ignored him and continued walking quickly. The moans of the disgusting, yet pitiful men, soon faded into the distance. But the pestering presence did not fade.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    When they reached an alley where there were no horrible moans or blood, Bendyke grabbed Aeroc. The ck gloves had never looked so terrible.


    ¡°Let go.¡±


    Aeroc jerked the hand away. But he stopped walking. He stared at the other in disbelief. The excitement had worn off, and Bendyke had returned to his stern expression. There was no sign of his usual sneer.


    ¡°I will apany you to the estate. It¡¯s not safe here.¡±


    ¡°Put that horrible sword away.¡±


    Aeroc warned in a low whisper, looking everywhere in case anyone was watching. Bendyke pulled a handkerchief from his chest pocket and ran it across the de. Red blood stained the handkerchief as he tossed it to the ground. Aeroc shook his head.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell who is more dangerous. No matter if it¡¯s the bottom ce, how can you carry such a weapon in broad daylight in the center of the capital? Are you insane?¡±


    ¡°I have never harmed an innocent person.¡±


    Instead of remorse, the man tried to justify his actions. Aeroc should have realized the implications when Wolke warned him that Bendyke was a dangerous man.


    ¡°Those men deserve to die, for all they¡¯ve done is bring misery to others.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯re the judge of that? Or do you think you¡¯re a god? Even if they¡¯re a waste of life, as long as they were born human, they should be punished with due process. If they rob me and harm me, they deserve a few weeks in jail, not the dismemberment and crippling of their limbs.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not human, they¡¯re bugs. And if they even touched a hair on your head, I¡¯d have their eyes gouged out and their heart ripped out alive. A sh on the wrist is a mild punishment.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone crazy.¡±


    Just then, a whistle sounded in the distance. Aeroc jumped, but the assant only frowned.


    ¡°Is it a policeman?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a signal from the thugs.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s get out of the way.¡±


    ¡°Are you worried about me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about me getting caught in this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to the estate.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think abouting into my house like that. I have no intention of inviting a criminal into the estate my parents left me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already been there,¡± Bendyke sneered. Judging by his reaction, this wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d done this kind of thing, but Aeroc didn¡¯t want to waste any more emotional energy on the madman¡¯s unsupported nonsense. Aeroc didn¡¯t even want to talk to him anymore. Aeroc kept his mouth shut and red at Bendyke, and was just about to turn away when the man spoke up.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go to the estate, how about my house?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather be in an abandoned house with fleas and rats.¡±


    Aeroc shot back coldly. The whistle sounded closer and closer. This time Bendyke made the first move. He nced at Aeroc and brushed past him. Then he stalked away. But they should be moving towards the other way. Aeroc¡¯s anxiety grew at the sound of the whistle and the sight of someone running toward him. Aeroc hesitated, then decided on a path.


    ¡°Only until I get to the main street. This doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m following you.¡±


    ¡°Who said anything?¡±


    Bendyke replied nonchntly. But Aeroc didn¡¯t miss the slight upturn of his lips, and as the group of unknown pursuers drew closer, Aeroc couldn¡¯t hide his anxiety. He stood close to Bendyke.


    ¡°You there!¡±


    Someone shouted, and Bendyke pushed him through a door he hadn¡¯t realized existed. It was a dark, dusty room. It looked like a warehouse. The door mmed shut, and a group of men scurried out a momentter. Aeroc held his breath, pressed against his unwee opponent, while some people passed by, searching for them.


    Something hard pressed painfully against his thigh. The position he was pressed against was ufortable.


    ¡°Something¡¯s touching me.¡±


    In a low whisper, Aeroc tried to shift his leg, and Bendyke groaned lowly. It seemed like Aeroc wasn¡¯t the only one ufortable.


    ¡°What is it down there?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk, just stay still.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡­ it hurts.¡±


    Aeroc used his hand to feel around. The other man¡¯s groan deepened.


    ¡°Are you carrying two knives around? You dangerous bastard.¡±


    ¡°Wrong.¡±


    ¡°Then, a gun?¡±


    Aeroc was about to argue with him about why he would use a sword when he had a gun, but a hot exhale rattled Aeroc¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Sword or gun, it clearly doesn¡¯t belong to the Count, so let it go.¡±


    A pained sigh mingled in the other¡¯s stifled voice, and Aeroc finally realized what it was.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Aeroc pulled his hand away immediately. But their position hadn¡¯t changed, it was still pressing painfully against his thigh. As the embarrassment wore off, disgust took over.


    ¡°Getting aroused while hurting people. You crazy pervert.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the other way around.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the other way around. I came out here to calm my arousal.¡±


    What a naive fool he was to have sex with this man. Aeroc regretted, bitterly, that he hadn¡¯t recognized the crazed pervert and secretlyplimented his body. He didn¡¯t want to spend a single moment with this horrible man. Part of him wanted to storm out of here right now, but s, there were still those guys out there, searching for the man who had harmed their colleagues. It was a choice between potential danger and immediate danger. Right now, facing a crazed pervert was only slightly preferable.


    ¡°Why do you need to bring a weapon to calm your nerves?¡±


    ¡°To get some exercise.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to a brothel, you should bring some money, not a sword. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to threaten them because you don¡¯t have enough money for the sex? You crazy¡­¡­.¡±


    Aeroc was stunned as he tried to piece together this situation. Then Bendyke told him to keep quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for you. I¡¯ve given up hope of ever doing anything in this disgusting district. I¡¯ll hand over my entire wallet.¡±


    ¡°Here? And what do you mean by paying money?¡±


    The moment he heard the low voice from the darkness, Aeroc realized he had made a grave mistake. His entire body froze, even though it was just a series of inhales and exhales.


    ¡°Count,e to think of it, I haven¡¯t heard the reason you came here alone.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Aeroc turned away from him in embarrassment. Once again, he realized, any physical cues were meaningless in such close quarters. In fact, his nervousness only increased the other¡¯s excitement. His breathing became increasingly ragged. The hard penis pressed painfully against his thigh, ready to tear through his flesh at any moment.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hold it anymore.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t know what Bendyke meant by ¡°can¡¯t hold it anymore,¡± and he hoped, desperately, that it was what he expected. However, the arrogant employee, only a day has passed since he was fired, took no notice of Aeroc¡¯s wishes. He yanked the door open and dragged Aeroc back out into the dirty alley.


    ¡°They¡¯re there!¡±


    As they stepped out, the pursuers came after them again.


    ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    Bendyke warned in a menacing voice as he drew his sword. As they hesitated, someone blew a whistle. A sharp noise cut through the air, followed by the appearance of a man with a gun.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    Aeroc felt breathless and stopped Bendyke. But instead of running away, he pulled Aeroc back and threw his sword away.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    With a loud sound, the gun went off. But it wasn¡¯t Bendyke who fell to the street in the pungent smell of gunpowder.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead!¡±


    The man with the gun fell to the ground, bleeding, but that didn¡¯t mean Bendyke was unharmed. A hole in his broad shoulder gushed blood.


    ¡°He¡¯s been shot!¡±


    Aeroc shouted as he unconsciously put his hand to the wound, his hand covered in red blood.


    ¡°Kill him!¡±


    The men charged. Even with a serious gunshot wound, Bendyke snatched the cane from Aeroc¡¯s hand and turned to face them. An unbelievable sight ensued. He was so tough, barely using one arm to throw off the thugs one by one.


    <i>Hit. Hit.</i>


    Swung mercilessly, the tip of the cane dyed the same color as the sword Bendyke held. As Aeroc stood there, mouth agape, watching the carnage, a figure even bigger than Bendyke appeared from the end of the alley.


    ¡°Hagen.¡±


    A thug called him Hagen, and he looked at Bendyke and clicked his tongue. A thug went closer to greet him, but Hagen smashed his fist into that thug¡¯s face.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    The sound of the face getting broken froze the thugs in their tracks.


    ¡°Sir, the Lord had asked me to tell you to do it in moderation.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to do it in moderation, but as you can see, I have a guest.¡±


    Exhaling harshly, Bendyke spoke with a tone that implied he knew Hagen well. At the mention of a guest, Hagen looked at Aeroc and frowned.


    ¡°I¡¯ll clean this up.¡±


    Just as he said that, a group of hoodlums appeared out of nowhere, dragging the half-dead thugs away.


    ¡°Who the hell are you? If it¡¯s the Lord, then he must be the owner of the bottom ce. How do you know him? Are you not the Lord?¡±


    Aeroc asked, and Bendyke gave him a strange look. He wanted to say something, but a low groan came out. Blood from the gunshot wound trickled down to his fingertips.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to treat you first.¡±


    ¡°My house.¡±


    Aeroc followed him without argument. In fact, he tried to help, but Bendyke refused. The reason being he didn¡¯t want to get blood on Aeroc¡¯s fine jacket.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to ruin the Count¡¯s perfection.¡±


    The words seemed to be meant as a joke, but Aeroc felt bad listening to that. More than being offended, he felt saddened. How inhuman and cold-blooded this man was. An aristocrat, no matter how proud, would be fine to have his clothes stained with the blood of someone who had risked his life to help him.


    Come to think of it, Bendyke had insisted that Aeroc stay exactly as he was when they first met. Perfectly as he was. How in the world does this man see himself? A proud, noble aristocrat? Aeroc had hoped to appear that way. However, Aeroc couldn¡¯t figure out why he felt unhappy now, apanying a man who was bleeding and walking the dirty streets.


    * * *


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 15.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 15.2</h4>


    Bendyke led him to a three-story red brick house. There were endless others like this house in the neighborhood, and it was easy to get into the wrong one if you didn¡¯t pay attention to the brass notice board that recorded the address number. It was amon form of housing in the city centre.


    Opening the heavy, ck-painted front door, Bendyke let Aeroc in and locked it behind him. One side of the dark foyer led to a passageway, the other to a staircase leading upstairs.


    ¡°This way.¡±


    Aeroc followed Bendyke meekly as he led the way. The floor was carpeted with a patterned carpet that looked cozy. Aeroc was led into a modestly sized reception room, with a set of very homely china with floral and insect designs on neatly manicured sideboards. A small round table in the center of the room was covered with a white tablecloth, and in the middle of it was a single rose in a small vase.


    ¡°It¡¯s iner than I expected.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a poor country bumpkin. City life is very expensive.¡±


    There was no sting in the words, but for some reason, Aeroc felt even more ufortable than usual.


    ¡°I stand corrected. I meant I was surprised to find you unusually homely. Your taste in china is cute.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the housekeeper¡¯s taste, not mine, and I let her do as she pleases.¡±


    With that, Bendyke went through a small door in the corner of the reception room. Aeroc paced the reception room, looking around. He imagined this house as a stark space, filled with swords and guns, safes and ledgers. But to think there was such a lovely reception room. It definitely didn¡¯t suit the man.


    ¡°Kyaaaa!¡±


    A woman¡¯s tearing scream sounded in the distance. With thumping footsteps, a venerable old woman appeared, followed by Bendyke with a guilty look on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been shot! I knew this would happen someday! Get upstairs at once, and undress! I told you I had a bad heart, and if I have a heart attack and die, I¡¯ll curse you at once, Master!¡±


    After shooing Bendyke upstairs with a loud nagging, she looked at Aeroc and raised her voice.


    ¡°Why are you just there looking so stupidly? Can¡¯t you see that a man is injured? Get a doctor right now!¡±


    ¡°Ah, he¡¯s an aristocrat, he can¡¯t go anywhere without a carriage. He¡¯ll probably be a lost child if you let him out of the house.¡±


    Bendyke, who was going upstairs, answered for him, and the old woman, who appeared to be the housekeeper, became more agitated. She flung off the apron she had tied around her waist and called out to Aeroc.


    ¡°This way is the kitchen. There¡¯s clean water in the kettle, take it upstairs. There¡¯s clean towels in the cupboard in the second room on the right from upstairs. The first aid kit is in the secondpartment in the cupboard next to it. Wash the wound first, there¡¯s antiseptic, but the doctor will take care of it. Don¡¯t let it bleed any more until then. What are you staring at?! Get moving!¡±


    The shouting voice startled Aeroc into a frenzy and he tried to run upstairs. The first aid kit was in the second room, second cupboard, secondpartment, right?


    ¡°The kitchen¡¯s that way, you have to get the hot water first!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    With the housekeeper¡¯s tantrum, Aeroc descended the stairs again and headed for the kitchen. Her orders were somehow hard to refute.


    In the kitchen, which was even smaller than the reception room, he found a kettle of water on the table. Without thinking, Aeroc picked up the brass kettle and nearly spilled it. He hadn¡¯t realized the kettle was so heavy, it was nowhere near the weight of his porcin teapot kettle. Aeroc grabbed it with both hands and carefully carried it upstairs. There were four doors upstairs, two on each side, and Bendyke was in the first one on the left. He had already stripped off his clothes, and one side of his back was covered in blood.


    ¡°This is serious.¡±


    ¡°Did you bring water? And a cloth?¡±


    As Aeroc set the water on the table, Bendyke held out his hand to Aeroc. Aeroc shrugged it off, then hurried back out and stood in front of the staircase. He nced at the second room on the right and went straight to it. The cupboards were full. As instructed, he found a towel in the second cupboard and a first aid kit next to it. Aeroc took it back to the first room, and this time Bendyke took advantage of Aeroc.


    ¡°The bathroom is over there. There¡¯s a basin in there, get it here.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t feel good being treated like an errand boy, but he knew the other man was injured. When he returned with the basin, Bendyke poured water into it, soaked the cloth, and then reached back to wipe his shoulder. But he barely made contact.


    ¡°Ugh, shit.¡±


    Bendyke spat a low curse as he rolled his face in pain. Sitting back in his chair, he stretched his arm again, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t reach the wound.


    ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    It was a good-hearted gesture, but Bendyke returned the gaze with suspicion. Then Bendyke held out the wet towel. Aeroc wringed it out and gently wiped it around the perimeter. As he swiped from top to bottom, dark blood gurgled from the gaping wound. It was horrible, and the pain felt contagious. Bendyke grimaced, but didn¡¯t groan through clenched teeth.


    ¡°That must hurt.¡±


    ¡°Not much. This is nothingpared to that pain from before.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re bluffing.¡±


    Aeroc tried to scoff, but it didn¡¯te out right, because he had a serious injury. Aeroc cleaned the wound with great care. When he had cleaned it enough, Aeroc could see the bullet lodged in the center of the wound.


    ¡°I see the bullet. Luckily, the wound is not deep.¡±


    ¡°You can see it? Then take it out.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Bendyke opened the box Aeroc had brought and pulled out a pair of forceps. ¡°Are you serious?¡± Aeroc asked, surprised.


    ¡°The doctor would do the same thing anyway. The doctor will stitch me up, but you can at least take out the bullet. If I keep bleeding like this, I¡¯ll pass out. The bullet needs to be taken out before the bleeding can be stopped.¡±


    Shocked, Aeroc swallowed hard. With trembling hands, he used forceps to pick up the bullet. Halfway through, the huge back twitched. He was clearly in pain, but he didn¡¯t moan or scream except for ragged breathing. He had amazing endurance.


    <i>Creak.</i>


    Aeroc picked up the half-lodged bullet and dropped it into the basin, tossing the forceps in at the same time. He sighed, but the blood was still gurgling. He grabbed several clean, dry towels and pressed them firmly against the wound.


    Meanwhile, Bendyke opened a small box on the table, and inside were several small brown vials, identical to the ones Aeroc had seen before. He downed two of the bottles in quick session. They reeked of the bitter odor of a nasty drug.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    After downing the potion, Bendyke touched his forehead with his free arm and made a low throaty noise. That was all the scream he could muster. With a long sigh, the wounded man¡¯s back rose and fell slowly. He had lost a lot of blood and must be in pain. Aeroc wanted to talk to him, but decided not to. Bendyke needed rest.


    The awkward silence stretched on for a long time before he heard a shuffle from downstairs. The smell of blood was choking Aeroc, and the housekeeper who reappeared seemed like an angel. The doctor who followed her in was a familiar face.


    ¡°Count?¡±


    ¡°Ah, doctor.¡±


    ¡°Is the Count wounded? And I heard it was a gunshot wound?¡±


    ¡°No, not me, it¡¯s this person.¡±


    With that, Aeroc slowly removed his hands and stepped back. The doctor set down his house call bag and carefully picked up a towel with a circr bloodstain on it.


    ¡°I pulled the bullet out, it was shallow.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done it well.¡±


    With that, the doctor opened the house call bag and took out a stethoscope. cing the rounded end against Bendyke¡¯s back, the doctor was silent for a moment, then ced the stethoscope around his neck. The doctot tapped Bendyke, who had been quiet since the beginning.


    ¡°Mr. Bendyke? Mr. Bendyke?¡±


    There was no answer to the call; he hadn¡¯t stirred from earlier, his chin propped up by his uninjured arm and his eyes closed.


    ¡°His breathing and pulse are normal, and the hemostasis was sessful.¡±


    Looking around, the doctor spotted two empty bottles. He picked them up, saw that they were empty of their contents, and stared at Aeroc in amazement.


    ¡°He drank two bottles as soon as I took the bullet out. I was told it was for headaches.¡±


    ¡°These? One bottle of this is enough to knock out any bull in a single bound. I told him to take it one spoonful at a time, and he drank two bottles in one sitting! He must be trying to kill himself!¡±


    Aeroc had no idea, Bendyke had drunk the whole bottle before. The doctor was furious, but he didn¡¯t dare to hit the seriously injured person, so the housekeeper came to his defense.


    ¡°The master tried to control himself. Even today he only drank a spoonful, and then he went out for a walk to relieve his frustration. Then something unfortunate happened, though I don¡¯t know what.¡±


    The housekeeper shot Aeroc an using nce. Aeroc opened his mouth to make an excuse, but then shut it. It felt hard to exin. It was better to let Bendyke handle things on his own when he came back to his senses. Other things were more pressing.


    ¡°Just what disease does he have to be using such a strong drug?¡±


    It was the housekeeper who answered Aeroc¡¯s question.


    ¡°You can go back now. As you can see, my master is in no condition to entertain guests.¡±


    ¡°I will stay until hees to his senses.¡±


    ¡°Pleasee back againter.¡±


    Due to the housekeeper¡¯s repeated firm demands for him to leave, Aeroc reluctantly redirected his unfaltering steps.


    ¡°There is a carriage downstairs that takes the doctor here, you may take it. I can¡¯t see you off for far.¡±


    The cold housekeeper shooed Aeroc out and closed the door behind him. He stood in the dark hallway for a moment, staring nkly at the closed door. He had never been treated like this before. He tried to protest, but that will was gone. Unwanted as it was, Bendyke tried to help but got hurt in the process. Moreover, his condition was critical. Although there was no threat to his life, lecturing someone injured about etiquette felt absurd.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 16

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 16</h4>


    The afternoon after the incident, Aeroc went to visit the injured man and met the stern, scary housekeeper again.


    ¡°The master is sleeping now.¡±


    ¡°Is his recovery bad or¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°His injuries are recovering well. He just hasn¡¯t ovee his physical fatigue.¡±


    The housekeeper , who answered while standing in the doorway without inviting him into the house, looked Aeroc up and down with a cold gaze.


    ¡°Shall I tell him who you are?¡±


    ¡°Aeroc Teiwind.¡±


    Aeroc pulled a business card from his inner jacket pocket. He pulled out a white card, which he rarely gave to anyone, and held it out to her. He wasn¡¯t usually one to overstate his credentials tomoners, but she was a rude housekeeper simr to her employer, Aeroc wanted to make sure she knew who he was. epting the card, which was made of the finest paper avable on the continent, the housekeeper flipped it back and forth and then spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°You must be the famous Count.¡±


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t know, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Given her decidedly delinquent attitude, Aeroc naturally assumed she wouldn¡¯t know him. Frowning and responding sullenly, the housekeeper added, ¡°Of course. It¡¯s the name the master always talks about.¡±


    ¡°My name is Martha, and anyway, my entric master is not in a position to see the Count at the moment, so you cane another time, I¡¯ll tell him you¡¯ve been here.¡±


    Aeroc waved urgently as she tried to unterally close the door. At Martha¡¯s eyes that seemed to ask if he needed anything more, Aeroc didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he signaled towards the Teiwind carriage owned waiting on the roadside.


    ¡°Bring it.¡±


    The employee who apanied him returned with arge basket. Decorated with flowers from the estate¡¯s own garden, it contained herbal teas known for their soothing properties, as well as jam made fromst year¡¯s rose blossoms. Aeroc would have preferred to decorate it with roses, but they weren¡¯t in season yet.


    ¡°I didn¡¯te empty-handed for this visit.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Impressed by the basket, Martha shed a humane smile. Either way, both her owner and the housekeeper were really stingy.


    ¡°I¡¯d offer you tea, but I¡¯m still taking care¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯lle again next time.¡±


    Aeroc touched his silk hat briefly and bid the housekeeper farewell.


    Aeroc was worried to hear that Bendyke was sleeping the entire time not because he was injured, but because he was exhausted. The effects of overdosing on sedatives were obvious.


    ¡°Just what is that drug?¡±


    Aeroc had seen him take them before. He assumed it was just a simple headache pill. But judging from the doctor¡¯s horrified expression and the housekeeper¡¯s sensitive demeanor, it was more than just a headache.


    What¡¯s even stranger was that Bendyke only took the prescribed amount and tried to take a walk to calm his nerves. Let alone a walk in such a dirty andplex street, why would he need a sword? If he had the thought to arm himself in such a bizarre way, he must have known that the bottom ce below was the worst ce to take a walk to calm down. Aeroc wondered what the walk meant to him.


    ¡°I have a lot to ask.¡±


    His financial advisor was overly secretive.


    ¡°Our first meeting was strange too.¡±


    From the very beginning, Bendyke¡¯s unexpected actions were the starting point for his guarded and wary attitude toward him. He didn¡¯t just pounce on Aeroc, he also asked Aeroc why he pretended not to know him. Aeroc, who frequently attended high-level theater performances, prided himself on his ability to distinguish between sincerity and acting. This was not the childish theatrics that dramatists try to pull off in order to attract attention. The gaze was profoundly serious, his expression and demeanor genuine.


    The attitude shown upon their next meeting was no different. While Aeroc had somewhat roughly driven him away for personal protection during their first encounter, who would typically harbor such malicious obsession? There had been a few people who had done strange things to Aeroc in his life, but none of them had held a grudge. No good coulde of incurring the Count of Teiwind¡¯s hatred. Most of them had apologized for their rudeness with aicalck of grace upon reunion.


    Bendyke, on the other hand, was remarkably calm and aloof for a man who had made such a foolish outburst. He looked at Aeroc with a piercing stare that was anything but friendly. It was an attitude of caution, as if he saw Aeroc as a considerably dangerous man. It was hostile.


    ¡°I have no idea what kind of mental illness he¡¯s suffering from.¡±


    The carriage quickly sped through the city center towards the direction of the estate. Beyond the rattling windows, the path to the bottom ce shed by. Whatever he was doing there, it certainly wasn¡¯t a good thing.


    Kloff Bendyke.


    The repercussions thrown into Aeroc¡¯s peaceful life were growing, and now it was impossible to ignore. Whatever secret Bendyke was hiding, it was time to find out.


    * * *


    A few dayster, as if nothing had happened, a report on Aeroc¡¯s asset management arrived. Inside, there was always a note with the date and time. And this time, it was right away this afternoon. Aeroc knew this would be the case, it seemed like Bendyke treated the dismissal notice inexistent after going through the events at the bottom ce.


    ¡°He¡¯s too full of himself.¡±


    Aeroc checked the note and tucked it into a drawer in his study. He summoned Hugo to inform him of the guest. The well-dressed elderly gentleman looked up at his master and, in a rare attitude, spoke first.


    ¡°Is there something that pleases you, sir?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°You seemed depressedtely, but now you¡¯re smiling.¡±


    If Hugo, known for his courteous yet restrained demeanor, went to the extent of making such a remark, it undoubtedly meant he had chuckled heartily without restraint. Feeling embarrassed, Aeroc covered his mouth with his hand.


    ¡°Did I look foolish?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I think you look great.¡±


    Hugo said no more. But the corners of his mouth, peeking out from beneath his well-trimmed mustache, drew a gentle arc. The only time he¡¯d ever worn that expression was when Aeroc was being childish. Aeroc had rarely seen it since he¡¯d grown up.


    ¡°It¡¯s the financial manager. He¡¯s a shady man. His cocky attitude is that of a court jester.¡±


    Aeroc found himself talking a lot, even though he wasn¡¯t really hiding anything.


    ¡°You trusted him with this important position, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I trust his abilities. He¡¯s not a lowly crook who would cheat me out of money, and that¡¯s a guarantee not only from me, but from Derbyshire, Westport, and Wolke as well.¡±


    At the mention of Wolke, Hugo cocked his head slightly in surprise. Aeroc shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised too. I think I know what those two share inmon.¡±


    Aeroc didn¡¯t want to borate on what had happened in the bottom ce. Hugo knew only too well how to nag the young count gracefully, if necessary, until he surrendered and swore never to do it again. Aeroc didn¡¯t want to add any unnecessary burden to the old butler who had enough to worry about as it was.


    After Aeroc informed the date and time of Bendyke¡¯s arrival, Hugo nodded. Even after delivering the information, Hugo didn¡¯t leave immediately. When asked why, an unexpected response came.


    ¡°May I say something before I leave?¡±


    ¡°Of course. If there¡¯s anyone in the world to whom I don¡¯t mind whatever they say, it¡¯s you, Hugo.¡±


    It was a sincere and unfiltered expression. Aeroc adjusted his posture to listen attentively, and in response, the stern eyes of the butler softened.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. I just wanted to mention thattely, Master¡¯s lively demeanor has been a pleasure to witness.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    It was something Hugo could easily say, yet it felt quite sudden. Aeroc wasn¡¯t sure how to react.


    ¡°I thought you said I looked depressed earlier.¡±


    ¡°Well, depression is a feeling one can have when alive.¡±


    ¡°Have I been looking dead so far?¡±


    Aeroc wasn¡¯t arguing, he was genuinely curious. Hugo didn¡¯t miss Aeroc¡¯s meaning.


    ¡°Rather than that, you seemed very bored. You¡¯ve always acted the same way, even when meeting acquaintances and visiting close rtives. But recently, you express anger and even crack jokes. Suddenly, you impulsively go out. You¡¯ve be more youthful.¡±


    ¡°You mean I¡¯ve been that pathetic?¡±


    Aeroc asked in surprise, and Hugo apologized, saying, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. I apologize.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of that guy, Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°It seems so.¡±


    Standing up, Aeroc paced around a bit. Then, he abruptly asked Hugo,


    ¡°What do you think of him?¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯s a young man with some pretty good qualities, considering hisck of fundamentals. He¡¯s got a great physique, intelligence, and eyes. Despite being somewhat rude and arrogant, young alphas who are aware of their charm often tend to be like that. I believe he¡¯ll improve even more as he ages.¡±


    Though it might sound sour at first, it was ultimately a quite generous assessment.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s right to have a rtionship with him?¡±


    ¡°May I ask what kind of association?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Ironically, this time, Aeroc was the one who didn¡¯t understand the question.


    ¡°Is it a business rtionship as an employee to solve financial issues, a social rtionship as part of the social circle, or an intimate rtionship?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s face burned red as the answer came back. Hugo seemed unfazed, as if he expected such a reaction. This only embarrassed Aeroc further.


    ¡°You knew?¡±


    ¡°Of course I did. It¡¯s your affair after all, young master.¡±


    ¡°May I ask how you knew?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been personally taking care of the cleaning up after you use the Violet room.¡±


    Aeroc felt like hiding in a rat hole. He didn¡¯t dare raise his face. After his affectionate mother died at a young age, his father, who was already strict, became more sensitive and harsh. His father often scolded Aeroc for being unworthy of being the heir as he was upset and missed his mother. It was Hugo who woulde to Aeroc¡¯s aid whenever he was hiding under his mother¡¯s favorite rose tree, ignoring the thorns that pricked him. Therge hands in white gloves would gentlyfort the sad boy¡¯s heart along with his sore back. Being caught in a situation like this was akin to getting caught by his parents in a messed-up bed. It was so embarrassing that he felt like jumping out of the window.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stop me?¡±


    ¡°Did you want me to?¡±


    Aeroc was stunned by the calm counter-question. When Aeroc was unable to respond, Hugo spoke up.


    ¡°As you know, I have watched over you since the moment you were born. I dare not take the ce of yourte father and mother, but my affection for you is genuine, young master.¡±


    ¡°I know that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Now, as I¡¯ve been so presumptuous, I¡¯m going to be a little more rude.¡±


    Having said that, Hugo continued without waiting for Aeroc¡¯s response.


    ¡°I would have expected you to wee a lovely Omega from an aristocratic family, but no matter how beautiful she is, no matter how many fine qualities she possesses, you seem indifferent when facing a potential mate. It¡¯s because, to you, no one is as beautiful or exceptional as you are. I understand this better than anyone since I serve you. But that man is unique. His first appearance was quite striking.¡±


    ¡°I thought he waspletely insane.¡±


    ¡°I felt the same. Even now, I can¡¯t bepletely at ease. But one thing is certain. He keeps you alive.¡±


    Hugo¡¯s words, spoken in a calm tone, resonated with Aeroc like thunder. There was no falsehood in Hugo¡¯s words. The experienced butler was the only person who knew Aeroc better than Aeroc knew himself. Finally, Aeroc could understand what Hugo had been trying to convey with the lengthy preamble. Gently brushing the still warm cheek that hadn¡¯t cooled yet, Aeroc cautiously asked,


    ¡°Would it be good for me to get along with him?¡±


    ¡°That is a matter for you to decide, young master.¡±


    ¡°But Hugo¡¯s opinion is very important to me.¡±


    ¡°I only wish you well, young master, as always.¡±


    ¡°And for me to not be too strict like an old man; act foolishly like someone of my age.¡±


    As Aeroc yfully added, Hugo denied, ¡°I never said such a thing.¡± Instead, Aeroc approached him and gave him a quick hug before releasing him.


    ¡°Thank you, Hugo, I¡¯m very d you told me this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Despite my overly intrusivements, I am grateful for your lenient disposition.¡±


    As Hugo returned to his stern expression and was about to leave the room, Aeroc suddenly remembered something.


    ¡°Have you perhaps told Bendyke what kind of books I like to read?¡±


    ¡°No, I have never done so.¡±


    ¡°Oh, alright. I see.¡±


    After Hugo left, Aeroc felt a strange rush of excitement. It was both embarrassing and somehow pleasing that Hugo knew, yet it also brought a sense of worry. The whirlwind of strange emotions made it impossible for him to stay still. He wandered around the room, idly touching decorations and ncing at the pictures on the wall. He absentmindedly tapped the curtains and leaned out the window to breathe in the fresh air. Opening and closing book covers without reading them, he spent a considerable time looking at the notes from Bendyke in the drawer before putting it back. The deeply humiliating and vaguely gratifying experience of having someone discover his secret affair continued to shake Aeroc. Struggling to control these unfamiliar and conflicting emotions¡ªneither anger nor amusement¡ªhe had one clear decision.


    ¡°If I¡¯m going to do anything, I¡¯m going to have to do it somewhere other than the estate.¡±


    Aeroc vowed never to use the Violet room again.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 17.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 17.1</h4>


    The weather was exceptionally good. Hugo had set up a table on the upstairs terrace even though Aeroc hadn¡¯t asked him to. On the round table, there was a good-sized vase decorated with seasonal flowers. Floral arrangement was an essential skill for butlers in prestigious ns, thus this table setting was nothing unordinary, still Aeroc felt a little awkward. He was tempted to ask why the teacups were floral for today, but there was nothing more embarrassing than bringing up that topic again with Hugo, so he kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°You¡¯rete.¡±


    Waiting, Aeroc watched as a in, unmarked ck carriage pulled up the estate¡¯s driveway. Bendyke had turned up a littleter than he¡¯d announced. Compared to the notoriously tardy person that every social circle would have, he came at quite the precise timing, but it was unexpected for such an uptight faucet.


    As Bendyke was ushered into the terrace room, Aeroc reflexively tried to stand up, but Bendyke signalled with a wave of his hand for him to remain seated. While it was an inappropriate reception to give to the host, it was also strange to observe such politeness between them. He skipped formal greetings and got right to what he wanted to say, as if they had just parted yesterday and met today.


    ¡°You look a lot better than I thought you would be.¡±


    Bendyke, sitting in the chair across from Aeroc, responded with the corners of lips rising.


    ¡°I received your gift well. Thanks to it, I¡¯ve been having a cup of filthy water-like herbal tea every morning and evening.¡±


    ¡°That filthy water has excellent effects on calming the mind and body.¡±


    ¡°Was it a well-intentioned gift?¡±


    His deliberately surprising action suited really well with his bold smile.


    ¡°How dare you expect goodwill from me. Did you suffer another gunshot to your head?¡±


    ¡°As expected. It tasted awful. And what kind of magic did you use on Martha to make her sing praises of you?


    Aeroc titled my head, not understanding what he was talking about.


    ¡°I thought it was from someone who secretly had a crush on me because Martha said it was from a beautiful young man. It turned out to be my evil employer. I was disappointed.¡±


    ¡°I should have mixed it with poison to melt your insolent tongue.¡±


    As they exchanged the usual banter about the gifts and cards both of them had sent, Aeroc watched the other man closely. Bendyke moved his arm, the side having the gunshot, very slowly. The tips of his long fingers bent and straightened slightly, but without difficulty. There seemed to be no lingering effects of a significant injury.


    ¡°Well, at least you seem to be unharmed. Even if you¡¯re a detestable scroundle, I wouldn¡¯t want to see someone die in front of me. Bad dreams would have haunted me.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, the guns they had were old and defective, so my bones and muscles are intact. I lost quite a bit of blood, but after the overwhelming shock wore off, I felt rather refreshed.¡±


    Aeroc snorted, not sure if he was joking or serious. But inside, Aeroc felt bad. Bendyke chatted nonchntly and drank his tea, but it wasn¡¯t the kind of injury that could be dismissed so easily. It was still a gunshot wound. The kind that would have kept a normal person in bed for a week. But just a few dayster, Bendyke was back to work and out as if nothing had happened. Aeroc was not sure he¡¯d call that a sign of good health. In any case, Bendyke was regrly taking some potent tranquillisers of unknown origin.


    ¡°I heard that the pills you¡¯ve been taking aren¡¯t for headaches.¡±


    ¡°Where did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°The doctor exined it to me after a fellow had emptied two bottles which resulted in aplete meltdown. He said it was a nerve stabiliser, and a bottle of it could put a bull to sleep.¡±


    Showing a nonchnt reaction, Bendyke leaned backfortably in the chair Aeroc had deliberately chosen due to hisrge frame and stared off into the sun-drenched garden.


    ¡°It¡¯s really nothing.¡±


    He crossed his long legs. He rested one hand on top of his wrapped leg, his fingers moving lightly. Now that Aeroc thought about it, it seemed to be a gesture Bendyke made when he was in a difficult situation or didn¡¯t want to answer. He looked at the distant mountains, then met Aeroc¡¯s gaze and made up an obvious lie.


    ¡°Everyone gets a little neurotic disorder when they have to deal with numbers. Unlike the aristocrats, who can just sit back and enjoy their umted wealth, people like me have to work for a living. When people are forced to do things they don¡¯t want to do, some of them get toothaches, some of them get headaches, and some of them get sleepless nights with terrible itching. In my case, it¡¯s neurosis apanied by excitement.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like quite a different exnation from what the doctor gave.¡±


    ¡°Doctors are usually overreacting so they can scare patients and make more money.¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t bring himself to question that Bendyke might be addicted to drugs. He looked perfectly fine. Perhaps he had taken that drug for the gunshot wound that day. As Aeroc continued to stare at him in scepticism, Bendyke suddenly burst outughing. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Are you really that worried about me?¡±


    ¡°More precisely, I¡¯m worried that my financial manager will lose control of his nerves and do something bizarre, causing great damage to me.¡±


    The other man¡¯sughter intensified, even though Aeroc gave him a good reason. Unlike Aeroc, he seemed to be enjoying this conversation. Wait, Aeroc was enjoying this too. This was a fun conversation, except that unlike hisid-back counterpart, Aeroc¡¯s irritation was rising.


    ¡°I thought I was fired.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you here if you know that you¡¯re fired? You were the one who made the appointment first.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being very unkind to the man who risked his life to save you. This is upsetting.¡±


    Rather than sounding upset, Bendyke sounded as if he enjoyed this very much. Aeroc took a deep breath to calm his boiling temper. The man could so easily sway his supposedly steadfast resolve. Hugo had said Bendyke was keeping Aeroc alive, but what was the point of living if this man was only inciting his frustrations. Sensing Aeroc¡¯s irritation, Bendyke let out augh in amusement. With his fangs bared and his grinning mouth half-covered by his index finger, he spoke in a fairly meek tone.


    ¡°You¡¯re even more sparkling today.¡±


    ¡°What kind of bullshit is that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s literally as I said, you¡¯re unusually sparkling.¡±


    His trusted butler and even his distrusted financial manager had suddenly be strange. Was he so different from his usual self? Aeroc couldn¡¯t tell at all. Unlike Hugo, Aeroc had no inclination to show Bendyke his true colours. He frowned and coughed shakily in response. Then Bendyke leaned his upper body forward.


    ¡°You¡¯re totally way younger and more vigorous than I remember. I thought you were a cold-blooded human with a hard ice chiselled nose that could pierce the sky.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say that I¡¯m an aristocrat of such noble character and grace that I could hardly be considered a mere mortal.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯tplimenting you that far.¡±


    ¡°For a pervert to flirt with a cold-blooded aristocrat, shouldn¡¯t you be praising him, even if you¡¯re just making up false words?¡±


    Aeroc rolled his eyes to show his displeasure. Then Bendyke burst outughing. Aeroc had never seen himugh so rxed.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I see, it is my fault.¡±


    ¡°If you know that, you should be shaving off your arrogant nose in the future instead of someone else¡¯s. It¡¯s a world where even the lowliest of the low can pretend to be an aristocrat f they have the skills, but you should be grateful that the Count of Teiwind interacts with a lowly gentry in such an unassuming manner.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you my most sincere gratitude, Count.¡±


    The answer that Bendyke returned surprisingly contained no sarcasm or malice. It felt so sincere that, out of a fearful curiosity, Aeroc scrutinized the other person intently. In the motion of brushing back his slightly disheveled hair, there was no arrogant smirk to be found. Freshness blossomed on a face that looked as if it had been painstakingly crafted by a god and then slightly neglected in the finishing touches. The intense gaze that had emerged from the depths of the swamp now shone with nothing but solemnity, devoid of any arrogant glint. Then, his expression changed in an instant. The mischievous look on his face blended with a soft tone,bined with an underlying toughness, made Bendyke very charming. It was Bendyke himself who was looking younger and more vigorous.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 17.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 17.2</h4>


    ¡°I mean it. It¡¯s nice of you to remember someone like me and let me see you again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s unfair for you to give such a sincere response to our banter. You¡¯ve been acting really strange today. Why are you suddenly being so docile? If you want something, say it. Don¡¯t scare me like this.¡±


    Still, Aero remained cautious, wondering if Bendyke was hiding something. Despite that, Bendyke didn¡¯t express an exaggerated upset expression and simply continued to smile.


    ¡°One minute you¡¯re happy with mypliments, the next you don¡¯t. You¡¯re quite the fickle one.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t like whates out of your damn mouth. I don¡¯t like how you¡¯re suddenly so obedient to my words.¡±


    Bendyke chuckled again.


    ¡°Really, human memories are impossible to believe. You have such an interesting and cute personality.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been curious for a while. When did you see me that you pretend to know me so well?¡±


    ¡°I told you before.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even get me started on your dreams. I can¡¯t stand being treated like a kid. Just tell me a different lie.¡±


    ¡°Another lie, then.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s silence, he stared at Aeroc. The animosity was gone, but in its ce was a sullenness. There were hints of pain and sadness. The arrogant and rude facade had been abruptly discarded, and Bendyke was now apletely different person from the one Aeroc remembered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it much because it¡¯s a painful memory. I¡¯m just trying not to screw everything up when I¡¯m given a second chance.¡±


    ¡°Then I shall apologise for the rough treatment when I kicked you out of the estate. However, the cause of that incident wasn¡¯t me. I didn¡¯t know you at the time, I swear.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I want you to know that I sympathize with the hardships you had to go through because of that.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what kind of hell I¡¯ve been through?¡±


    When Bendyke said that, Aeroc was at a loss for words. A young alpha male with no roots in the capital must have suffered a fair amount of humiliation and disrespect until he found his feet and established himself in society. The grand party at the Rose Garden was meant to give such a young man a chance, but to be so publicly humiliated and kicked out of it, the difficulties Bendyke went through must have been substantial.


    ¡°While I don¡¯t know the full extent of it, I understand to some point.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Bendyke questioned in a surprised tone. There was an inexplicable fervor in his gaze. It was an eager look, full of great expectations.Aeroc immediately regretted his light-hearted reply.


    ¡°I shall appoint you as my lifetime financial manager. I¡¯ll double, no, triple the sry.¡±


    Aeroc offered quite the handsome reward to Bendyke for saving his life and for his previous humiliation. However, it seemed to be different from what Bendyke had expected. He made an awkward smile and leaned his back on the chair. It was afortable posture, but at the same time, it carried a deep sense of disappointment.


    ¡°Of course, I will provide teatime like today anytime you want.¡±


    And just in case, Aeroc added a very personal reward. Just when Aeroc was about to add that Bendyke was wee to use the Violet room whenever he needed it, a dry voice responded.


    ¡°You really know nothing.¡±


    It was a bitter tone. Behind the masculine mask, a hint of sadness and pain flickered for a moment before disappearing behind an expression that was almost expressionless. The mask had returned. The change was so dramatic that Aeroc felt as if he had truly forgotten something. However, Aeroc had never experienced a life event of such magnitude that he would suffer from amnesia, and if he had, if he had a history with Bendyke, there was no way Hugo or Viscount Derbyshire would be quiet about it. Somehow, some way, Aeroc had to find out about this matter.


    ¡°If there¡¯s something I¡¯m forgetting, I hope you can exin it to me.¡±


    That was the best answer Aeroc could offer him. Bendyke, with a pained look in his eyes, gazed at him and slowly shook his head.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s better that you don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Why, because you don¡¯t want to screw things up for a second time?¡±


    Suddenly, Aeroc remembered what he said when they were in the bottom ce. Hearing that, Bendyke¡¯s eyes widened, as if genuinely surprised. He half rose up, looking like he was going to rush toward Aeroc at any moment.


    ¡°Do you really¡­¡­ not remember anything, or are you just pretending to not remember?¡±


    ¡°Remember what?¡±


    ¡°If you actually remember it¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°If I remember it?¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s wide eyes stared at Bendyke, startled. Very slowly, the other man sat back down in his seat.


    ¡°¡­You wouldn¡¯t be talking to me.¡±


    The words, spoken so quietly, sounded more like Bendyke was muttering to himself than an answer. He shut his mouth and slipped into his own world. He cast his gloom, pained gaze into the distance again. At the end, there was a rose garden where rosebuds were blooming and, beyond that, a neglected cabin.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you reading a book today?¡±


    In the awkward silence, just as Aeroc pondered how to fill the gap, Bendyke spoke first.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like reading when I¡¯m dealing with a damned man.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad. How about ying the violin then?¡±


    Aeroc only answered yfully. However, a regretful and cold voice responded.


    ¡°How did you know I y the violin as a hobby? Did you do a background check on me?¡±


    ¡°Aristocrats always know how to y an instrument or two. Piano or violin. I took a random guess.¡±


    Though Bendyke provided a usible excuse once again, the suspicion Aeroc once felt didn¡¯t dissipate. In retrospect, it wasn¡¯t the first time Aeroc had been suspicious. From the first encounter when Bendyke pretended to know him like a swindler and was expelled, to the days they spent together, everything seemed dubious.


    ¡°Is it Viscount Derbyshire? Or Madam Westport?¡±


    Aeroc asked, naming his two most talkativemon acquaintances. The other shrugged as if he had not the slightest idea. The way he shrugged it off, without any exaggerated response ¨C no change of expression and no awkwardughter ¨C confirming Aeroc¡¯s growing certainty.


    ¡°You¡¯re really a foul guy.¡±


    ¡°You always knew that.¡±


    ¡°You left out the ¡®more than before¡¯ part.¡±


    As Aeroc candidly revealed his displeasure, Bendyke continued to stroke his lips with his hand, always wearing that unpleasant smile. However, his eyes still looked painfully sad. Pain tainted with sadness. Not the most fitting emotion for a soldier. Aeroc didn¡¯t dare to face it any longer. So, using the excuse of fetching the violin, he left.


    The music hall where his violin was kept was a long way from the terrace. On the way back, his embarrassment wore off and he regained hisposure. Bendyke, still sitting on the terrace, continued to gaze at the rose garden without a hint of movement.


    ¡°Do you have a requested piece?¡±


    When Aeroc asked, the corner of Bendyke¡¯s mouth twitched upwards and he slightly shook his head. For a brief moment, hisplexion noticeably paled. It seemed like he needed some rest, but Aeroc missed the chance to ask due to Bendyke¡¯s response.


    ¡°Anything, whatever.¡±


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve be a cheap pub musician.¡±


    Aeroc slung his violin over his shoulder and thought for a moment. There was no need to y anything difficult. This man¡¯s ears must have heard nothing but the sound of money jingling. But Aeroc hated easy pieces. The moderate pieces were mostly lyrical. It wasn¡¯t very appropriate to y for an alpha male, but in retrospect, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to y for today¡¯s guest. After all, he had built a certain level of camaraderie with this person.


    Slowly, Aeroc plucked the strings and began to move the bow. What began as a delicate, smooth tune quickly entered the realm of deep emotion after a gentle bend. It was one of Aeroc¡¯s favourite pieces, and one that made him dream romantically of one day giving a soir¨¦e in the rose garden, and dedicating it to the lovers who would be there. It was a shame to y it in the middle of the day, especially to such an arrogant man. But whatever it was, it was appropriate as a constion for the pain and sorrow that the man carrying deepest secrets seemed to be feeling. And a moment¡¯s respite for the pale-faced wounded man.


    Taking the opportunity, he yed a continuous series of his favorite songs. Each one was a soft song with fine melodies, as they were meant for a soiree. The performance continued without any conversation until Aeroc concluded it upon discovering the other had fallen asleep..


    ¡°Are you really asleep?¡±


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 17.3

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 17.3</h4>


    Bendyke, leaning back in the chair, chin resting on one hand, had his eyes closed. The shade of the estate gave his otherwise pale face an even more withered glow. If it weren¡¯t for the subtle rise and fall of his chest, he would have looked like a corpse. The weather was gradually warming up. Even in the shade, a well-dressed adult alpha male like him wouldn¡¯t feel the cold, yet the white marble terrace floor seemed as frosty as snow. It was probably because Bendyke was stepping on it.


    A few strands of dark hair moved slightly in the gentle breeze. Unconsciously, Aeroc reached out his hand to the hair swaying softly above the long and straight bridge of Bendyke¡¯s nose. Despite how he looked, his skin was warm. He had known this from before, but Bendyke had a high body temperature, likely due to an active metabolism. He was quite a formidable dynamo. It wasn¡¯t just a metaphor suitable for the night. He¡¯de all the way up here without having anything, and he¡¯d had to use all his avable time. He was living a life the antithesis of Aeroc. If he hadn¡¯t bothered Aeroc in the first ce, Aeroc wouldn¡¯t have even looked at him in the first ce, much less yed a luby for him as he slept here. This man was a thorn, an undisputed mystery, and an infinitely intriguing enigma all at once.


    ¡°I want to know more about you.¡±


    The moment he actually touched the ripples upon the calm life, the person who seemed to sleep like the dead stirred. Startled, Aeroc pulled back, and Bendyke, eyebrows furrowed, groaned as if in pain. It seemed his shoulder was hurting. It seemed like he needed a doctor right away.


    Entering the reception room connected to the terrace and cing the violin on the decorative table against the wall, a sudden ttering noise was heard. The tall man had woken up from his sleep and was rushing out from the terrace.


    ¡°Aeroc.¡±


    Before he could respond to the call, the other man hurriedly left the reception room. He mmed the door with such force that thetch collided with the wall, creating a loud noise.


    ¡°Hey you, Bendyke.¡±


    Surprised, Aeroc followed after him. The only one who rushed out wondering what had happened wasn¡¯t just Aeroc. In the hallway, he encountered Hugo and another servant.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Saying so, Aeroc hurriedly followed Bendyke. He went down the stairs quickly, passing through the entrance hall.


    It was a hot afternoon in the rose garden, and the diligent gardener was hard at work, digging here and there, applying manure, snipping off branches of safflower, and spraying the medicine to keep the bugs away from the buds that were just opening. The middle-aged gardener, who had not worked as long as Hugo, but had tended the Count¡¯s proud rose garden for many years, was well paid and wore his favourite shabby overalls. His overalls, made of coarse cloth, are worn and tattered, and his straw hat is riddled with holes. The hat was more than a decade old, and he favoured the breeze that blew through the holes to keep him cool. He was examining the rosebuds, trying to decide which bad ones he needed to pluck.


    ¡°Aeroc!¡±


    When a strange gentleman came running up, calling his master¡¯s name, the gardener dropped the pruning shears he was holding. A rough hand caught him and turned him round. He had only seen the man from afar once or twice as a guest of his master.


    ¡°Have¡­¡­ Have I done something wrong?¡±


    The gardener stammered in surprise. He couldn¡¯t see the other man¡¯s expression against the light, but he could make out the coldness in his gaze.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    With a short sigh, the gardener quickly left his position as the grip that held him lost its strength. The Count, his master who exuded an imposing presence, was generally lenient with those beneath him, but not everyone he interacted with enjoyed such generosity. There were many instances where someone earned his displeasure. In such cases, it was best to leave quickly. He could find the pruning shearster.


    Letting go of the gardener, Bendyke stood dazed in the sunlight. Aeroc btedly approached him with caution, breathing heavily.


    ¡°Bendyke?¡±


    Aeroc called from behind, but there was no response. The other man kept his head down, muttering something and cupping his own face in both his hands. Arge wingbone outlined above his tightly tailored jacket. At the same time, his imposing back slowly bent. It was a sign of despair. Aeroc approached him, mouth agape, and gazed into the down casted face, cing one hand gently on the prominent shoulder de. Moisture glimmered momentarily through the long fingers that shielded the face.


    ¡°Bendyke¡­¡­ Kloff?¡±


    The voice called out to him again, this time in a gravelly tone. The man, who had previously ignored to call him with the familiar nickname, called him Kloff for the first time, making him slowly raise his head.


    Ridicule, pretense, asional anger, and the rare genuine joy suited Bendyke. But he wasn¡¯t like that right now. His eyes, sunk like a swamp, were marred with indescribable pain and sorrow. He seemed as if struck by lightning. His ck pupils were widened, and his slightly parted lips trembled thinly, showing the enormity of the iprehensible shock.


    ¡°Ae¡­..roc?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you all of a sudden? Are you feeling sick somewhere?¡±


    ¡°Aeroc.¡±


    The fingertips approaching Aeroc were trembling, as if frostbitten. The cold fingertips seemed to touch Aeroc¡¯s cheek as he watched anxiously. But he didn¡¯t reach Aeroc, not until the goosebumps had disappeared and the hairs on his arms had subsided. Instead, he outlined it again and again from a distance, as if he couldn¡¯t possibly reach Aeroc. Meanwhile, the shock that had initially painted a horrified expression on the pallid face gradually crumbled, reced by a profound pain apanied by an inexplicable sadness. The sybles uttered by lips that had been repeating an indecipherable murmur due to the inability to produce a voice were solely Aeroc¡¯s name.


    ¡°Aeroc.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    Aeroc responded smoothly to the almost faltering call. He became increasingly entwined with the emotions of the other. What could be so sad and painful? What thoughts prompted him to search for Aeroc? What memories made him have such a poignant expression? Aeroc shouldn¡¯t have called him an insensitive cobbler. What Aeroc saw were the eyes of a poet reciting despair, the voice of a singer crying out a torn heart, the gesture of a painter contemting the end of a copsing life. It was a pitiful soul infused with pain.


    Stepping further into the shadows of the other person, the back was facing the brilliant sunlight, Aeroc raised his head. The whispers had died down. Only a soft breath passed between lips so close they seemed to touch. Aerocid his wet lips on top of his dry ones. Their lips gently touched, then pulled apart, then changed angles and touched again. Aeroc closed his eyes, lost in a world of reds and greens, and felt nothing but the other¡¯s breath. The dizzying warmth flowed through the connected lips. Hands that had been wandering in the air came to rest on Aeroc¡¯s shoulders as he reached out and wrapped his arms around the towering figure. The long fingers gave more force as the kiss continued.


    Their lips ovepped several times, and their tongues darted out, until Bendyke suddenly turned his head and roughly pulled Aeroc away. The force of the shove nearly knocked Aeroc off his feet.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Aeroc stared at the other man in surprise. Bendyke ran one hand through his hair, unable to hide his perplexed face. His expression quickly hardened into a grim line.


    ¡°I must have had a seizure.¡±


    His voice was low and raspy. His fingertips still trembled, but the gaze in his eyes had turned to cold ice. Bendyke turned his body back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll return home for the day. I¡¯ll apologise for my rudeness next time.¡±


    There was no rudeness. Aeroc had kissed him first, and while he¡¯d been acting strangely before that, it was the sort of thing that could be overlooked generously as an injured man dozing off and getting confused. Aeroc wondered what memory was causing him such despair, and wanted tofort him if he could, but Bendyke seemed to be interested in none of that. He didn¡¯t even turn back to the estate, but continued across the garden.


    ¡°Bendyke?¡±


    Aeroc called out to him several times, but he never turned around.


    After leaving the estate with his mouth clenched tightly shut, Bendyke didn¡¯t show up for several days. The reports that did arrive contained no date or time, just a short message that he was busy and unable to visit the estate for the time being. The ache in his heart that had begun that day continued to torment Aeroc.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 18.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 18.1</h4>


    Seizure, excitement, sedation. What memory could have made Bendyke like that?


    When Aeroc tried to approach him in the rose garden on the day they first met, he had a very rough first encounter with Aeroc, thus everything went wrong after. Because of that, he resented Aeroc so much that he became psychotic. Later, he rejoined the social circle, but now he resented Aeroc even more. shing every time they met, a subtle tension between them grew. But he still had a strong affection towards Rapiel, thus it resulted in his neurosis. Aeroc thought this was quite a usible deduction.


    ¡°Hahahahaha! You have a cuter side than I thought!¡±


    After hearing Aeroc¡¯s serious exnation, Viscount Derbyshireughed out loud, stopping him to give further reasoning. It was a good thing Aeroc hadn¡¯t given away all the details. Otherwise, Viscount Derbyshire would have given him a lot of nagging under the guise of advice. Instead, the dignified old gentleman patted his enormous belly andughed heartily as if he found it amusing. That was humiliating enough to Aeroc.


    ¡°It is my first time hearing that fellow, Bendyke, has that kind of interest in Rapiel. Of course, Rapiel has not the slightest interest in him. No, Rapiel hates him now.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°You saw it that day, at my house. There can¡¯t be any secret Alpha-Omega feelings between two people like that. That concern is as amusing as the idea that you and Bendyke are actually quite good friends.¡±


    Aeroc chuckled softly at that. Things were indeed quite different between them, though not in the way one would normally think. He wasn¡¯t sure whether to ept the Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s opinion entirely.


    ¡°Even if there were such feelings, the ship has sailed. Wolke is now courting Rapiel. Bendyke is a fine young man, however Wolke is even better than him.¡±


    Aeroc could not disagree with those words. The pale Marquis, with hisck of refinement, hisck of humanity, hisnguid, cold eyes, more suited to darkness than sunshine, might be a fine young man to some. But what Wolke had, Aeroc had too. He might even be better than that guy in some aspects. Aeroc wouldn¡¯t want to deny Wolke¡¯s objective attractiveness, but that charm seemed endlessly dull to Aeroc. Inparison, a vibrant, masculine charm filled with life and ambition was much more appealing to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re suddenly talking about Bendyke. You¡¯re not one to have the tendency to gossip about your employees.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m troubled by what happened at the Viscount¡¯s feast. I¡¯m asking because you know them better than I do.¡±


    Before any grand feast or soir¨¦es, it was essential to carefully think about the seating arrangements, taking into ount the rtionships between the aristocracy. At this excuse, Viscount Derbyshire nodded without question. Presently the two of them were touring the rose garden where the soir¨¦e was to be held. Aeroc wanted to ask for his advice on the stage and seating arrangements he had already envisaged, and he readily agreed. The old gentleman, who was very healthy for his age, walked briskly through the garden and made some very useful suggestions about which to fix and how to arrange the tables. Aeroc made a mental note of it to pass on to Hugo.


    ¡°I think Rapiel should be seated with the Marquis. As far away from Bendyke as possible. The Marquis feels ufortable with Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°So how did they get to know each other?¡±


    ¡°You mean Linus and Bendyke?¡±


    The Viscount Derbyshire stroked his bushy beard. At first, Aeroc had assumed that the Viscount Derbyshire had introduced Bendyke to the social circle. That wasn¡¯t wrong, but Aeroc was curious after learning that it was Wolke who had introduced Bendyke to the Viscount Derbyshire.


    ¡°One day he asked me if I¡¯d like to meet a promising investor, and I said yes, because I like ambitious young men. I asked him how he knew him, and he answered like this.¡±


    The Viscount Derbyshire then squinted his eyes and clenched his jaw in imitation of Wolke.


    ¡°I met him in the streets. He came out of nowhere and asked me to lend him ten gold coins. It is not a lot of money, but it¡¯s not the kind of money you¡¯d give to a beggar, and I tried to refuse.¡±


    Aeroc chuckled at the Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s chilling Wolke impersonation.


    ¡°But his gaze was different, so I gave it to him without much care. He came back exactly a weekter with a thousand gold coins. He gave me back a hundred gold coins, saying to consider it as an interest. Then he told me to invest in himself if I was interested in increasing my fortune.¡±


    ¡°So he invested blindly in Bendyke? What if he was a fraud?¡±


    Aeroc asked, and the Viscount Derbyshire broke his stern expression and looked quite surprised.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m surprised to hear you say that. Bendyke is really a marvellous man. I can¡¯t believe the Count of Teiwind, not someone else, speaks of worrying about frauds. I was right to rmend him to you, after all.¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s mouth stayed quiet at the admiring remark. While that was true, Aeroc wasn¡¯t really happy to hear it. Viscount Derbyshire chuckled and continued.


    ¡°Wolke thought the same thing. That¡¯s why he introduced Bendyke to me. He wanted me to see whether Bendyke was a fraud or not. One can y with gold coins, but there¡¯s only so much one can fool with their knowledge, and I tested him with everything I knew. And to my surprise, he was surprisingly knowledgeable about the continent¡¯s economy and the flow of money in the Empire. Not only did he have a perfect grasp of domestic finances, but also of the finer points of public funds and investment trusts. That¡¯s not all. His knowledge of overseas investments was extraordinary. At first, I thought he was a madman, but I checked with people everywhere, and several organizations were asking me where I got such up-to-date and confidential information. I hired Bendyke shortly afterward. And as you can see, he¡¯s proving that I was right about him.¡±


    The Viscount Derbyshire, even as he stuck out his tongue, never forgot to present himself with ir. His joyous demeanor, adorned with a round clownish smile and a bushy beard, made his self-promotion charming rather than annoying. That was his great charm.


    ¡°I hear he studiedw at university.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, but his specialty was onmercialw, propertyw, and patentw. It¡¯s about using thew as a weapon in the battlefield where money shes, poking holes in the opponent¡¯s defenses to fish out a treasure chest full of gold and jewels.¡±


    Viscount Derbyshire was also a man of great eloquence, exining how to cleverly exploit the legal system to extract a considerable sum from the opponent and describing it with an adventurer¡¯s enthusiasm.


    ¡°Did you think I didn¡¯t do a background check on him? The Baron Bendyke¡¯s estate in the remote mountainous northwest is picturesque, but it¡¯s a small territory unsuitable for the residence of an ambitious alpha. Moreover, the estate was inherited by the eldest son. The Bendyke we know is the second son without any title. I investigated his university life too, all I heard was that he¡¯s an amiable and versatile ordinary young man, well-liked by many. He has a flexible yet thorough temperament, rarely making mistakes. Despitecking a title, being of aristocratic descent, his manners are polite. While his rural background might make him a bit rugged, ironically, that bes part of his charm. Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    The unintentionalpliments continued. It was the first time Viscount Derbyshire had ever spoken so highly of an ambitious man. Despite having the outward appearance of an old gentleman with plenty ofughter, he was, in fact, a seasoned investor and a key figure as an old socialite. Thus, he casually took care of doing background checks on new acquaintances. And his positive assessment turned out to be ultimately beneficial for Aeroc.


    ¡°He¡¯s also got a secretive side.¡±


    Aeroc subtly probed for information, and in response, Viscount Derbyshire caught his intent and nodded.


    ¡°In his youth, he enjoyed some revelry, like any young person. But they say he underwent a transformation after graduation. Those who knew him both in college and now seem to be universally amazed. They say he¡¯s clearly the same person, but something about him seems to have changed. People say he has a newfound aura of intimidation. I think perhaps that¡¯s his true nature surfacing. During his student years, he might have indulged in freedom and rebellion, and after graduation, he set his sights on sess, rushing towards it, revealing his true character. Such individuals exist, mostly destined for greatness.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know the Viscount thought so highly of Bendyke.¡±


    ¡°I do not speak highly of him, I¡¯m only talking about the facts. I have some guesses about him, though.¡±


    It was almost time to get in. The two turned towards the estate. The Viscount Derbyshire spoke again as they walked at a brisk pace.


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯re curious about for today?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you call me here because you¡¯re curious about Bendyke?¡±


    The Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s words cut straight to the heart of the defenseless Aeroc. He narrowed one eye at the bewildered man.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a stuck-up old man. Young people have their aberrations. You just need to keep your core. Bendyke will be a positive influence on you. Provided you don¡¯t get too deep into it, of course.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not like that.¡±


    cing a mask of expressionlessness with a hint of displeasure, Aeroc btedly parried the sudden jab at his heart. Viscount Derbyshire blinked his powerful eyes twice, and then broke into a wry smile.


    ¡°I apologize if I have misunderstood you. I just thought you might be because you are so uninterested in the opposite sex.¡±


    ¡°Just because I¡¯m not interested doesn¡¯t mean I date everyone.¡±


    His smooth tongue rolled out the lie so effortlessly. But it didn¡¯t stop a trickle of cold sweat from running down his spine. Aeroc stiffened his back, taking a step back. The coy smile he usually wore when distancing himself from others tugged at the corners of his mouth. Viscount Derbyshire, on the other hand, pouted and patted his belly again. It was a gesture he made when he felt ufortable in his close circle.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 18.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 18.2</h4>


    * * *


    A few dayster, the soir¨¦e was held. The beautiful garden, adorned with blooming roses, was enhanced to perfection by the subtle moonlight and the gentle rustling breeze. There were a number of his close acquaintances present. Viscount and Viscountess of Derbyshire, the brothers of Westport, Marquis of Wolke, and various other aristocrats and gentry. But Bendyke was not among them. Aeroc clearly sent him an invitation, included with an invoice for the expenses of the evening. There weren¡¯t many guests, but Aeroc still got a renowned conductor and his entourage, a lot of table decorations and food, and the finest wines for the best soir¨¦e. It was a sum enough for Bendyke toe running immediately andin, yet he did not show up even when the event was well underway.


    ¡°Count. I hear you¡¯ll be performing yourself in a few moments.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried I might make a mistake.¡±


    ¡°Even if you make a mistake, no one will notice. Besides, you definitely won¡¯t make a mistake.¡±


    Aeroc couldn¡¯t help but smile at his naive cousin¡¯s words. He lightly embraced the adorable cousin, expressing fondness. However, the man trailing behind like a shadow had a hardened smile. They were somewhat vaguely acquainted, so neither a polite response nor a friendly greeting seemed fitting. The other man, too, merely exchanged a nce. The grey eyes with a distinct glow scanned Aeroc¡¯s surroundings suspiciously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see him today. Didn¡¯t you send him an invitation?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that ungenerous. He must have something going on.¡±


    ¡°Looking that there¡¯s a seat for him, then he must have canceled on his own ord. He¡¯s really an arrogant, rude bastard.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just the way he is. I didn¡¯t expect much from him.¡±


    Aeroc was actually a little angry, but he responded casually. After exchanging pleasantries, Rapiel made his way over to his parents with Ariel. Aeroc had exchanged formal greetings with the Viscount and Viscountess of Westport earlier. When their eyes met again, a smile was enough to convey pleasantries.


    Wolke stood still, watching together with Aeroc as the golden curls swayed gently. He seemed to have something to say, which was a rare thing.


    ¡°Watch out for him. He¡¯s been acting strangetely.¡±


    ¡°Who do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to exin in detail, but there¡¯s no doubt he¡¯s about to do something dangerous. He asked me to do something for him the other day. I¡¯ve already done it, but I thought it would be best to let the Count know.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. What¡¯s it got to do with me if this someone is up to no good?¡±


    Aeroc recognized the man Wolke was talking about at once. He feigned ignorance, not wanting to reveal his personal connections with that man, but was rewarded with a short snort.


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t want me to know, you shouldn¡¯t have made that fuss in the bottom ce.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Count, everyone has a secret they can¡¯t tell anyone, and sometimes you have to be prepared to make sacrifices to keep it.¡±


    What happened in the bottom ce, no one knew, but how could Wolke¡­¡­ At that moment, something shed across his mind. The thugs lost theirposure as the huge guy appeared, delivering the words from the ¡®Lord¡¯.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you?¡±


    ¡°Family traditions don¡¯t die with the times, they just change appearances. You should know that better, as the keeper of the centuries-old tradition of the Rose Garden.¡±


    ¡°Oh gosh. To think that the first emperor¡¯s secret organization still existed. I hadn¡¯t expected that.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to call it a secret organization, but it¡¯s still in existence. This advicees from the leader of that outdated order of knighthood, so heed it. Bendyke, that man is dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for the warning.¡±


    ¡°You owe your thanks to Rapiel, not me, for if he did not care for the Count, I would not have interfered.¡±


    With those cold words, Wolke turned to the cute little Omega who was looking at him. For that short moment, tenderness shed in his icy grey eyes. It was as surprising as the man¡¯s true identity. It was as Viscount Derbyshire had said before. The Marquis who guarded the Wolf Lake was deeply enamored with the lovely little bird. Bendyke should know it too.


    When the soir¨¦e was over, it waste at dawn, with the full moon setting. After seeing off the guests one by one, Aeroc brought his exhausted body to return. Shortly after the guests were dismissed, Hugo led a group of hired helpers into the garden to clean up. Bendyke did not appear until the end, without any contact.


    ¡°Count.¡±


    He was just about to go upstairs when a young errand runner called out to him. Aeroc, tired in many ways from acting as the master of the event and ying the violin, turned around with a stern expression. Showing a silentmand to speak quickly if he had business, the errand runner suddenly rushed to the front door. Aeroc¡¯s gaze followed him. There was arge package lying by the doorway. It wasrge, square, and thin, with a white ribbon tied in a grid on top of the yellowish wrapping paper.


    ¡°This was delivered earlier. I should have told you sooner¡­¡­ I apologize.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Today¡¯s event had been a bit too much. It was no big deal for the busy errand runner to have forgotten.


    There was a white card tucked into the ovepping wrapping paper, and when Aeroc pulled it out, he saw his name written in familiar handwriting. Bold andrge, a bit of a messy scrawl, but clear enough to recognize at first nce. His first name was written without his surname. The unexpected friendliness struck him with a mixture of irritation and bewilderment. Aeroc realized he was smiling as he pulled out the card.


    <i>[Dear Count.</i>


    <i>I would have loved to see the extravagant result of the headache-inducing, grandiose soir¨¦e with my own eyes, but unavoidable circumstances have arisen. To prevent the unfortunate incident of getting fired again, I¡®ve prepared a bribe as an expression of apology. I hope you like it.</i>


    <i>Expecting your generous forgiveness, Kloff.</i>


    <i>P.S. I still don¡¯t understand why you would insist on holding apletely unnecessary concert in the cold, damp, and dark outdoors. Is there really value in a hundred and thirty boxes of top-grade candles?]</i>


    His skill of uplifting the happy mood into anger abruptly was remarkable. The gift sent by a cobbler, who had no idea of the beauty of the soir¨¦e created by the refreshing night air, twinkling stars, and the subtle fragrance of flowers, was probably nothing special.


    In just one nce, the gift seemed to be a painting. Considering he did find looking at flowers to be enjoyable, it was likely amonce still-life painting of a flower vase. One who believed that as long as the colors were bright, it was extraordinary. It would be aplete abomination, with a crudely carved frame and a tacky gold-painted frame, all in poor craftsmanship. Aeroc nonchntly untied the ribbon and tore apart the wrapping paper.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    As expected, it was a painting. But there was no tacky frame, no garish colours; it was andscape painting of a peaceful summer country, painted with only subdued colors. The brushwork was extremely delicate, the colorbination was monotonous yet not boring, and the warmth of the artist¡¯s affection was evident.


    Aeroc knew this painting. It was the one he hadn¡¯t been able to snap up when he¡¯d visited the gallery before, in his haste to leave. It was part of a seasonal series, <Early Summer> perhaps. How could the anonymous buyer be Bendyke, how could he know this was the painting Aeroc wanted?


    ¡°Count?¡±


    The errand runner called softly as he stared nkly at the painting. Only then did he snap back to reality, lifting the painting himself instead of instructing the errand-runner. He then ascended the stairs briskly.


    There was no more wall space in the study to hang the painting. He could take down the existing paintings and hang this one, but it would break the harmony of the other paintings. Instead, the bedroom, which had its furniture and paintings rearranged previously, had a more suitable empty space.


    Heading straight to the bedroom, Aeroc took down the small framed painting on the opposite side of the bed, where he could best see it, and hung <Early Summer> instead. The old-fashioned, slightly dreary bedroom was instantly brightened. Looking at it made him feel as if his fatigue dissipated. A knot inside him that he didn¡¯t know existed gently unraveled. The tingling sensationpelled Aeroc to move.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out.¡±


    As Aeroc exited his bedroom, the errand runner looked surprised and asked, ¡°Do you mean now?¡± Without hesitation, Aeroc confirmed it. No special preparations were necessary. His new dark blue suit, made for the Rose Garden soir¨¦e, was obviously made for the outdoors. He could go out as he was dressed.


    The carriage was ready in no time. As soon as Aeroc had jumped in, it sped off into the city, past the bottom ce, and into the dull, hard streets lined with rows of identical city houses. To the ce which had a handsome financial manager, who knew how to please his master with rude, haughty, yet at the same time, sweet bribes.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 19.1

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 19.1</h4>


    It was veryte in the night, so the streets were eerily quiet. The oil in the streetmps, which were switched on and off manually, had almost run out. Aeroc stood in front of the door of the house he¡¯d visited twice before and mmed the brass knocker three times. He struck with moderate force, but the sound rang out like a cannonball in the dawn. There was no response from inside, though. He took a step back and looked upstairs. A faint light shone in the window. Aeroc knocked again, but there was still no sign of movement. In frustration, he unconsciously grabbed the doorknob before turning it, and the door swung open. The street was safe, but it didn¡¯t seem peaceful enough to leave the front door open. Aeroc stepped inside and locked the front door carefully.


    ¡°Bendyke?¡±


    He cleared his throat and called for the owner of the house. The living room was chilly. There was strangely no sign of human or life. Perhaps the housekeeper had been given extended leave. Aeroc spected on his own as he went upstairs.


    This floor was dark as an abyss. Of the doors that faced the corridor, a faint light leaked from one of the lower cracks. As he stood before it, he heard a gasping breath. There was a distant stirring, apanied by a lustful groan. Suddenly, Aeroc wondered what he had been thinking for him toe here.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gone crazy, barging into someone¡¯s house at this hour of the dawn, excited about a painting gift I¡¯ve always wanted.¡±


    Even in his moment of regret, he heard a groan from inside the door. A low, hoarse voice, apanied by wet breathing. The sound came from Bendyke, and Aeroc wondered if he was still ill, or if his neuroses had taken over. Aeroc opened the door a crack, worried about the rattling. Something unexpected wafted through the crack. It was the pheromone of an Alpha in heat. It was so thick and intense that even as an alpha, Aeroc felt suffocated.


    ¡°Shhh¡­ don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ve got you.¡±


    He could hear Bendyke¡¯s voice, frantic, mumbling unintelligible sybles. The voice was too small to make out who he was calling, but it was probably the name of his current partner. Aeroc was puzzled, and he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Bendyke was a fine man, physically impable if somewhat disqualifying in character. It would not be surprising if he had a partner, and if they happened to be in a passionate love today. Aeroc¡¯s logic told him so. But his emotions did not. A sense of inexplicable betrayal and shock washed over Aeroc.


    So the rtionship that they had was merely a contract. Bendyke had initiated it. But even if it was a misunderstanding, Aeroc had been the one to initiate their sexual connotations. Bendyke had retreated back at every opportunity. And what if that was because Bendyke already had someone else?


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Aeroc finally understood the reason for his strange behaviour. Bendyke had someone else. That was the reason he got angry at Viscount Derbyshire for matching him with Rapiel and felt perplexed by Aeroc¡¯s flirting. Flirting. What he did was flirting.


    ¡°Oh, dear.¡±


    Aeroc covered his mouth with his hand. He paced in ce, breathless. The prickling sensation rising from his tailbone was one of intense self-loathing. His ears exploded and his cheeks melted. Bendyke¡¯s request for his time and ce must have been due to his need for the Count of Teiwind¡¯s title. He was, as the Viscount Derbyshire had said, an ambitious man who rushed towards his goal, he even had the guts to take on the unsuspecting Wolke. To him, Aeroc was merely a stepping stone to sess, or perhaps he approached him as a way to avenge the terrible insult he had inflicted on him. No, that should have been expected!


    Aeroc¡¯s interpretation of Bendyke¡¯s obsession with him was the result of aplete misunderstanding. In truth, it was only an illusion created by his infatuation with Bendyke. He wanted to throw himself out of the window if he could, but the only thing that kept him from doing so was thest bit of pride he had in not showing any more scandalous behaviour to someone who was enjoying a passionate act behind this one door. The corners of Aeroc¡¯s eyes grew hot. Emotions of any kind, when theye in unbearable waves, often bring a person to tears. But that didn¡¯t apply to Aeroc. The heat from his unbridled self-loathing burned his eyeballs, but there were no tears in sight. His vision was blurry and dizzy as his crystals burned, and his legs trembled. He needed to get out of there, but thebination of darkness and his dizziness made it impossible to move quickly.


    Bendyke skipped Aeroc¡¯s soiree to spend the night with his lover. To make up for that, Bendyke sent him a painting. Aeroc was a fool to have traveled all this way, feeling so happy. Aeroc staggered down the second-floor hallway.


    ¡°There is no such thing as ghosts.¡±


    Aeroc heard a soothing voice. A shiver ran down his spine.


    ¡°Why is my little angel so grumpy today?¡±


    It was the kind of voice that made his heart melt. Aeroc had never loved anyone before, but if that voice wasn¡¯t out of love, he didn¡¯t know what it would be. Aeroc was floundering in a trap of his own making, hurt in a way that was unwarranted. It was a betrayal, to be mistaken and shamed and hurt. Aeroc couldn¡¯t hide his disappointment in his childish, young self.


    ¡°I will always be by your side. You don¡¯t have to be afraid.¡±


    It was so sweet, the way he soothed his frightened lover after their affectionate lovemaking. It was qualitatively different from the way Bendyke spoke to him. Hard, cold, and sometimes apanied by a sneer. This voice was warm and affectionate, as if made of cotton candy. It was a whisper of love.


    With forced steps, Aeroc barely found the stairs. Holding onto the railing, he slowly descended, but the words he never wanted to hear pounding against his eardrums.


    ¡°Rapiel.¡±


    A sledgehammer smacked him on the head. Aeroc turned his head slowly, like a broken windup doll.


    ¡°Ray. Go to sleep.¡±


    This time it was an affectionate nickname. It was surely Rapiel. He had not misheard it. Viscount Derbyshire¡¯s assumptions were wrong. Bendyke must be deeply in love with Rapiel. However, how could Rapiel abandon him for Wolke? Such a joke was uneptable, even if he hated his partner. Aeroc stormed out, unable to contain his anger.


    ¡°To the Wolke Vi!¡±


    He shouted as he climbed into the waiting carriage. The coachman dutifully followed his angry master¡¯s orders. The carriage traveled at a fast pace, and it was only a short distance to Wolke Vi, located in the same town. Wolke Vi was the opposite of the usual estate. The building was built on the side of the road, with a conservatory and arge garden in the inner courtyard, so it was only a short walk from the road to the front door. Standing on the small covered porch, Aeroc knocked fiercely on the heavy brass knocker on the ck-painted front door.


    The errand runner opened the door, and before he could say a word of greeting, Aeroc pushed it open and burst in.


    ¡°Linus!¡±


    He shouted across the silent room. Servants and maids emerged one by one at the booming voice. ¡°The master is sleeping in his bedroom,¡± the butler tried to dissuade Aeroc from further action, knowing who he was.


    ¡°The bedroom?¡±


    The unusualyout of the vi doesn¡¯t mean the interior is out of ce, so Aeroc found the master¡¯s quarters with his aristocratic intuition. Just as he was about to kick the door open, a fierce-looking Wolke strode out in a robe.


    ¡°What¡¯s themotion at this hour of the night?¡±


    ¡°Is Rapiel here?¡±


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯s here, but why are you looking for him?¡±


    Aeroc had no time to say anything at the swiftness of their cohabitation before having their engagement. Aeroc pushed past him and tried to squeeze through the open door. But Wolke was quicker, and he blocked Aeroc with a look of bitter anger.


    ¡°We may be acquainted, but you have no right to interfere with my privacy like this. Unless you want to sever our ties, show some manners!¡±


    His normally calm opponent was furious, but to Aeroc, who was already in a state of irritation, it didn¡¯t matter in the least.


    ¡°Stupid fool. You don¡¯t even know your lover is lying to you!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    It was at the moment when both Aeroc and Wolke had raised their voices. Just then, Rapiel, his curly hair disheveled, appeared between the open door with a puzzled look, rubbing his eyes.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    He was d in oversized pajamas, showing no trace of passionate lovemaking. He looked bewildered as he alternated his gaze between his prospective fianc¨¦e and Aeroc, then suddenly seemed startled.


    ¡°How did you get here, Aeroc? Ah, I don¡¯t know anymore. We got caught. Now I have no option but to get married. Oh gosh! I¡¯ve never even had a proper rtionship! I should have gone back home!¡±


    Rapiel spun around in a panic, his hands covering his face. Wolke caught him and pulled him into his arms. Rapiel buried his red face in his arms. He soon looked up with tearful blue eyes.


    ¡°You won¡¯t tell the others, will you?¡±


    At the sound of his innocent cousin¡¯s voice, Aeroc realised the error of his ways. He had unwittingly stormed into the Wolke Vi. He found Rapiel, as he knew he would. Rapiel was definitely here. Then, who was the person in that ce?


    ¡°Get out of here right now!¡±


    Wolke barked ferociously. Aeroc turned and sprinted, not because his opponent had threatened him with a frightening re. He had to get back there now.


    He didn¡¯t care what happened to the mess he made in Wolke vi. He would hear a lot of unpleasant things from the Marquister, but that was for another day.


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 Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 19.2

    <h4>Vol. 5 ITRG Volume 5 Chapter 19.2</h4>


    In the early hours of the dawn, the carriage turned back the way it came. The coachman had faithfully obeyed his master¡¯s orders. His master¡¯s behaviour was out of the ordinary, but he wouldn¡¯t go beyond his line to question it, so that he could serve the Count for many years. When they came to the front of a in two-story building, he stopped the carriage with great skill. Without any orders, the master leaped from the carriage and disappeared back into the building. Until he returned, the coachman remained in ce.


    The darkness inside the house was thicker than before. In his haste, Aeroc nearly tripped on the stairs. Reflexively, he gripped the railing for bnce. The loud thud of his toe against the staircase caused a ruckus, but the silence in the room deepened. Ignoring his throbbing toe, he sprinted up the stairs. He did not hesitate to open the door to Bendyke¡¯s room.


    The room was empty. Therge bed was disheveled and reeked of thick sweat and semen. Four or five brown bottlesy empty on the rug, crumpled by some kind of force. Aeroc frowned.


    ¡°Where did he go?¡±


    As he furrowed his brow, he heard amotion from downstairs. Aeroc went back downstairs. The darkness persisted, but the essence was entirely different. Unlike the mere darkness from earlier, there was something lurking within it now. Labored breathing and a faint hum pushed back against the quiet. It was a sensation profoundly unfamiliar to Aeroc, who had lived his whole life in the midst of civilization. Yet it was enough to revive the reflexive instincts ingrained in him over the years.


    However, he ignored the inner warning urging his rational mind and overwhelming emotions to flee. Aeroc stared into the darkness.


    ¡°Bendyke? Are you there?¡±


    A more excited response came back. Arge figure moved smoothly, altering the flow of the air. Then, the smell that filled the second-floor room hit him. It was an animalistic scent. At first, it was so repulsive that Aeroc felt like he might vomit, but in the second inhtion, a dizzying sensation overwhelmed his entire body, and with the next, it caused a clear physical change. It was the first time he had ever synchronized with another alpha¡¯s excitement.


    Perhaps due to their physical intimacy, Aeroc¡¯s body temperature began to rise rapidly. His heart rate increased, and his breathing became rough. The response in his groin was undeniable. Curious about how these inexplicable physical stimuli were urring, Aeroc thought he should consult a doctor. But first, he needed to ask Bendyke about something.


    ¡°I came here after seeing Rapiel.¡±


    Heavy footsteps approached.


    ¡°He¡¯s been with Wolke all day, so who is this Rapiel who was with you earlier?¡±


    Aeroc could feel all the air around him. A tingling shiver apanied the approaching hand as it wrapped around Aeroc¡¯s neck. Therge fingers circled near the veins, rough and hot. The figure probing the back of his neck suddenly yanked Aeroc sharply.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Thud.


    The palmnded on his cheek. Thick sweat dripped down onto sturdy chest muscles. Reflexively, his curled fingertips caught the hem of his tattered shirt, and he grabbed for it, trying to right his off-bnce. Meanwhile, Bendyke wrapped his arms around Aeroc¡¯s head, exhaling heavily.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Aeroc had been feeling terrible since earlier. The physical excitement was more irritating than enjoyable. If his tongue hadn¡¯t felt so heavy, he would have shouted for an answer rather than trying to re at the space between Bendyke¡¯s hair and forehead. But that was impossible.


    ¡°Urgh!¡±


    In an instant, tworge hands wrapped around his neck. The pressure of the thumbs pressing into his windpipe and the other fingers digging in as if to sever his throat caused his prayers to instantly falter. Aeroc widened his eyes and wed at the firm wrist of the person squeezing his neck.


    ¡°Hmph¡­¡­.¡±


    The darkness transformed into a brilliant aurora, and the other person lifted him upward with unbelievable strength as if to rip the throat out of him. Aeroc scraped the floor with his toes.


    ¡°Ben¡­¡­ dy¡­¡­ ke¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I told you I¡¯d kill you if you came near Rapiel one more time.¡±


    Amidst the sweat-drenched grip and the parched voice akin to dry sand, a profound fierceful hatred emanated. Despite his near-death experience, Aeroc felt an uncontroble rage. What was this Rapiel to Bendyke that he was reduced to a lowly insect? The brain, starved of oxygen and on the brink of unconsciousness, relinquished all reason.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Gathering thest remnants of strength, heshed out fiercely. Aeroc mmed his foot into his opponent¡¯s shinbone as he wed at the flesh with such ferocity that his nails trembled.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    The hand gripping his throat trembled. While the opponent¡¯s merciless strength remained, the slippery palm, soaked with sweat, failed to maintain its grip amidst the intense rebellion, ultimately releasing Aeroc¡¯s throat.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    Aeroc copsed to the ground.


    ¡°Urgh! Huk, uh!¡±


    Aeroc¡¯s lungs spasmed violently as they sucked in oxygen. His mind was spinning, drool dripping from his mouth. His fingertips were tingling and his feet were numb. It felt like he was going to pass out. But his primal urge to live miraculously lifted his weak body to its feet.


    ¡°Where are you? You evil demon.¡±


    On the floor, the other man¡¯s groping hands found Aeroc¡¯s ankles within a couple of seconds. Aeroc writhed and kicked at it furiously.


    <i>Smack!</i>


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Bendyke screamed. From the way he groaned in pain, it seemed like he might have broken his finger. Aeroc took the opportunity to crawl across the floor. Aeroc hurried to the front door, where his faithful coachman was waiting. If he opened the door and shouted, the coachman woulde to his rescue.


    He crawled to his knees, feeling the slightly worn carpet.


    <i>Thump!</i>


    Sparks appeared in front of Aeroc¡¯s eyes as he mmed his head and shoulder into the wall. In his daze, he stumbled around the dark room and took a wrong turn. Aeroc groped for the wall by the stairs. If so, the entrance hall was that way. Aeroc pushed himself to his feet against the wall. He was about to run to the front door and yell for help when arge body mmed into him from behind.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    He crashed back to the floor. His chest hit the floor hard, and for a moment he couldn¡¯t breathe. Aeroc was gagging, but nothing wasing out. That made the shock all the greater.


    <i>Thud. Thud.</i>


    Aeroc heard some noises on the floor. A w-like hand soon grabbed his ankle.


    ¡°Where are you trying to get away?¡±


    The other man pulled the adult alpha easily with only one arm. Aeroc tried to crawl forward involuntarily, but his numb fingers couldn¡¯t even grip the carpet on the floor.


    ¡°My fingers are broken, so I suppose I can at least take your ankle. You will only be living in that dpidated cabin anyway, it wouldn¡¯t be that hard to lose an ankle.¡±


    Bendyke¡¯s words were iprehensible. In the darkness, where nothing could be seen, Aeroc was sure that man was grinning. His prone body was flipped over as he was dragged downward. A terrible pain radiated through his body, starting in his ribcage, which hadn¡¯t yet recovered from the impact of the fall. A rock-like bodynded on top of him.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­ Urgh.¡±


    His slender body threatened to copse at any moment. Aeroc shuddered in pain. This time, there was only one hand gripping his throat. The man seized Aeroc¡¯s windpipe and began pressing him down to the ground. He attempted to resist, but he had little strength left. His eyes, ustomed to the darkness, illuminated the blurry silhouette of the assant. The glint in the assant¡¯s eyes flickered strangely, like that of a wild beast.


    ¡°You¡¯re turned on.¡±


    With their lower bodies pressed together, it was easy to sense the other¡¯s arousal.


    ¡°Even at this moment, you¡¯re so horny to be fucked. You¡¯re an irredeemable demon.¡±


    The voice was clearly sneering. But it was a one-sided usation. Bendyke¡¯s arousal was far greater and harder than Aeroc¡¯s. The hand on his throat was still there, but with less strength than before, and the weight that restrained his limbs had lessened.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you mercy.¡±


    The sound of unbuttoning echoed, followed by clumsy hands fumbling at the hem of Aeroc¡¯s vest and pulling his shirt up. The touch groping at the side of his waistband was terrifying. Aeroc raised a numb fingertip and pushed it away as it reached his waist.


    ¡°Argh! Damn it!¡±


    Bendyke cursed, even though Aeroc didn¡¯t push him away with much force. The hand on his throat disappeared, and the pressure on his body lifted entirely. Aeroc must have touched his broken finger.


    The moment the restraints eased, Aeroc scrambled to his feet. He groped everywhere, trying to find the entrance hall, but he had no idea where it was. He hadpletely lost his sense of direction. Even though it was just a narrow hallway, it felt like wandering in a vast square.


    <i>Thud.</i>


    <i>Thunk.</i>


    Feeling around, he collided with a cab. Carelessly gropimg, he found a heavg porcin teapot. Just as he gripped the thick handle, a hand from behind grabbed him by the shoulder.


    ¡°Let go!¡±


    Without hesitation, Aeroc swung the teapot. The teapot collided with something hard and shattered with a loud noise.


    <i>Thump!</i>


    ng!


    Crash!


    The noises exploded simultaneously. Bendyke¡¯sbored breathing, clearly having fallen, was no longer audible. Instead, Aeroc¡¯s excited exmation pierced through the darkness.


    As he stepped on the shattered pottery fragments, he groped along the wall again. He encountered a heavy cloth. He failed to find the entrance but found a window. Aeroc pulled back the curtains. A blue moonlight poured in, blinding him as if he had seen the sun. He opened and closed his eyes repeatedly. Then, as he caught his breath, he cautiously looked behind.


    Therge, limp body was writhing on the floor. There were no convulsions or groans. Dark liquid slowly spread between the tousled strands of Bendyke¡¯s hair.


    Aeroc squinted his eyes. As his grip loosened, the teapot¡¯s handle thudded to the ground. Meanwhile, the blood flowing from Bendyke¡¯s head formed ominous patterns as it spread.


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 Chapter not the end - ITRG Update

    <h4>Chapter not the end - ITRG Update</h4>


    As you may have gotten notified from the discord server:


    Hi, I received the news that ITRG got DMCA-ed. This series will soon be removed from the site and thus, there will be no more updates here starting today.


    The series will still be avable and continued on my ko-fi page for now. We¡¯re just left with a few chapters in Volume 5 and another AU in Volume 6, so I at least n on finishing all of them.


    I¡¯m really sorry for the sudden news and I appreciate everyone¡¯s understanding! Honestly, this is a huge blow to me as well since this has been a steady side ie to me for a year now TT


    Once again, thank you to all readers here who have been reading ITRG! I¡¯m really grateful for all the support and discussions you guys have in thement section ??


    <strong>my ko-fi page</strong> (click below, the content is still under construction so everyone can read the prev chapters):


    <strong>update #1</strong><strong> </strong>chapter 20.1 is up for everyone to read on the above page


    <strong>update #2 </strong>when i have more free time, i will be making a discord server for the two series i have here (probably after FL ispleted!)


    Big lurves,


    nomnom


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!